Be Prepared

Preparation Makes Sense

Natural or man made disasters pose major risks.  Prepare now to protect yourself, your family and loved ones.  Understand the risks, plan for these risks and avoid costly mishaps which jeopardize lives.

Be Informed

Each citizen of the community should make it a priority to be informed. It is important to understand the different types of emergencies we may face and what each of us can do to prepare ourselves and our families. Putting together a kit and making a plan is the same whether it is a man made or natural disaster. By being informed, you will understand the differences and be prepared to make decisions when seconds count. By just understanding a few simple things that you should do in an emergency, and you can be ready for the unexpected.

Make a Plan

You should have a plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact each other or where you may meet if phones are inoperable. One of the things your plan could contain is a plan where each of you call or email the same friend or relative.  It could be easier to call long distance than locally, so an out of town contact may be your best contact.  Watch television and listen to the radio for instructions.  There are times that you should stay put or shelter-in-place.  If you see large amounts of debris in the air or if you hear that the air is badly contaminated, it may be better to stay where you are and seal off a room.  Have plastic handy to seal windows, and doors.  Move your supplies into the sealed room and continue to monitor the television or radio for the all clear signal.  This is only a temporary solution.

You should anticipate where you will go if it becomes necessary to evacuate.  Do you know the quickest way out?  What if you had to head north, or east versus your primary route.  Or if the situation required you to head south or west, where do you meet your family?  Your car should always have at least a half talk of gas.  If you have to leave, take your emergency kit with you and also your pets if you can.  Keep in mind however that if you are going to a public shelter that pets may not be allowed.  Listen to your car radio for instructions.  Talk to your neighbors, your child’s school officials, and your employer to understand what may occur if they are impacted by the emergency.

Prepare a Kit

Be prepared to improvise and use what you may have on hand to make it on your own for at least 3 days, or maybe longer.  While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air.  Consider two kits, one for the house and one to take with you in case you evacuate or end up staying for a couple of days in a shelter.  Some of the recommended supplies are:

• Water – one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation
• Non-perishable food – 3 day supply
• Radio – battery or hand crank powered
• Weather radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Filter mask or cotton shirt to help filter the air
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener if kit contains food
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Important family documents
• Items for unique nees – prescriptions, formula or diapers

Get Involved In Preparing Your Community

After ensuring you have prepared yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step and get involved in preparing your community.  There are many opportunities such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Emergency Management, or check out information at www.citizencorps.gov.  We all have a role to play in keeping our hometowns secure from emergencies of all kinds.