CREATING AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Creating an emergency plan is simple and can prove invaluable in emergency situations.
Here are some tips for developing a plan for your family:
Learn about the natural disasters that could occur in your community from your local
emergency management office at 388-5349 or the American Red Cross at 339-2234.
Learn whether hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond.
Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies. Explain how to respond to each.
Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
Show family members how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches
when necessary.
Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
Teach children how and when to call 911, police and fire.
Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if
separated during a disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).
Teach children your out-of-state contact's phone number.
Pick two emergency meeting places:
1) A place near your home in case of a fire.
2) A
place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster .
Take a basic first aid and CPR class. Keep family records in a water and fire-proof container.
Consider how you would help your neighbors who may need special assistance, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, in times of emergency.
Make arrangements for your pets. Pets are generally not allowed in public shelters.
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