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Emergency Preparedness
Our community's safety is very important to use. When an emergency happens, you want to make sure you're prepared to keep you and your family safe. By taking these few, simple steps we can become partners in emergency preparedness.
Emergency supply kits can be used during severe storms, electrical outages, evacuations, or threats of bioterrorism. Everyone needs to take steps now to be prepared for an emergency situation. Consider making two kits - one to shelter in place, the other to take if you have to get away. The second kit could be a smaller version of the first kit and packed in backpack or duffle bag.
Build an Emergency Kit
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers tips on how to build an emergency kit for your family.
Emergency kits should include:
- Water - approximately one gallon of water per person per day
- Food - canned and dried foods (remember manual can opener and eating utensils)
- Clothing - appropriate for the season; include footwear and rain gear.
- Bedding - blankets and sleeping bags
- Emergency supplies - first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered radio, wrench/pliers (to turn off utilities), moist towelettes, plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Family needs - prescription medications, infant formula and diapers, eyeglasses/contacts, entertainment, etc.
- Family documents - insurance policies, birth certificates, bank account records, etc. (place in a portable waterproof container)
- Pets - store extra food, water and supplies for your pet
Emergency Plans
Having a family plan for a variety of emergency situations is vital. Since your family may not be together when an emergency strikes, a communication plan should be prepared and reviewed. One out-of-town person should be identified as the point of contact if family members are separated. Family members should have that persons phone number(s) or email address. If separated, each family member should contact the identified person.