Emergency Preparedness:  Being prepared for all kinds of emergencies, able to respond in time of crisis to save lives and property, and to help a community—or even a nation—return to normal life after a disaster occurs.

WINTER STORMS

Learn meaning of watch-warning

Have appropriate cold weather clothing

Have rock salt and sand for traction in ice

Equip vehicle with all-season/snow tires; fill gas tank

Keep emergency auto kit readily accessible

Maintain sufficient heating fuel

Make sure heating systems/fireplaces function properly

Buy emergency heating equipment designed for indoor use

Winterize home

Stock extra food, jug of drinking water

WINTER STORM EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FLOODS

Buy weather radio and learn local emergency station

Learn if your area is prone to floods

Learn meaning of watch-watch

Have plywood to cover all windows

In flood zone, purchase flood insurance

Plan to secure/evacuate mobile home for adequate shelter

EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR FLOODS

TORNADOES

Buy weather radio and learn local emergency station

Learn what tornado conditions look like

Learn meaning of watch-watch

Identify shelter room (i.e. basement, storm cellar, interior room)

Plan to secure/evacuate mobile home for adequate shelter

Know shelter locations in places you spend time

Remove branches, tall trees that may fall on house

EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR TORNADOS

HURRICANES

Buy weather radio and learn local emergency station

Learn meaning of watch-watch

If in flood zone, purchase flood insurance

Plan to secure/evacuate mobile home fore adequate shelter

Install storm shutters; store plywood to cover all windows

Remove branches, tall trees that may fall on house

Prior to storm season stock extra food, batteries, jug of drinking water

EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR HURRICANES

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Identify local media stations used for emergency information

Learn hazardous material incident warning signals

Know hazardous substances produced, stored or transported in your area

Learn shelter-in-place procedures

Learn location of ventilation system shut offs

Repair seals around windows, doors, basements

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY RESPONSE

WILDFIRES

Find out if area is prone to wildland fire

Make ABC fire extinguishers accessible on every floor

Develop cooperative plan with neighbors

Make sure address is clearly visible; fire trucks can reach your home

Use fire resistant/retardant materials

Clear vegetation/ branches with 100 feet of building

EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR WILDFIRES

EARTHQUAKES

Find out earthquake history of area

Conduct earthquake drill

Be prepared for aftershocks

Place large, heavy, breakable objects on lower shelves

Put latches on cabinets

Fasten shelves, water heaters, large appliance to wall studs

Anchor overhead lighting fixtures

Repair poor electrical/plumbing connections; large cracks in plaster

Install bracing system for mobile homes, awnings

Move beds from windows; do not hang pictures, mirrors over beds

Keep flashlight, shoes by beds

EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR EARTHQUAKES