Emergency Preparedness

The Community Emergency Response Program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Emergency & Disaster Planning

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Are you prepared with the knowledge of what to do if basic services-water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off? Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility. Prepare yourself and your family by creating a disaster plan. A well-prepared family plan should address the following:

• Emergency Supplies
• Family Communications and Escape Routes
• Insurance and Vital Records
• Safety Skills
• Utility Shut-off and Safety

Supplies

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or covered trash containers. Include:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• Keep important family documents in a fire safe and waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.