- Post emergency telephone numbers by telephones.
- Install safety features in your home such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.
- Inspect your home for potential hazards (e.g., items that can move, fall, break, or catch on fire) and correct them.
- Have your family learn basic safety measures, age appropriate:
How to use a fire extinguisher
How and when to turn off water, gas, and/or electricity (write down instructions and the
numbers for quick reference - not just in cell phone but also on a handy chart near the phone)
Teach children how to call “911” or your local Emergency Medical Services number.
Make sure family members know the name of the locality in which you live or are traveling,
since weather WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by locality name
Listen to local radio and/or TV stations for emergency information
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.
Keep a record of dependent medical history, such as blood type, allergies, etc., at your disposal.
(Believe me this is a life saver when you're upset and can't remember all the details, like Aunt
Edna who is staying with you is allergic to sulfur.)
Keep valuables and current copies of important papers, like birth certificates, home insurance
and auto policies in a safe-deposit box.
Check insurance coverage (e.g., flooding).
Keep vehicle gas tanks at least half full. (Remember roads get congested, don't run out of gas)
Keep informed about school or day-care disaster plans.
Assemble a disaster supply kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation, and discuss what to do if advised to evacuate. Store supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffel bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supply kit in your car. Who says emergencies will only strike when you are at home or work?
For more information, contact http://www.ready.gov
