Your steps to prepare for an emergency and immediate actions when it happens are critical and can save a life.
4 Steps to Be Ready
1. Be Aware:
- Talk with you neighbors and local public safety officials about local hazards & emergencies, and understand how they may impact you.
- Learn more about the natural hazards we face, and your community’s efforts to reduce their impact.
- Understand what technological and human-caused events might also occur.
- Sign up for weather and local emergency alerts.
- Go indoors and get more information when you hear outdoor warning sirens.
- Install safety features in your home, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
2. If You See Something, Say Something:
3. Have a Plan:
- What will you do?
- Learn how to administer first aid & CPR, how to use an AED, and other basic life-safety skills
- Learn to use a fire extinguisher and how to turn off/ water, gas, and electrical utilities.
- Where will you go?
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation.
- Who will you call?
- Post emergency telephone numbers by phones
- Enter In Case of Emergency contacts into your mobile phone.
4. Practice Your Plan – Take simple steps to implement your plan:
- Ask questions to make sure your family remembers safe meeting locations, phone numbers, and other safety measures.
- Participate in annual statewide tornado drills with your family, school, and daycare.
- Test your smoke detector monthly and change the batteries at least once per year.
- Replace stored water and other supplies every 6 months…don’t “raid” your kit for every day needs.