In cooperation with the Switzerland County Emergency Management Agency, the following tips are given to prepare for a disaster:

   PLAN TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

   Basic Protective Measures for All Hazards

Depending upon the nature of the emergency and your circumstances, one of the first important decisions is whether to stay where you are or evacuate.  You should understand and plan for both possibilities.  Some basic protective actions are similar across many different hazards:

•Physical safety is a concern for all hazards and may involve sheltering or evacuating.

Escape Routes:  Draw a floor plan of your home.   Establish a place to meet after the evacuation.  Make sure children understand the drawing/meeting place.

Sheltering facts:  Choose a shelter location.  Have Emergency Supply Kit available.

 

•Develop a family communications plan,

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.  Complete a contact card for each family member;  keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse or backpack, etc.

 

 •Make an emergency supply kit to be prepared for any type of disaster.

Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual’s kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

                 Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

                 – Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation

                 – Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

                – Medications

                – Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and

extra batteries

                – Flashlight and extra batteries

                – First Aid kit

                – Whistle to signal for help

                – Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant

                – Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

                – Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air

                – Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

                – Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

                – Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

                – Cell phone with charger

 

 •Learn about receiving emergency alerts.

Switzerland County Emergency Management is on Facebook and Twitter.  You can also sign up to receive emergency notifications by phone, text, or email at NIXLE.com.