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Before an Emergency

What to do BEFORE an Emergency

 

When disaster hits it is natural for panic to set in and the one thing that we want to say is "Don't Panic!" Which of course causes more panic. Being prepared for an emergency before it takes place is crucial. Getting things in order before the emergency allows individuals to minimize initial panic.


Having a plan in place, including a prepared Emergency Survival Kit including essential supplies and information, will put a sense of ease and understanding local risks. This proactive approach can also significantly reduce stress and anxiety during a crisis, enabling people to act quickly and effectively to protect themselves and their loved ones, especially when immediate response from authorities may be delayed.


Ensure that ALL members of your home know where the home Emergency Survival Kit is located and that there is a plan in place as to who would be responsible for retrieving the Emergency Survival Kit upon an emergency. Have a backup person in case the primary person is not available.

Take a moment to go over the items below and maybe even print this page out to store in your Emergency Survival Kit.

Having a plan in place:

 

Reduces stress and anxiety:
Knowing what to do can alleviate fear and panic when a disaster occurs
 
Faster response time:
Having an Emergency Survival Kit prepared in advance allows for immediate action
 
Improves safety:
Understanding local risks and evacuation routes helps make informed decisions during an emergency
 
Community resilience:
Advance preparation allows better support for each other during a crisis
 
Assignment:
Assign specific family members to retrieve specific items upon an emergency
Cell phones and chargers
Pets
Medicine
 
Emergency Drill
Have an emergency drill with your family prior to the emergency
 

Preparation BEFORE an Emergency

For questions about the upcoming emergency situation, do NOT call 911
911 should be kept open for life threatening situations
Utilize your local news stations, websites / apps for updates

What type of home landline phone service do you have?
Contact your phone company prior to the upcoming emergency
Traditional Phone Service
Some corded phones may work during power outages
Broadband-enabled phone service
Will not work during power outages w/o a battery power source
(MAKE SURE IT IS CHARGED UP)

Charge wireless devices, laptops, phones, hot spots, etc.
Consider using your laptop as a phone charger, if not needed

Battery-powered radio to check news & updates from local radio stations
Solar powered radios are a good option as they don’t require batteries

Turn your phone notifications on to receive alerts, warnings and updates
You will need to go to your settings to enable emergency alerts

Create at least (1) “In Case of Emergency” contact in your phone
Emergency responders are trained to go to your device to look for this contact
Inform the person that you have listed them as this in your phone.

Important Information - Keep this list update and Located in your family's Emergency Survival Kit
Medical providers
Current medications
Service providers
Emergency Contacts
In-home family member names
Pets