WILDFIRES SCORCH DRY HILLSIDES AND CLOSE IN ON HOMES. FIERCE WINDS RIP OFF TREE LIMBS AND TOPPLE POWER LINES. FLOODWATERS SWAMP NEIGHBORHOODS.

In our area, Mother Nature can dish out all types of trouble.  We need to be prepared for any kind of natural disaster.  We should also be ready for the possibility (even if small) of a radiological or chemical emergency.

No matter what the emergency, we need to be ready to go at a moment's notice.  Taking just a few steps now can make sure you and your family are ready when disaster strikes.

LETS REVIEW THE STEPS TO PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY.  GET TWO WEEKS READY. 

Get A Kit - You may be on your own immediately after an emergency.  You should plan to have enough food, water and other essential supplies for at least three days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water and telephones may be cut off for a week or longer. It's important to prepare now for an emergency. Spend a few hours this weekend putting together your emergency supply kit. Here is a list of recommended items for a basic emergency supply kit:

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Food - at least a three day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food
• Local maps
• Other items you may consider adding to a basic emergency supply kit
  
  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank records
  • Cash or traveler's checks and change
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothing
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Household chlorine bleach
  • Matches in waterproof container
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games and other activities for children

Make A Plan - Does your family know what to do when disaster strikes? You may not all be at home, so it's important to plan now. Pick a meeting place, both in your neighborhood and outside it. Discuss how you will find each other and how you will get back together. Set up an out of town contact person. Make sure everyone knows the number to call. It's also good to know about emergency plans at your school or workplace. Click here for an easy-to-use Family Emergency Planning Tool.

Be Informed - You have your emergency kit. Your family knows where to go in an emergency. It's also important to know about the potential threats we face in our community. You can find more information about potential emergencies in our area here on our website. We've included information about how the public will be informed in an emergency and what steps to take. Preparing now may make all the difference when seconds count.