1. Emergency Supplies Kit
Emergency supplies for at least three days (ideally
for seven days) should be kept on-hand and stored in
an easily accessible area. The supplies should be
stored in a carry bag or plastic container. Your
kit should include: one gallon of water per person
per day, non-perishable food, manual can opener,
blankets, clothing, battery-operated radio,
flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and
any special needs equipment (e.g. extra eyeglasses,
denture supplies, hearing aid batteries, etc.).
Prescription medications should be kept together in
a safe place. A list of the medications with
dosages should be included in the kit. Also, keep
copies of important documents or records with your
kit. These documents may include: wills; insurance
or Medicare cards; contracts; deeds; stocks and
bonds; passports; social security cards; birth
marriage, and death certificates; bank and credit
card account numbers; and immunization records.
Store these documents in a waterproof container.
2. Emergency Plan
Prepare an
emergency plan so you will have a predetermined
course of action for yourself and your family.
Create an emergency contact list, including family
or friends who live outside your immediate area or
out-of-state. Often it is easier to place long
distance phone calls rather than local calls
following a disaster. Keep the list near your
telephone. Transportation needs should be
established. Determine alternate means of
transportation, in case the primary method is not
available.
3. Stay Informed
Probably one of the most important things you can do
during a disaster is to stay calm and stay
informed. Stay tuned to your television or radio
for important emergency alert system (EAS) messages
and other related information. These messages may
include weather watches, warnings, sheltering
instructions, or evacuation information. If
possible, obtain a NOAA (National Oceanic
Atmospheric Administration) weather radio. This
special radio provides weather updates 24 hrs. a
day. In addition, it advises of severe weather and
alerts the public about hazards, disasters, and
emergencies. Some weather radios have the
capability to emit a tone alarm signal to warn
listeners of severe weather announcements.
Contact the York County Office of Emergency
Management at
(717) 840-2990 for additional emergency preparedness
information.
|
