Emergency Preparedness

Emergency supply kits can be used during severe storms, electrical outages, evacuations, or threats of bioterrorism. Everyone needs to take steps now to be prepared for an emergency situation. Consider making two kits - one to shelter in place, the other to take if you have to get away. The second kit could be a smaller version of the first kit and packed in a backpack or duffle bag.

Your Emergency Preparedness Kit should have enough provisions for at least three days.

Essential items you will need:

• Water - approximately one gallon of water per person per day
• Food - canned and dried foods (remember manual can opener and eating utensils)
• Clothing - appropriate for the season; include footwear and rain gear.
• Bedding - blankets and sleeping bags
• Emergency supplies - first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered radio, wrench/pliers (to turn off utilities), moist towelettes, plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Family needs - prescription medications, infant formula and diapers, eyeglasses/contacts, entertainment, etc.
• Family documents - insurance policies, birth certificates, bank account records, etc. (place in a portable waterproof container)
• Pets - store extra food, water and supplies for your pet

Having a family plan for a variety of emergency situations is vital. Since your family may not be together when an emergency strikes, a communication plan should be prepared and reviewed. One out-of-town person should be identified as the point of contact if family members are separated. Family members should have that person's phone number(s) or email address. If separated, each family member should contact the identified person.

You should be familiar with the emergency plans for family members' places of employment and/or school. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. Knowing their emergency plans will better prepare individuals to safely reunite with their families and loved ones after an emergency. Be Informed.

It is important to have a general knowledge of some of the possible terrorist threats. Terrorists may use biological, chemical, nuclear or radiation threats in addition to explosions.

• A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other substances that can make you sick (anthrax, smallpox, botulism, plague). Many agents must be inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin or eaten to make you sick. Some are non contagious (anthrax). However, others are (smallpox).
• A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment. Examples include nerve agents (VX, Sarin), Cyanide, blister agents (Mustard), etc.
• A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around.
• A radiation threat or "dirty bomb" is the use of common explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area. While the blast will be immediately obvious, the presence of radiation will not (need specialized equipment).

When it comes to a terrorist threat, you may be required to take additional actions. Guidance will be provided to citizens via various forms of media.