DISASTER / EMERGENCY READINESS
Be Responsible, Be Ready

Recent reports since hurricane Katrina suggest that families who had an emergency plan in place and utilized it faired much better than those who had no plan or forethought. Here are some tips, guidelines and recourses to assist you and those you love in preparing for an emergency or crisis.

Individual responsibility is critical to successful planning. Remember the old saying, "If you want the job done right, do it yourself?" The important truth in that saying refers to taking control of what we have control over and then to learn about resources that are available to help us with what we don't have control over.

Planning ahead is the most important step to a more assured emergency response.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends November 30. Officials predict another active storm season. Hurricanes, wind emergencies, coastal storms have made their mark in recent years, even striking close to home, here in the Baltimore area.

Maryland emergency managers report that they are preparing a new statewide system of evacuation zones, marking primary evacuation areas throughout the state with signs. In light of ongoing plans by state and federal government agencies to prepare for natural and/or man-made emergencies, the need for individuals and families to take personal responsibility for planning to survive on their own for 3-6 days is imperative.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE is the preferred action in most emergencies. It allows people to remain in their own homes. If ordered to shelter-in-place, residents should turn off heat, air conditioning or fans; close vents, windows and doors, and seal any cracks and stay inside until an "all clear" signal. The following should be assembled and maintained as a Shelter-in-Place Kit:

Tools: Scissors, adjustable wrench, multipurpose knife, heavy plastic & duct tape (for doors and windows that don't seal tightly), flashlight with extra batteries, battery operated TV and/or radio, can opener, cell phone, bucket with tight fitting lid, trash bags & ties, paper towels.

Food: 3-6 day supply of diried, canned, high energy foods, boxed juices and milk, and dehydrated food. On gallon of water per person, per day.

Medical supplies: First aid kit, 3-6 day supply of prescription medications along with an updated list of all medications, over the counter medications, emergency contact list.

Personal hygiene: toilet paper, alcohol wipes, gel hand sanitizer, household bleach, soap, wash cloths and towels, tissues.

Miscellaneous: Bible, games/activities for children, paper & pen/pencil, whistle, change of clothes and blanket and/or sleeping bag for each family member.

EVACUATION: When evacuation is recommendd or ordered, emergency personnel will notify residents with sirens and loud speakers. Weather Radio alerts will also be used to notify the need and the will tell location of shelters and best routes to reach shelter locations. Heed the recommendation. And emergency evacuation kit should be kept in the trunk of your car or in an accessible place in yoru home. Kit-To-Go should include the following:

Tools: Jumper cables, map & compass, flashlight & batteries, signal flare, disposable dust masks

Medical supplies: First aid kit, 3-6 day supply of prescription medications along with an updated list of all medications, over the counter medications, emergency contact list.

Basic needs: Bottled water, high energy snacks, blanket, personal hygiene items, change of clothes, special needs (extra glasses & hearing aids, etc.)

Identification & valuable documents (in a water tight container): cash and/or travelers' checks, drivers license, social security cards, credit cards, passports. Copies of insurance policy numbers, deeds, wills, immunization records, bank accounts, stocks and bonds.

Planning for Special Needs and Seniors
Plus Ideas for Pet Owners

TIPS FOR SENIORS:

*Plan how you will evacutate or signal for help

*Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies and workers

*Tell helpers where you keep your emergency supplies

*Teach helpers how to operate emergency equipment.

*Label equipment like wheechairs, canes, or walkers.

*Additional supplies: -List of prescription medications including dosage in your supply kits. Include any allergies. -Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries -Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment in supply kit -List style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers in your emergency supply kits -Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards -List of doctors and emergency contacts.

TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

*Create a support network to help in an emergency (at least 3 people)

*Inform support network where you keep your emergency supplies

*Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment

*Contact your local government's emergency information managment office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.

*Wear medic alert bracelet

*If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.

*Show others how to operate your wheelchair and other equipment

*Know the size and weight of your wheelchiar, in addition to whether or not it collapses, in case it needs to be transported.

*Additional supplies: -List of prescription medications including dosage in your supply kits. Include any allergies. -Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries -Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment in supply kit -List style and serial numbers of medical devices -Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards -List of doctors and emergency contacts.