Family Emergency Preparedness
Family
Emergency Preparedness Program emphasizes that advance
preparation is the responsibility of all Henry County citizens.
The idea of having a Family Emergency Preparedness Program
began at the national level with the American Red Cross and
the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The American
Red Cross and Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging local
jurisdictions to become actively involved in disaster preparedness.
Therefore, the Henry County Emergency Management Agency, and
the local Red Cross Chapters of Henry County are working together
to support “Family Emergency Preparedness”.
Pamphlets are available for this special program to train
families in how to protect themselves against serious emergencies
or disasters. “Families can and do cope with disaster
by preparing in advance and working together as a team.”
the Family Preparedness Guide states, “Knowing what
to do is your best protection” it explains, “and
is your responsibility!” These attractive, easy-to-read
brochures are available from the Henry Emergency Management
Agency . These pamphlets include titles such as:
- “Your Family Disaster Plan”
- “Helping Children Cope with Disaster”
- “Preparing for Disaster”
Having an understanding on the part of your family members,
particularly the children, of what to do, whom to call, and
how to get help in an emergency is a vital step in the right
direction toward family emergency preparedness. It also is important
to know how long the emergency situation will exist, and to
know that emergency information is available.
Every
Henry County household should have at least one portable battery
powered AM-FM radio available at all times, including a fresh
supply of unused batteries to use in case of a serious emergency
or disaster when normal electrical power has been lost. This
is the advice of officials of the Henry County Emergency Management
Agency. Emergency preparedness, however, is an individual
responsibility. No one will do it for you.
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could
be just about anywhere… at work… at school…
or in the car. Officials of the Henry County Emergency Management
Agency believe this is very important to you and to all members
of your family. If you have a family emergency plan, it will
help you know how to find each other when any kind of disaster
strikes close by. If you are a parent, you want to know that
your child are safe, or that your parents or in-laws are protected
from danger.
Local officials in your community know that some serious
emergencies can mean that basic utilities such as drinking
water, natural gas supplies, electrical power or your telephone
service maybe interrupted. The emergency may last for hours,
or even days. Sometimes you could be isolated for some time
before relief comes from emergency response units or repair
crews— and you will have to “go it alone.”
Would you be ready for that? That’s why the Henry County
Emergency Management Agency officials want you to plan ahead.
You should be able to cope with disaster by preparing in advance,
and training with other members of your home or neighborhood
to work together as a team. Knowing what to do is your responsibility
and your best protection.
Here
are some other keys to protecting yourself in such an event:
- Take along a battery powered portable AM-FM radio and
follow the instructions given by local emergency officials.
You should have a supply of unused fresh batteries.
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Take along your emergency supplies kit.
- Lock your home securely.
- Use the travel routes specified by local authorities - don’t take a chance on short cuts which could be impassible
or dangerous.
IF YOU ARE CERTAIN YOU HAVE TIME:
- Shut off the water, gas and electricity — if instructed
to do so. Post a note stating what time you left and, if
you know, where you are going.
- Make an Emergency supply Kit that Stays in Your Car.
Here
are some items to consider to put in your Emergency Supply Kit:
- A good first aid kit.
- A blanket roll or sleeping bag or two.
- Pure bottled water in a secure, unopened container.
- Canned fruits and nuts, durable high energy foods.
- A combination can/bottle opener and jack knife.
- A small box plastic eating utensils and a roll of paper
towel.
- A strong, short shovel for digging.
- Rain gear and a few versatile items of warm clothing
to fit family members.
- Traction mats or tire chains in case of mud or snow.
- Booster (jumper) cables and a few basic hand tools.
- Matches in a tight (waterproof) container and some candles.
- A good flashlight with a supply of spare batteries.