Basic Preparedness Guide
Get Informed
Learn about the hazards that may strike your community, the risks you face
from these hazards, and your community’s plans for warning and evacuation. You
can obtain this information from your local emergency management office or your
local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Hazards
Ask local authorities about each possible hazard or emergency and use the worksheet
that follows to record your findings and suggestions for reducing your family’s risk.
Possible Hazards and Emergencies |
Risk Level (none, low, moderate, or high) |
How can I reduce my risk? |
Natural Hazards |
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1. Floods |
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2. Hurricanes |
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3. Thunderstorms and Lightning |
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4. Tornadoes |
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5. Winter Storms and Extreme Cold |
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6. Extreme Heat |
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7. Earthquakes |
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8. Volcanoes |
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9. Landslides and Debris Flow |
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10. Tsunamis |
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11. Fires |
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12. Wildfires |
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Technological Hazards |
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1. Hazardous Materials Incidents |
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2. Nuclear Power Plants |
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Terrorism |
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1. Explosions |
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2. Biological Threats |
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3. Chemical Threats |
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4. Nuclear Blasts |
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5. Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD) |
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Warning Systems and Signals
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) can address the entire nation on very short
notice in case of a grave threat or national emergency. Ask if your local radio
and TV stations participate in the EAS. National Oceanic & Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio
stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from a nearby
National Weather Service office to specially configured NOAA weather radio
receivers. Determine if NOAA Weather Radio is available where you live. If so,
consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio receiver. Ask local authorities about
methods used to warn your community.
Warning System |
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EAS |
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NOAA Weather Radio |
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Evacuating Yourself and Your Family
When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information
to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods,
such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be
circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and
you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations. The
amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a
weather condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a
day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to
gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is
essential.Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes.
Record your specific evacuation route directions.
Evacuation Guidelines
Always: |
If time permits: |
Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas
stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during
power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and
delay. |
Gather your disaster supplies kit. |
Make transportation arrangements with friends or your local government
if you do not own a car. |
Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection, such as
long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap. |
Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation
instructions. |
Secure your home: 1. close and lock doors and windows. 2. unplug
electrical equipment, such as radios and televisions, and small
appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. Leave freezers and
refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. |
Gather your family and go if your are instructed to evacuate
immediately. |
Let others know where you are going. |
Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. |
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Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may
be blocked. |
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Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded
areas. |
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Stay away from downed power lines. |
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Community and Other Plans
Ask local officials the following questions about your community's
disaster/ emergency plans.Does my community have a plan?
Can I obtain a copy?
What does the plan contain?
What should I know about the plan?
What hazards does it cover?
In addition to finding out about your community's plan, it is important that
you know what plans are in place for your workplace and your children's school
or day care center.
1. Ask your employer about workplace policies regarding disasters and
emergencies, including understanding how you will be provided emergency and
warning information.
2. Contact your children's school or day care center to discuss their
disaster procedures.
School Emergency Plans
Know your children’s school emergency plan:• Ask how the
school will communicate with the families during a crisis.
• Ask if the school stores adequate food, water, and other basic supplies
supplies.
• Find out if the school is prepared to shelter-in-place if need be, and
where they plan to go if they must get away. In cases where schools institute
procedures to shelter-in-place-place, you may not be permitted to drive to the
school to pick up your children. Even if you go to the school, the doors will
likely be locked to keep your children safe. Monitor local media outlets for
announcements about changes in school openings and closings and follow the
directions of local emergency officials. For more information on developing
emergency preparedness plans for schools, please log on to the U.S. Department
of Education at www.ed.go.gov/emergencyplan.
Workplace Plans
If you are an employer, make sure your workplace has a building evacuation plan
that is regularly practiced.
• Take a critical look at your heating, ventilation and air conditioning
system to determine if it is secure or if it could feasibly be upgraded to
better filter potential contaminants, and be sure you know how to turn it
off if you need to.
• Think about what to do if your employees can’t go home.
• Make sure you have appropriate supplies on hand.
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