Emergency Preparedness
It’s important to be ready for not only emergencies, but disasters as well. Most disasters that occur are natural disasters. These are the results of some sort of natural force that are sometimes predictable, while others are not. Every family should have a plan incase there is a disaster, to ensure the safety and preparedness of everyone.
General Preparedness
It’s important to be ready for any sort of disaster that could arise. Most disasters that occur are natural disasters. These are the results of some sort of natural force. This includes tornadoes, severe winter storms, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. Some of these are able to be predicted like hurricanes, whiles others like wildfires, cannot be. Every family should have a plan incase of a disaster.
Important Info
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Discuss what to do in an evacuation, and don't forget to include the needs of those with disabilities.
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When told by officials, go immediately to a shelter as instructed or to the home of a friend or relative who lives out of the area.
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Find out about your local shelters beforehand.
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Know evacuation routes. Pre-establish several different routes in case certain roads are blocked or closed. Family members can become separated during an emergency. Be prepared by creating a plan for how to reach one another. Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or friend) who can coordinate family members' locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.
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Quiz children every six months so they remember what to do, where to go, and whom to call in an emergency.
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Decide how to take care of pets. Pets are not allowed in places where food is served, so you will need to have a place to take your pets if you have to go to a shelter. Post emergency phone numbers (fire, police, ambulance, etc.) by the phone.
Emergency Supply Kit
Whether it be a natural disaster or another type of emergency, everyone should be prepared ahead of time and one way to be prepared it to have an emergency supply kit. A downloadable tips sheet prepared a supply kit, provided by the NFPA, can be found here.
Generator Safety
A generator can be a very useful tool to add to your supply kit incase of emergencies. A generator can be used to help you cook food and have lights a long with many other things that could be necessary during an emergency when there is no power.
Generator Safety
When generating a list of things for your emergency supply kit, some people may like to add a generator. It is important to know of all of the risks that come along with owning and running a generator. A downloadable tips sheet to help with home safety, provided by the NFPA, can be found here.
Hurricanes
hurricanes can be described as a storm of rain and heavy winds that moves in a counterclockwise motion as it moves forward. The storm contains a calm center known as the eye of the storm. Hurricanes can be very danerous so it is important to know what to do before, during, and after one.
Preparation Before
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Have a hurricane disaster plan: Locate local shelters. Map the route to a nearby shelter; this will cut down on the travel time. Make sure you know how to get there before an evacuation order is issued.
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If you are not ordered to evacuate, find shelter in your home. The safest place during a hurricane is an interior room without windows. Get your home and yard ready for a hurricane. Install hurricane shutters; remove dead and diseased trees and branches; identify items in the yard that should be brought inside; clean rain gutters, outside stairwells, window wells, drain lines, and downspouts.
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Family members can become separated during a hurricane. Be prepared by creating a plan for how to reach one another. Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or family friend) who can coordinate family members' locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.
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Prepare a family disaster supplies kit. Families with children should have each child create their own personal pack.
During a Hurricane
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If a hurricane watch has been issued for your area, conditions are favorable for and could produce a hurricane. Listen to the news and the weather updates and make sure you leave if an official evacuation is ordered. Cover your windows with hurricane shutters or plywood. Taping windows offer little or no protection against the winds. If a hurricane warning has been issued, a violent storm, possibly a hurricane, is expected within 24 hours.
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Remain inside, away from windows and doors.
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During power outages try to avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights instead. Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space. Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes. Read NFPA's candle safety fact sheet.
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Do not be fooled by the calm when the eye of the hurricane is above your area; the worst of the storm is probably yet to come.
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Be prepared for tornadoes caused by hurricanes; remain inside and at the center of your home or in a closet or basement.
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If you are evacuated, take your family disaster supplies kit and leave immediately to a nearby shelter.
After a Hurricane
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Continue to listen to the news and weather updates. Often when the storm is over, damage still exists from floods, downed power lines, and electrically charged water.
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Stay out of buildings that have been damaged or flooded and obey detour and warning signs when driving.
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Never enter a flooded or barricaded roadway (even with a large vehicle) vehicles can be swept away by only two feet of water.
Hurricane Safety Sheet
It is important that people know and understand the risk of different types of natural disasters in their area. A safety sheet for what to do before, during, and after a hurricane is provided by the NFPA and can be found below.
Earthquakes
An earthquake is caused by the movement of plate tectonics in the earths crust. This movement can cause extensive damage to people’s belongings and property. Earthquakes can also cause serious injury and even death. These types of natural disasters are not easily predicted and that is why its important to be prepared before, during, and after earthquakes.
Before an Earthquake
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Identify safe spots at home and work:
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Under sturdy tables or desks
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In structurally sound or strongly supported doorways.
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In a small room or hallway
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Never take cover near windows or heavy furniture that can tip over, such as bookcases and entertainment units.
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Avoid poorly supported doorways, such as those with metal frames.
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Have a plan
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Family members can become separated during an earthquake. Be prepared by creating a plan for how to reach one another. Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or family friend) who can coordinate family members' locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.
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Prepare a family disaster supplies kit. Families with children should have each child create their own personal pack.
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During an Earthquake
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Stay Calm. The precautions you should take are determined by where you are when the earthquake begins.
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If inside, take cover using the drop, cover, and hold on technique. If you must move for safety, take only a few steps and stay there until the shaking stops.
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If outside, stay at least 10 feet away from any building from which window glass and other debris could fall. Move away from trees, streetlights, and power lines. Crouch down and cover your head.
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If in a vehicle, park in a location away from trees, wires, buildings, bridges and overpasses. Stay where you are, with your safety belt fastened, until the earthquake is over. Never stop under or on a bridge.
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If in a coastal area, move to high ground.
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If in a mountainous area, watch for and avoid falling rocks, broken roadbeds, landslides and falling debris.
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After an Earthquake
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Earthquakes are dangerous, but the disasters they can trigger such as fires, floods, landslides, tsunamis and avalanches can be just as if not more devastating.
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Expect aftershocks, smaller earthquakes that can occur after a major quake.
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Monitor radio news reports for updates and the latest emergency information.
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If you loose electricity, use a flashlight. Never use candles because of the possibility of a gas leak and the danger of fire.
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When authorities say the event has ended, check your home for structural damage, gas leaks, and fire. Report any problems to the appropriate authorities. Record any damage that has resulted from the quake.
Escape Plan
Fire can spread rapidly through a home leaving you with very little time to escape. Your ability to do so depends a lot on your preparedness, planning, and advance warnings. The key to family safety is planning and practicing in order to be prepared for emergencies.
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With the speed at which fire can travel, it is important to have smoke detectors. Smoke detectors leave you with about one or two minutes to safely exit the building so it is important to know what to do when you hear one. Smoke detectors should be installed above every door in every bedroom and on every floor of your home.
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If you are not able to exit your home in a rapid manner in the time of a fire, a closed door can slow the spread of smoke, heat, and flame.
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Everyone in your home should know what to do incase of a fire or any type of emergency. Adults and children should be aware of any and all routes out of the home and every possible exit, this should include doors and windows.
Escape planning
If a fire breaks out in your home, you may only have a few minutes to get out safely from when the smoke detector goes off. Everyone should know what to do in the time of a fire. A downloadable tips sheet provided by the NFPA, can be found here.
The Plan
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Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
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A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code® requires interconnected smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
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When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
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Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
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Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
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Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor's home or a cellular phone once safely outside.
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If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency
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If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
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Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
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Be fully prepared for a real fire: when a smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately. Residents of high-rise and apartment buildings (PDF) may be safer "defending in place." Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.
Home Fire Escape Plan
Incase of a fire, every family should have an escape plan to ensure everyones safety. A downloadable tips sheet to help with home safety and escape planes, provided by the NFPA, can be found here.
Tips
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Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year, making the drill as realistic as possible.
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Make arrangements in your plan for anyone in your home who has a disability.
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Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. The objective is to practice, not to frighten, so telling children there will be a drill before they go to bed can be as effective as a surprise drill.
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It's important to determine during the drill whether children and others can readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm. If they fail to awaken, make sure that someone is assigned to wake them up as part of the drill and in a real emergency situation.
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If your home has two floors, every family member (including children) must be able to escape from the second floor rooms. Escape ladders can be placed in or near windows to provide an additional escape route. Review the manufacturer's instructions carefully so you'll be able to use a safety ladder in an emergency. Practice setting up the ladder from a first floor window to make sure you can do it correctly and quickly. Children should only practice with a grown-up, and only from a first-story window. Store the ladder near the window, in an easily accessible location. You don't want to have to search for it during a fire.
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Always choose the escape route that is safest – the one with the least amount of smoke and heat – but be prepared to escape under toxic smoke if necessary. When you do your fire drill, everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your exit.
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Closing doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to safely escape.
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In some cases, smoke or fire may prevent you from exiting your home or apartment building. To prepare for an emergency like this, practice "sealing yourself in for safety" as part of your home fire escape plan. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to seal the door cracks and cover air vents to keep smoke from coming in. If possible, open your windows at the top and bottom so fresh air can get in. Call the fire department to report your exact location. Wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are located.
Floods
Floods are a very common type of natural disaster. They can happen anywhere and anytime and can have devastating results. Any type of weather that involves heavy rain can increase chances for flooding. It is important to know about the areas you live in and the chance of flooding so you can be prepared before, during, and after flooding if it occurs.
Before a Flood
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Find out the elevation of your property to determine whether forecasted flood levels are likely to affect your home.
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Move the main breaker or fuse box and utility meters above the flood level determined for your neighborhood.
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Move appliances and valuables out of basements or flood-prone lower levels. Learn how to shut off electricity, gas and water to your home.
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Develop an evacuation plan. Make sure family members know where to go in the event of a flood. The plan should include how family members will contact one another if separated. Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or family friend) who can coordinate family members' locations and information. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.
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Prepare a family disaster supplies kit. Families with children should have each child create their own personal pack.
During a Flood
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Be alert for flood indicators such as rapidly rising water and flooding of highways, bridges and low-lying areas. During a flood warning, take the following precautions:
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Evacuate to an area of higher ground immediately if advised to do so.
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Stay away from flooded areas, even if the water seems to be receding.
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Do not walk, swim or drive through moving water.
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Watch for snakes in flooded areas.
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Use flashlights instead of candles.
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Be aware of potential flash flooding.
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After a Flood
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Keep an eye on children and make sure they don't play around high water, storm drains, ravines, or culverts.
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Throw away food that may have come in contact with floodwater or perishable food that was not refrigerated at a safe temperature.
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Use water from safe sources (such as bottled water) until you know that your tap water isn't contaminated. (Boiling, disinfecting, or distilling can purify water.)
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Before re-entering a home damaged from a flood: turn electricity off at the fuse box or main breaker until your home has adequately dried; check for gas leaks; examine your home for fire hazards; inspect the floors, doors, windows and walls for cracks or other damage to make sure the home isn't in danger of collapsing.
Flood Safety Sheet
Some people may or may not know what to do during flooding. Flooding can occur rapidly, which is known as flash flooding. It's important to know what to do if ever found in this situation. Below you can find a downloadable safety sheet provided by the NFPA.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can occur any time of the year and are most often found in the southern states of the united state. Peak tornado time is 3:00pm to 9:00pm in March through May in the souther states and Jun through August in northern states. You should know what to do before, during, and after tornadoes in order to reduce injury and the chance of death due to the little warning when it comes to tornadoes.
Before a Tornado
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Know the safe places at home, work and at school.
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Locate local shelters and be aware of the tornado risk in your county or parish.
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Practice tornado drills at home and school.
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Have a plan for how family members will contact one another during an emergency.
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Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or family friend) who can coordinate family members' locations and information should you become separated.
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Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.
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Prepare a family disaster supplies kit. Families with children should have each child create their own personal pack.
During a Tornado
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During a tornado watch:
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Remain inside, away from windows and doors.
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Listen to the radio or TV. Keep a battery-operated radio or a NOAA Weather Radio.
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Make sure your family disaster supplies kit is complete.
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Be alert during a thunderstorm watch. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Being prepared will give you more time should the weather turn severe.
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During a tornado warning
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Listen to the radio or TV for weather updates and instructions from local officials. Quick action and planning ahead can save your life!
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If you get caught in a tornado, know what to do: take shelter immediately; stay away from windows, corners, doors and outside walls.
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Be aware of flying debris.
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Crouch on the floor near an interior wall or under a heavy object, such as a table. Bend over and place your arms on the back of your head and neck (which are injured more easily than other parts of your body).
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After a Tornado
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Continue to listen to the news and weather updates.
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Stay away from power lines and broken glass.
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Be aware of the possibility of broken gas lines and chemical spills.
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If you smell gas or chemical fumes, immediately evacuate the area and contact authorities. Stay out of damaged buildings and return home only after authorities have issued an all-clear signal
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Severe Storms
Severe storms can happen during any season of the year. Snowstorms, heavy rain, extreme cold, flooding, and many other conditions produced from severe storms can wreak havoc on our everyday lives. Preparing before a disaster strikes and knowing what to do before and after with help reduce you and your families risk for injury or death and damage to your belongings.
Safety Tips for Storms
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Develop and practice an evacuation plan ahead of a severe weather event. Include a plan for pets and add any transportation routes and destinations in the plan.
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Prepare an emergency supplies kit for both family members and pets ahead of time to take with you.
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Be prepared to evacuate when authorities tell you to do so.
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Stay out of flood waters, if possible, and do not drive into flooded areas. Even water only several inches deep can be dangerous.
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Always assume fallen power lines are often still energized. Stay away from the area and report any downed lines to authorities immediately.
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Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from surges caused by lightning strikes.
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If you evacuated, do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe.
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Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.
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Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you.
Fire Safety During Winter Storms
A dangerous time for some people in winter time. It is important to know what to do if you are hit by a bad winter storm and to have a supply kit ready incase that ever happens. A list of fire safety times during winter storms is provided by the NFPA.
Home Preparation for Winter
When living in an area that normally has bad storms during the winter time, it is important that your home is prepped ahead of time to ensure the safety of everyone in the house This safety sheet is provided by the NFPA which is a list of different ways to prep your home for the winter time.