When An Emergency Strikes
- Stay calm
- Be aware of additional dangers
- Stay tuned to your local emergency stations
- Comcast cable subscribers should tune to channel identified for the emergency
- Follow advice of trained professional
- Do not evacuate unless told
- During an emergency you might be cut off from water, food and electricity
- Use ice cubes
- Use water in your hot water tank
- Purify water from streams, rainwater, lake or snow by boiling for 5 minutes, allowing it to cool
- Purify water with bleach by using 10 drops of bleach to one gallon of water (use only regular household bleach that contains 5.25% sodium hypocholorite)
- Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day
- Take vitamins and/or protein supplements.
- Assist family members or neighbors who may be vulnerable if exposed to extreme heat or cold
- Locate a flashlight with batteries to use until power is restored. Candles are discouraged because they can start a fire
- Unplug sensitive electric equipment such as computers, VCRs, and televisions
- Unplug major electric appliances that were on when the power went out
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
- Do not use the stove to heat your home -- this can cause a fire or fatal gas leak
- Use extreme caution when driving-if traffic signals are out treat each signal as a stop sign and come to a complete stop
- Do not call 911 to ask about the power outage
- Keep a battery-operated radio on for updates on restoration of power or use your car radio
- Prescription drugs-make sure you have enough to last a week
If You Have Pets: Create a survival kit for your pet. This should include:
- Identification collar and rabies tag
- Leash
- Any medications (be sure to check expiration dates)
- Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste
- At least a 2-week supply of food, water, and food bowls
- Veterinary records (most animal shelters do not allow pets without proof of vaccination)
- Identify animal shelters in case of evacuation because emergency shelters do not allow pets unless they are service animals
- Locate hotels and motels that allow pets in case of evacuation
- Have your neighborhood introduce emergency preparedness as a new activity
- Plan with neighbors how to work together until help arrives
- Know your neighbor’s special skills
- Know your neighbor’s special needs