When An Emergency Strikes

During and after an emergency:
  • 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
Water: No supply of clean water here are some suggestions:
  • 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)
Food:
  • Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day
  • Take vitamins and/or protein supplements.
If Your Power Goes Out:
  • 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
Neighbors Helping Neighbors:
  • 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