Emergency Planning | |
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The American Red Cross provides extensive information about planning for a variety of emergencies. For details, visit their Disaster Services web pages. In addition, the Homeownership Alliance provides an Emergency Preparedness Guide (PDF, 9 pages - 596 KB) for homeowners. Family Emergency Planning Basics:
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Step
1. Make a Family Emergency Plan
 Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact."
After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other
family members should call this person and tell them where they are.
Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
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Step
2. Prepare a Household Emergency
Kit
Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffle bag or backpack. Include in your emergency kit:
From "Disaster Supplies Kit" developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.
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Step
3. Fill Out and Post a Quick Reference
Chart
Fill out this quick reference chart and post it in your home where all family members can access it easily. |
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Our local emergency phone number is:
Our local radio stations for the Emergency Alert System are:
The children's school reception centers are located:
Our household emergency kit is stored in:
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This site is maintained by Westchester County, Office of the County Executive. 148 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY 10601. www.westchestergov.com
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Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for
disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes
to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a
team.
Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen.
Explain what to do in each case.
Pick two places to meet:
Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your
pets.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out
of each room.
Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and
electricity at the main switches
A
supply of water sealed in unbreakable containers.
Non-perishable packaged or canned food and a manual can opener.
A
change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
Blankets or sleeping bags.
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first aid kit and prescription medicines.
A
battery-powered radio and flashlight and extra batteries for each.
Credit
cards and cash.
Photo
identification.
Special items for infants or elderly or disabled family members.