Most of us think of emergencies as motor vehicle accidents, fires or medical emergencies – but emergencies can also include severe storms, natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

An emergency can strike anytime, anywhere!
Being aware of this is the first step to preparedness.

Knowing you are prepared for many kinds of emergencies can help you act safely and effectively while keeping yourself and your family calm. Having an emergency plan in place will help you cope and help your family stay safe.

Emergencies can be short lived or simple – such as interruption of electricity, water and sewer services or more long term and complex – such as weather related natural disasters, fires or terrorism.

Also remember that emergency don’t always happen when we are at home – they can happen when we are at work, school or traveling – be prepared for these situations too!

Based on where you live – you can evaluate the risks specific to your area – such as flooding in a low lying area.

Each of us will have a different emergency plan – based on the scope of family needs. Such as infants and young children; elderly people; disabled family members.

Being Prepared in Delaware County

You might think that Delaware County is not exposed to very many natural disasters – but the truth is, as many of you are all too well aware, the residents in Delaware County can suddenly find themselves in the middle of a disaster.

Getting started with an emergency plan:

FAMILY:
Consider each person your plan will cover:
    What is their age?
    Do they have special needs such as medications, diapers, formula?

PETS:
Pets are not normally allowed in public shelters
Plan in advance where you can take your pet in the case of evacuation.
Don’t forget pet medication, food and water

SUPPLIES:
Always keep enough food and water for at least three (3) days.
Store emergency supplies in airtight containers such as small unused garbage cans, backpacks, duffel bags
Keep everything in a cool, dry place such as cabinet or closet

WATER:
Store enough water! at least 1 gallon of water per person per day
Change stored water supply every 6 months so it stays fresh
Store additional water for any pets
Do not store water in glass or other breakable containers –store it in plastic
If you purchase bottled water – don’t break the seal until it is needed and observe the “use by” date on the container

FOOD:
Rotate stored food supply so that your emergency supply stays fresh
Stock foods that need no refrigeration or cooking
Store foods that need little or not water to prepare such as:
Canned or ready to eat meats, fruits vegetables
Canned milk & juices
High energy foods such as peanut butter, granola bars or crackers

OTHER SUPPLIES:
Manual can opener – (non-electric)
Cups, plates, utensils
Flashlight and extra batteries – rotate batteries regularly
Radio – battery powered and extra batteries
Matches
Fire extinguisher
Dusk masks
Pliers and shut off wrench - to shut off water and gas lines
Scissors
Needles and thread
Whistle
Compass and local map
Paper, pens and pencils
Blankets and/or sleeping bags
Changes of clothes for everyone
Sturdy shoes or boots – no sandals
Rain gear
Warm coats, gloves, hats
First Aid Kit** (see below for list of contents for basic fist aid kit)
Board games, playing cards

HYGIENE:
Soap and hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and paper towels
Garbage bags
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Shampoo and deodorant
Feminine supplies
Comb, brush
Disinfectant
Chlorine Bleach

FIRST AID KIT:
Sterile bandages
Gauze
Adhesive Tape
Elastic Bandages (sprained ankles, etc)
Aspirin and Non-aspirin pain relievers
Cough syrup
Antihistamine and decongestant tablets
Antacid
Anti-diarrhea medication
Thermometer – mercury free
Scissors, tweezers and safety pins
Alcohol wipes
Iodine or hydrogen peroxide
Bite and sting ointment
Antibiotic ointment
Disposable gloves
Cotton balls
Listing of family members medical conditions, allergies and medications

MONEY:
In the event of an evacuation – you may need access to cash. Remember that some emergencies will force banks to close and put ATM’s out of order. Keep some money with your emergency kit.

DOCUMENTS:
Decide which medical, financial or other personal documents you would need on hand in an emergency – keep them or at least a copy of them in your emergency kit in a water proof container or keep them away from home, like in a safe deposit box. Be sure that trusted family members know where these items can be found

     IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS INCLUDE:
Licenses or other ID’s
Social Security Cards
Passports
Health Insurance Cards
Immunization Records
Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates
Record of Bank Accounts
Credit Cards
Insurance Policies
Wills, Contracts, Deeds
Record of Stocks, Bonds or Retirement Accounts

COMMUNICATIONS PLAN:
As stated earlier – emergencies can occur when your family is apart, creating a communications plan can help you contact each other:

Choose two meeting locations:
The first location should be near your home in case you have to leave your home quickly – such as the end of the driveway or the neighbors front porch

The second should be for when you can’t get back to your neighborhood – choose a safe place in your community to meet – such as the home of a friend or church

Choose one contact person:
Pick an out of town friend or relative to serve as the contact person for your entire family. Each family member can call or email this contact person right away
Make sure everyone knows the contact person’s phone numbers and/or email address
Make sure everyone carries coins, cell phone or prepaid phone card

Being prepared doesn’t mean being afraid – it’s the reassurance of being ready!