Are you ready? Citizen Emergency Preparedness

 You are responsible for your own safety EVEN during an emergency.  You are expected to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours after a major incident Important Information

 Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters.  You are better prepared to help yourself and others in your neighborhood/community.  Basic preparedness is important as emergency crews will be very busy. Benefits to being Prepared

 1. Create a plan (home, car & work)  2. Prepare a kit (home, car & work)  3. Listen for information  From the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Remember the Ready in 3

 Tornado  Flood  Fire  Earthquake  Winter storms  Extreme heat or cold  Terrorism  Hazardous Materials Potential Risks in Missouri

 know what to do in the event of a fire, major disaster.  know where to seek shelter during a tornado.  be ready to evacuate your home and take refuge in public shelters  know how (and have supplies)to care for you and your family’s basic medical needs.  be self sufficient for at least 72 hours as you await assistance from local, state and or federal agencies. You Should:

 Disaster plans should include emergency contact numbers  Reunion locations (near home and away from home)  Evacuation plans  Designated Safe spots (for all types of disasters)  Vital records (Insurance, medical & household)  Utility shut offs  Animal care (What if you can’t bring your pet to the local shelter?) Make a Disaster Plan

 Extra shoes  Food (don’t forget the Can opener)  Water (3 days worth)  First aid  Whistle  Flashlight & batteries  Radio  Medications Disaster Kit

 May have more than one (one for car, work, basement or other locations within the house)  Basic supplies: bandaids, gauze, disinfectant, wraps, flashlight Assemble a First Aid Kit

 Know where your gas shut off switch is located  Know where your water shut off switch is located  Know where your families reunion location are located (in case you get separated & can’t contact each other or get back into your neighborhood)  Have important phone numbers handy in your diaster plan. (Gas, water & electric companies numbers as well)  Have plenty of batteries on hand Make sure you…

 In the event of a tornado you should go to your designated safe spot  In that spot you should have a radio (better yet a NOAA all hazards radio with extra batteries, extra pair of shoes, blanket, whistle (to blow if you get trapped under debris) Tornado

TORNADO SAFETY  Have a tornado plan in place both at home and at work!  If a warning is issued:  In home or building  Move to an underground shelter such as a basement  If shelter not available move to an interior room without windows.  Get as many walls between you and outside as possible.  Wear shoes  Have a whistle Debris is the greatest danger! Indoors safety

TORNADO SAFETY  If caught in your car, judge your location. Drive at right angles away from the tornado  Not likely possible in urban areas or hilly terrain. Debris is the greatest danger! Outdoors safety  If there is no time for escape or to get indoors, seek shelter in a ditch or low lying spot, away from your vehicle and trees. Protect your head with your hands.

 Make sure the school has current contact info  Find out what your child’s school plan is  Ask if they routinely practice drills for emergencies  If the school has to be evacuated where do you pick up your child? Special Situations: If you have a child in school…

 Make sure you have current vaccination records  Make sure you have a plan for where you will take them in case you can’t take them to the shelter or other safe place  Make sure you have an updated supply kit for them Special Situations: Your pets….

 Review your plan every few months to make sure everyone in your family knows what to do  Check your disaster kit to ensure everything is in working order and your food and water have not expired.  Stay alert! Practice, Practice, Practice…

 Bobby Miller-Belton Emergency Management Director  Questions or Concerns Contact