1 In the Know and Ready to Go Emergency Preparedness Campaign Presented by Linda J. Colangelo Public Information Officer Northeast District Department of Health

2 Today’s Goal Create Awareness about Emergency Preparedness Initiate Dialogue to exchange information Make A Plan to protect your family!

3 PLAN n. A strategy worked out in advance of an action; an outline or diagram – vt. To work out the means for doing something; to have as an intention

4 What Do We Plan For? Dinner Special Events Children’s Education Day at the Beach Date Weekends Future

5 Plan for Emergencies Natural Disasters Earthquake Extreme Heat/Cold Fire Flood Hurricane Landslide Thunderstorm Tornado Tsunami Volcano Wildfire Unnatural Disasters Biological Chemical Explosions (Bombs) Fire (Arson) Nuclear Radiological

6 Recipe for Emergency Preparedness Success Get a Kit of Emergency Supplies Make A Plan Be Informed

7 Make A Plan Communication is the foundation for all planning. (If you want people to come to your party, you have to invite them!)

8 Make a Date to Communicate: Family Friends Employers Schools Day Care Nursing Home Plan ahead Assess the situation Use common sense

9 Your Family Plan Establish a reliable out-of-town contact Make sure that every family member knows the phone number to call and has coins or a pre-paid phone card to make calls Be patient or use wireless if available Listen for official instructions from local authorities

10 Family Communications Plan

11 Other Important Contacts/Info Doctor Pharmacy Veterinarian Medical Insurance Info Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance Info Identification Other (Caregivers, Therapists, etc.)

12 Neighborhoods Work together Seek out specialized equipment and skills Check on elderly and disabled Have back-up plans for children Share plans and communicate in advance

13 Should I Stay or Should I Go? Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the crisis, the first important decision is whether to stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both!

14 Shelter-in-Place Can be short-term (chemical cloud) or long-term (winter storm) Bring family and pets inside Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems Take emergency supply kit & radio Choose a safe room Seal all windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape

15 Evacuation Listen for official instructions! Plan places where family will meet Keep car’s gas tank ½ full at all times Become familiar with alternate routes If no car, make other plans Take emergency supply kits Lock the door, leave a note Take your pets and have a plan for them

16 Get A Kit – Basic Items Water – One gallon per person per day Non-perishable food – 3-day supply Battery-powered radio Flashlight Extra batteries First Aid kit Whistle Filter Mask or Cotton T-Shirt Moist Towelettes Wrench or pliers Manual can opener Plastic Sheeting & duct tape Garbage bags & plastic ties

17 Ready Kit – Additional Items Family Communications Plan Extra water and food A water container & unscented bleach Prescription medication Warm clothing/blanket Rain gear Glow stick Identification Extra car/house keys Cash Baby and/or children’s items – diapers, formula, games, books Items for elderly Two way radio or walkie talkie Important family documents

18 Prepare Your Pets If evacuating, take pets with you Shelters generally do not accept pets, except for service animals, so plan ahead Make a list of boarding facilities & vet offices. Inform neighbors of your plans Take pet food, water, medications, leashes and carriers Contact Humane Society for info on pet preparedness – or www.hsus.org

19 Be Informed Read your Emergency Preparedness Manual Visit websites, explore resources Learn about potential disasters and recognize community warning signals Take first aid courses, infant CPR, etc Network at home, school, work Be aware

20 Emergency Preparedness Essentials Get A Kit Make A Plan Be Informed Get Involved in Preparing Your Community! Become a Public Health Volunteer!

21 CONGRATULATIONS! You’re In the Know… Now Get Ready to Go! Northeast District Department of Health 136 Main Street, Danielson, CT /