THREE Steps that Individuals and Families Should Take to be Prepared for Unexpected Emergencies
(From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Improving our preparedness for unexpected events is not just a job for the professionals – law enforcement, firefighters, and others. All citizens should begin a process of learning about and preparing for potential threats so we are better prepared to react during a critical incident.
While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, following are some simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.
1) Assemble an Emergency Kit
All of us should be able to survive comfortably on our own for at least a three-day period. That’s the amount of time you may need to remain in your home until the danger from a biological, chemical or radiological attack has passed. You’ll need:
? Extra clothing
? Sleeping bags
? Food and water. A gallon of water per person per day should be enough. Canned and dried foods are easy to store and prepare.
? Flashlights with extra batteries
? Battery Powered radio with extra batteries
? First Aid Kit
? Prescription Medicines
? Personal Hygiene items
? Large plastic garbage bags and duct tape
Our advice is to start now by gathering and storing the above basic emergency supplies. Make certain that all household members know where the items are kept. You should also consider bringing some or all of these items to work and/or leaving them in your car.
2) Make a Family Communication/Contact Plan
Your family may not be together at home when an attack occurs. Make sure everyone has a list of contact numbers and how to get in touch with each other.
Consider identifying and establishing a ‘meeting place’ removed from the proximity of your neighborhood and town where family members should meet if unable to return home, contact, or communicate with each other.
It may also be helpful to identify and designate a friend or relative who lives outside the area as a contact point.
Keep a list of emergency numbers.
Select a “safe-room” in your residence where everyone can gather. The best choice is an interior room above ground with few windows and doors.
3) Learn More About Readiness
Planning helps. If your family knows what to expect, they will be calmer in the aftermath of a critical event. For example, you should find out where to find instructions and information, such as local broadcasting networks. Local authorities will broadcast information as quickly as possible concerning the nature of the emergency and what you should do next. Be sure to keep listening for updates.
INDICATORS OF POSSIBLE TERRORISM
? Any activity or individual that seems out of place, suspicious, or unusual in your neighborhood, community, or workplace.
? The presence of unusual items, substances, and odors in places that raise suspicions (e.g. large containers, chemicals, fertilizers, etc.)
? Someone unfamiliar suspiciously loitering in a parking lot, government building, or around a school or playground.
? Someone suspiciously or hurriedly exiting a public area near a train or bus depot, airport, tunnel, bridge, government building, school, or tourist attraction.
? Large numbers of individuals living together under unusual/suspicious circumstances, coming and going at odd hours of the day and night.
? Someone suspiciously watching, mapping, or photographing a landmark, airport, tunnel, bridge, government building, school, business, or tourist attraction.
? Someone whose clothing appears unusual for the weather or circumstances (e.g. heavy, long, or bulky coat in warm weather).
? Someone using or threatening to use a gun or other weapon, place a bomb, or release a poisonous substance into the air, water, or food supply, or who brags or talks about affiliation with a violent group or organization.
? Abandoned vehicles or those that appear to be “out of place” under the circumstances. Suspicious packages, luggage, or mail that have been abandoned in public places like an office building, an airport, a school, a park, or a shopping center.
? A suspicious letter or package that arrives in your mailbox or office. (Stay away from the letter or package and don’t shake, smell, or open it. If you have touched it wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.)
Contact Information & Additional Resources
| Lincoln County Sheriff 24 Hours/Day (509) 725-3501 |
U.S. Department of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov |
Federal Bureau of Investigation www.fbi.gov |
| Lincoln County Sheriff Homeland Security (509) 725-9273 |