DISASTER RESOURCES
DURING A DISASTER
RESPONSE DURING AN EMERGENCY
During an emergency is the time to implement your plan. WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1?
- Report a fire
- Report a crime
- Save a life
IN CASE OF MAJOR EMERGENCY
- Follow your emergency plan
- Take your emergency 72-hour kit
- Ensure your safety before assisting others.
- Listen to information (radio/tv/internet) from your local officials and follow their instructions.
- Stay put until all is safe (shelter-in-place) or if you are ordered to evacuate (evacuation orders)
WHAT IS SHELTER-IN-PLACE?
You may be instructed to “shelter-in-place” if chemical, biological or radiological contaminants are released into the environment. This means you must remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there. The following steps will help maximize your protection:
- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
- Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems to avoid drawing in air from the outside.
- Close the fireplace damper.
- Get your emergency kit and make sure the radio is working.
- Go to an interior room that’s above ground level (if possible, one without windows). In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
- Using duct or other wide tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
- Continue to monitor your radio or television until you are told all is safe or are advised to evacuate.
- More information from CDC
WHAT IS AN EVACUATION ORDER?
Authorities will only order an evacuation if they have reason to believe you are in danger! Remember to take your:
- your emergency kit
- your emergency plan
- essential medications and copies of your prescriptions
- a cell phone+charger (if you have one)
- your family & pets
- got time? call or email your out-of-town contact and leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going
