Every household should have three basic items in case of an emergency:
- Flashlights with extra batteries.
- A battery-powered radio, the only way to receive information if the power goes out.
- Enough water to last for three days -- one gallon per person per day.
Once you have these items, build a more extensive supply kit, a home preparedness plan and your emergency vocabulary.
"Caring About Preparing -- 7 Weeks to a 72-Hour Kit" is a county-sponsored program designed to provide citizens with a manageable plan for building a complete home emergency preparedness kit. (The program is compatible with the regional "Ready, Set, Good" initiative.)
"Caring About Preparing" gives you specific items to purchase each week for a seven-week period. At the end of that period, you will have a comprehensive kit to help you get through the first 72 hours following an emergency.
Many resources are available to help you prepare for an emergency. Baltimore County's emergency management experts recommend the following:
- www.readysetgood.org
This emergency preparedness site is tailored for residents of the Baltimore region. - www.ready.gov
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has prepared a comprehensive, online disaster preparedness resource for families, businesses and children. The site includes handy supply checklists. - www.prepare.org
The Red Cross's family preparedness site includes a detailed section on persons with disabilities. - Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness
A publication available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency providing facts on disaster survival techniques, disaster-specific information and how to prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters. - www.avma.org/disaster
The American Veterinary Medical Assocation provides detailed preparedness information for pets and other domestic animals. - www.fema.gov
Browse materials, publicatios, maps, photographs, audio clips and video clips related to disasters and emergencies. - A Citizen's Guide to Terrorism Preparedness (PDF)
What is terrorism and what are your chances of becoming a victim? Learn ways to prepare for and respond to terrorism incidents.
During a major emergency, emergency responders will advise you to do one of two things: to stay put, or "shelter in place," or to evacuate. Follow their instructions!
And, as part of your family planning, make sure everyone understands what the terms shelter in place and evacuation mean.
Being prepared involves understanding the federal government's color-coded advisory system, used to alert the public as the risk of a terrorist attack
increases.
Hazard alert radios have greatly enhanced our ability to be ready for weather events and some civil emergencies. Emergency managers recommend one for every home!
Revised December 20, 2007
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