Emergency Plan
Create an Emergency Plan
In the county, we use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) during major emergencies. When the decision is made to activate the EAS, original programming will be interrupted and an emergency message will be broadcast. It is important that you listen to instructions. Emergencies may strike when your family members are away from home, so find out about plans at your workplace, school, or anywhere else you and your family spend time. After creating a household emergency plan you should take the time to review it with your family every 6 months. Take the following steps to create a household emergency plan:
Emergency Plan
Often during an emergency, electricity, water, heat, air conditioning, or telephone service may not work. Preparing an Emergency Go Kit ahead of time can save precious time in the event you must evacuate or go without electricity, heat, or water for an extended period of time. You can gather water, food, first-aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools, and other essential items to store at any time. You should consider include:
In the event of an evacuation, you must take your pet with you. Make arrangements for pets in advance of an emergency. Make sure to have:
In the county, we use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) during major emergencies. When the decision is made to activate the EAS, original programming will be interrupted and an emergency message will be broadcast. It is important that you listen to instructions. Emergencies may strike when your family members are away from home, so find out about plans at your workplace, school, or anywhere else you and your family spend time. After creating a household emergency plan you should take the time to review it with your family every 6 months. Take the following steps to create a household emergency plan:
Emergency Plan
- Meet with household members and discuss the dangers of possible emergency events, including fire, severe weather, hazardous spills, and terrorism.
- Discuss how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency.
- Discuss what to do in case of power outages or personal injuries.
- Draw a floor plan of your home.
- Mark 2 escape routes from each room.
- Teach adults how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main switches. If for any reason you do turn off natural gas service to your home, call Washington Gas to restore service. Do not attempt to restore gas service yourself.
- Post emergency contact numbers near all telephones and pre-program emergency numbers into phones with autodial capabilities. Be sure to include:
- 911
- Local emergency management
- Neighbors
- Out-of-town family contact
- Schools
- Work
- Teach children how and when to dial 911 to get emergency assistance.
- Teach children how to make long-distance telephone calls.
- Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
- Pick a friend or relative that all family members will call if separated. It is often easier to call out-of-state during an emergency than within the affected area.
- Instruct household members to turn on the radio and tune it to 1400 AM for emergency information.
- Pick 2 meeting places:
- A place near your home
- A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after an emergency
- Take basic first aid and CPR classes. Contact American Red Cross for more information.
- Keep family records in a waterproof and fireproof safe. Inexpensive models can be purchased at most hardware stores.
- Keep on hand tools, such as:
- A compass
- Afire extinguisher
- Cutters
- Duct tape
- Flares
- Garbage bags
- Needle and thread
- Pen and paper
- Plastic storage containers
- Regular household bleach
- Scissors
- Screwdrivers
- Waterproof matches
Often during an emergency, electricity, water, heat, air conditioning, or telephone service may not work. Preparing an Emergency Go Kit ahead of time can save precious time in the event you must evacuate or go without electricity, heat, or water for an extended period of time. You can gather water, food, first-aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools, and other essential items to store at any time. You should consider include:
- A 3- to 5-day supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener
- A 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person, per day)
- Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Replace every 6 months.
- A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries
- A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
- A first-aid kit and prescription medications (be sure to check the expiration dates)
- A list of family physicians, important medical information, and the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers
- An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution (be sure to check the expiration dates)
- An extra set of car and house keys
- Blankets, bedding, or sleeping bags
- Identification, credit cards, cash, and photocopies of important family documents including home insurance information.
- Pet care items
- Special items for infants, the elderly, or family members with disabilities
- Toiletries
- Toys, books, and games
- Vehicle fuel tanks pre-filled
In the event of an evacuation, you must take your pet with you. Make arrangements for pets in advance of an emergency. Make sure to have:
- A carrier or cage and leash
- Any medications (be sure to check expiration dates)
- At least a 2-week supply of food, water, and food bowls
- Identification collar and rabies tag
- Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste
- Veterinary records (most animal shelters do not allow pets without proof of vaccination)