Public Health Preparedness

Being Prepared

Preparedness is key to saving lives in an emergency. Even the smallest amount of preparation can make a huge difference.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO HELP YOUR FAMILY BE BETTER PREPARED.

• House address clearly visible from the street
• Emergency numbers listed near every telephone
• Address and telephone number are posted in the house
• Know how and when to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency
• Family members carry a completed Family Communications Plan card
• All Family members know the location of the first aid kit
• Working flashlights are on every level of the house
• Smoke detectors are installed throughout the house and batteries are changed two times a year
• Health insurance and family's medical needs information are readily available
• Two escape routes and an outside meeting place are identified
• Practice the plan

Being Prepared has three steps: Being Informed , Making a Plan , and Making a Disaster Supply Kit .

Make a Plan

There are well-developed and well-rehearsed emergency response plans at all levels of government. At the core of this effort is citizen preparedness. In this website, the Athens City-County Health Department provides suggestions for you to better respond. You and your family can plan, prepare, practice, and protect each other.

If a disaster strikes, relief workers may not be able to reach everyone immediately. You might be asked to evacuate your home or may need to "shelter-in-place." It is important that you and your family know what to do during different types of emergencies. By planning and practicing, you and your family will be more prepared if an emergency occurs. Planning Guides and additional information are at: www.Ready.gov

Once you are informed about the potential emergencies in Athens County, your next step is to make a plan to deal with each emergency. Remember that it is not necessary to make one plan for each kind of emergency. One or two well thought out plans can generally be effective during any situation.

Remember communications. During a crisis, you will want to know where your loved ones are, and if they are safe. Be sure to include several ways to contact the people who are important to you. An out of town family contact may be helpful if the utilities in your area are damaged.

Making a Disaster Supply Kit

When an emergency strikes, you may not have time to gather all the necessary supplies. Making an emergency kit ahead of time can make all the difference.

An emergency supply kit should include items to help you survive an emergency for several days. Things you take for granted every day may become extremely valuable to you during a crisis.

The Health Department recommends you have an Emergency Supply Kit:

An emergency may interfere with normal supplies of food, water, heat, and other necessities. Keep a stock of emergency supplies on hand that will last for at least 3 days.

• Update your kit regularly.
• Contents of an Emergency Supply Kit can be found at: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/buildakit.html