Emergency Preparedness Program
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Prepare for an Emergency: Make a Plan
In order to survive a natural disaster, terrorist attack or other emergency, we must all have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. Protect your family and property by planning ahead. |
What is an emergency plan?
An emergency plan is a personalized plan about what to do in emergencies. It includes:
- Talking with your family about potential emergencies and how to prepare for them.
- Determining the best escape routes from your home.
- Planning where to meet after a disaster.
- Maintaining emergency contact information.
- Maintaining emergency supplies. (See Make a Kit)
- Learning how to use and maintaining safety equipment such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.
- Practicing fire drills, evacuation routes and how to shelter-in-place.
- Planning how to care for your pets in an emergency.
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Why do I need an emergency plan?
- Disasters and other emergencies can happen quickly and without warning.
- Emergencies may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.
- Basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones may be cut off.
- Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
- You and members of your household could be separated during an emergency. Having a plan will help you find each other and stay in touch.
- Having a plan can lessen fears about potential emergencies, make actual emergencies less stressful, and save precious time in an emergency.
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Resources to Help You Make a Plan
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Tip: When preparing for a possible emergency, think first about survival basics: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. |
Evacuation
If authorities tell you to evacuate, they have a good reason to make this request, and you should follow their advice immediately. Grab essentials and go.
Tips:
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Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible.
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Take your disaster supplies kit.
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Take your pets with you. Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative’s or friend’s home or find a “pet-friendly”hotel.
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Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Do not use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
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Stay away from downed power lines.
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Stay tuned to local radio or television for updates.
If you have more time:
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Call your family contact. Tell him/her where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
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Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed by local officials to do so.
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Leave natural gas service on unless local officials advise you otherwise. Because of the disaster, it could take weeks to get it turned back on.
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Protect your home and property.
Learn more:
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Shelter-In-Place.
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Isolation and Quarantine
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Planning for People with Disabilities or Other Special Needs
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| Talking to Children About Disasters |
Food and Water
- Pack at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food and water in your emergency supply kit.
Know what to do if electricity goes off and you lose refrigeration.
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Know how to treat water if it is of questionable quality.
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Dispose of food and water exposed to floodwater, fire and chemicals.
Learn more:
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Clean Air
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Portable Generators
In the event of an electrical power outage, many homeowners and businesses rely on portable power generators to keep lights and appliances running until service is restored.
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Financial Preparations
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Animals
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Businesses
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Information is not intended to be a substitute for appropriate medical advice. Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by Macomb County.
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