Emergencies happen. It can be a tornado, house fire, flood or terrorist attack. Local officials & relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately - you could get help in hours or it could take days. The most important thing to remember in an emergency is to stay calm. Being prepared for an emergency can help protect your family. The whole point of preparation is to do as much as possible before an emergency happens.
Evacuation
Sometimes it may not be safe to stay in your home. Plan where family members can meet. Know where you will go & how you will get there. Plan several different routes If driving, keep windows & vents closed, and air conditioning & heat off Bring ID, such as drivers license, state ID or insurance card Bring an emergency supply kit with you (see below) Turn everything off & lock doors/windows - remember your keys If you can, bring your pets -many public shelters won't allow pets (plan for your pet's care in case you cannot bring your pet with you.
Make a Kit
If an emergency happens, you might not be able to get food or water for days or weeks, or your electricity may not be working. Try to have a three day supply of food & fresh water for each person - at least one gallon of water for each person/day (more if space is available).
Food & water aren't the only things you need to have on hand. The following items should be part of your emergency kit. Keep the items in a container that can be easily carried in case you need to leave your home - a large bag, plastic container, a trash can with a lid.
Canned or dried foods
Radio (battery or windup)
Clock (battery or windup)
Flashlight
Extra batteries for the radio & flashlight
Prescription medicine(s)
First-aid kit
Car Supplies
(Keep a small, portable supply kit in your car at all times. In addition, you should include a small, personal supply kit with these items:)
Several cans of food & a manual can opener
A sleeping bag or extra blanket
Extra money
First-aid supplies
Listen
It is important to stay calm in an emergency. Get as much information about the situation as possible. Many of us rely on TV, radio & the internet for news, but some emergencies may knock out electricity. Make sure to have a battery-powered or windup radio. City, county, state & federal officials have developed emergency plans. During an emergency, it is important to follow their instructions and advice.
Remain Alert
Your plan is in place, your emergency supply kit is stocked & ready, you've talked to friends & family...now remain alert. Review your plan regularly.
Remember - emergencies can affect anyone, but by being Ready in 3, you've taken an active role in your safety & the safety of your loved ones.
For more information about being prepared visit these links:
Columbus Public Health Department
Franklin County Board of Health
Franklin County Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security