Emergency Preparedness Program
Prepare
Prepare for emergencies by creating a plan, making a kit, and getting involved.
Additional resources:
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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. |
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What is an emergency plan? |
Why do I need 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 Below- 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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- 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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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:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible.
- Take your disaster supplies kit.
- 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.
- Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Do not use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Stay tuned to local radio or television for updates.
If you have more time:
- Call your family contact. Tell him/her where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
- Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed by local officials to do so.
- 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.
- 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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| 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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Prepare for an Emergency: Make a Kit
An emergency supplies kit is a collection of basic items that you will probably need in an emergency. The items are stored in containers that you can take with you if you need to evacuate.
| Types of items to include in your kit: |
Why do I need an emergency supplies kit? |
- Water
- Food
- First aid supplies
- Non-prescription drugs
- Sanitary supplies
- Tools and emergency supplies
- Clothing and bedding
- Items for family members with special needs such as medical conditions, infants, elderly or disabled persons (diapers, prescription medications, extra eye glasses, etc.)
- Important family documents
- Entertainment items such as books and games
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- Help from local officials and relief workers may take hours or days.
- Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or weeks.
- You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and not be able to search or shop for supplies.
- A kit can help your family stay safe and be more comfortable during a disaster or other emergency.
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| How can children help? |
- Plan and assemble the kit, including books, games or toys.
- Remember to update the kit by replacing food, water and batteries as necessary.
- Plan and assemble kits for pets.
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Resources to Help You Make a Kit |
For Home:
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For Work:
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For Pets / Animals:
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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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