Preparedness Tip of the Day

 September 30th

Unlike an explosion, a biological attack mayor may not be immediately obvious. Most

likely local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness or a wave of sick

people seeking medical attention. The best source of information will be radio or

television reports.

Understand that some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious

diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can result in diseases you can catch from

other people.

In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately be able to

provide information on what you should do. It will take time to determine exactly what

the illness is, how it should be treated, and who may have been exposed. You should

watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news including the

following:

• Are you in the group or area authorities believe may have been exposed?

.. What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

• Are medications or vaccines being distributed?

• Where? Who should get them and how?

.. Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick?

During a declared biological emergency:

• If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious.

.. Do not assume, however, that you should go to a hospital emergency room or

that any illness is the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common

illnesses may overlap.

• Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading

germs, and seek medical advice.

• Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be in danger.

• If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at

risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention.

If you are potentially exposed:

• Follow instructions of doctors and other public health officials.

• If the disease is contagious expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment.

You may be advised to stay away from others or even deliberately quarantined.

• For non-contagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation and

treatment.

If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:

• Quickly get away.

• Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter

the air but still allow breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton

such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Otherwise, several layers of tissue or

paper towels may help.

• Wash with soap and water.

• Contact authorities.

• Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news and

information including what the signs and symptoms of the disease are, if

medications or vaccinations are being distributed and where you should seek

medical attention if you become sick.

• If you become sick seek emergency medical attention.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 29th

If there is an explosion:

.. Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table.

• Exit the building immediately.

• Do not use elevators.

.. Check for fire and other hazards.

• Take your emergency supply kit if time allows.

If there is a fire:

• Exit the building immediately.

• If there is smoke, crawl under the smoke to the nearest exit and use a cloth, if

possible, to cover your nose and mouth.

• Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts of closed

doors.

• If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slowly.

• If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out.

• Do not use elevators.

• If your clothes catch on fire, stop-drop-and-roll to put out the fire. Do not run.

e If you are at home, go to your previously designated outside meeting place.

• Account for your family members and carefully supervise small children.

• GET OUT and STAY OUT. Never go back into a burning building.

• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 28th

When there is concern about a potential exposure to a chemical or other airborne

hazard, local officials may advise you to "shelter-in-place " and "seal the room." This is

different from taking shelter on the lowest level of your home in case of a natural

disaster like a tornado. If you believe the air may be badly contaminated or if you are

instructed by local officials, follow the instructions below to create a temporary barrier

between you and the contaminated air outside.

To shelter-in-place and seal-the-room:

.. Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.

.. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.

.. Close the fireplace damper.

.. Get your disaster supplies kit and turn on your battery-powered radio.

.. Go to an interior room that is above ground level and without windows, if

possible. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable

because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements

even if the windows are closed .

., If directed by local authorities on the radio, use duct tape to seal all cracks

around the door and any vents into the room. Tape plastic sheeting, such as

heavy-duty plastic garbage bags, over any windows.

.. Listen to your radio or television for further instructions. Local officials will tell you

when you can leave the room in which you are sheltering, or they may call for

evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 27th

 

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human

hardship and economic loss. As much as 90 percent of the damage related to all natural

disasters (excluding draught) is caused by floods and associated debris flow. Most

communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding. Melting snow

can combine with rain in the winter and early spring; severe thunderstorms can bring

heavy rain in the spring or summer; or hurricanes can bring intense rainfall to coastal

and inland states in the summer and fall. Regardless of how a flood occurs, the rule for

being safe is simple: head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater. Even a

shallow depth of fast-moving floodwater produces more force than most people

imagine. You can protect yourself by being prepared and having time to act. Local radio

or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio are the best sources of information in a flood situation.

Plan to Stay in Business

As a business owner or manager, you are a leader in the community and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow.  This September, join the community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared.

Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes.  As an employer in the community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your business, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

Ready Business asks companies to take three simple steps: plan to stay in business; encourage your people to become Ready and protect your investment.

This year, the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, with support from partners across the county, including a wide range of businesses and organizations, is focusing National Preparedness Month on encouraging individuals, families, and businesses to take active steps toward becoming Ready.  We must work together as a team to ensure that our families, businesses, neighborhoods, and communities are Ready.

Ready Business, an extension of the Ready Campaign, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare their employees, operations and assets in the event of an emergency.  The Business section of Ready.gov contains vital information for businesses on how to get started preparing their business and their unique needs during an emergency.

For more information on National Preparedness Month, or for help preparing your business, call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585 or visit Ready.gov/business where business owners can download or order free Ready information, publications, and much more.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 26th

 

Learn if earthquakes are a risk in your area by contacting your local emergency

management office, local American Red Cross chapter, or state geological surveyor

department of natural resources. Information about earthquake risk is also available

from the U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazards project.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 25th

 

A disaster can cause significant financial loss. Your apartment or home may be severely

damaged or destroyed. You may be forced to live in temporary housing. Income may be

cut off or significantly reduced. Important financial records could be destroyed. Take the

time now to assess your situation and ask questions.

 

To help you, consider using the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a tool

developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps or contact your local Red

Cross chapter for Disasters and Financial Planning: A Guide for Preparedness.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 24th

 

Understand that during an emergency you may be asked to "shelter-in-place" or

evacuate. Plan for both possibilities and be prepared to listen to instructions from your

local emergency management officials. Visit Ready.gov and

www.redcross.org/preparedness for more information on sheltering-in-place.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 23rd.

 

In some emergencies you may be required to turn off your utilities. To prepare for this

type of event:

• Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves.

• Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves

• Teach adult family members how to turn off utilities.

If you turn off the gas, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this

yourself.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 22nd.

 

When water is of questionable purity, it is easiest to use bottled water for drinking and

cooking if it is available. When it's not available, it is important to know how to treat

contaminated water. In addition to having a bad odor and taste, water from questionable

sources may be contaminated by a variety of microorganisms, including, bacteria and

parasites that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. All

water of uncertain purity should be treated before use. Use one or a combination of

these treatments:

• Filter: Filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid

particles.

• Boil: Bring it to a rolling boil for about one full minute. Cool it and pour it back

and forth between two clean containers to improve its taste before drinking it.

• Chlorinate:

o

Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.

Stir to mix. Sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to 6%

should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be any

added soap or fragrances. A major bleach manufacturer has also added

Sodium Hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose

a health risk for water treatment.

o

Let stand 30 minutes.

o

If it smells of chlorine. You can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, add

16 more drops (1/8 teaspoon) of chlorine bleach per gallon of water, let

stand 30 minutes, and smell it again. If it smells of chlorine, you can use it.

If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.

Flood water can also be contaminated by toxic chemicals. Do NOT try to treat flood

water.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 21st.

 

Read the information on your city, county and/or state government Web sites as well as

the "Be Prepared" section of www.redcross.org or Ready.gov and print emergency

preparedness information. Be sure to keep a copy with your disaster supplies kit. It can

provide telephone numbers, addresses and other information you need when electronic

connections are not available options for obtaining the information

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 20th - Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. Review emergency action steps with all family members:

• Check the scene and the victim

• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number posted by the telephone

• Care for the victim

Help your children learn more about emergencies by visiting Red Cross' "Masters of

Disaster."

Emergencies affect all of Us, Including our Pets

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household.  When planning your family for disaster, don’t overlook the needs of your cherished family pets.  The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or any of the all hazards depends largely on emergency planning done today.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), while you make a plan to prepare for your family also consider your family pet.  Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency.  Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets.  Keep in mind that what’s best for you is typically what’s best for your animals.

If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!  Pets most likely cannot survive on their own and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.

If you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside.  Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets:

·         Consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you and your pets in an emergency

·         Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself.

·         Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

·         Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.

Pet owners can receive free preparedness tips on how to best prepare for emergencies at http://www.ready.gov/animals or by calling 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Learn what to put in a pet Emergency Supply Kit, how to develop a pet care buddy system, and how to make plans in advance for neighbors’ pets if they need to evacuate.  In addition, instructional videos on family and pet preparedness are available at www.ready.gov/psa. 

This September, remember to prepare your entire family, including your pets.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 19th

 

You should also keep a smaller version of your emergency supply kit in your vehicle, in

case you are commuting or traveling when disaster strikes.

Emergency Kit For Your Vehicle

• Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars,

raisins and peanut butter

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Blanket

• Booster cables

• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)

• First aid kit and manual

• Maps

• Shovel

• Tire repair kit and pump

• Flares or other emergency marking devices

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 18th -- Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person in your emergency supply kit. We suggest long pants and long sleeves for additional protection

after a disaster.

 

Clothing and Bedding (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *

Sturdy shoes or work boots*

Rain gear*

Blankets or sleeping bags*

Hat and gloves

Thermal underwear

Sunglasses

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 17th --  Also include items for sanitation in your emergency supply kit Consider the following:

Sanitation (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *)

• Toilet paper, towelettes*

.. Soap, liquid detergent*

• Feminine supplies*

• Personal hygiene items*

• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)*

.. Plastic bucket with tight lid

• Disinfectant

• Household chlorine bleach

(Continued in the next tip)

Preparedness Tip of the Day

Sunday, September 16th

One of the easiest ways you can prepare for emergencies is to keep some supplies

readily available. Every kit is unique and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of

your family, but below is a general list of supplies you may want to consider:

Tools and Supplies (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *)

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils

• Emergency preparedness manual and a copy of your disaster plan, including

your emergency contacts list

• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*

• Flashlight and extra batteries*

• Cash or traveler's checks, change*

• Non-electric can opener, utility knife*

• Fire extinguisher: small ABC type stored near where fires are likely to occur such

as a kitchen, or near a fireplace. It should not be kept in the disaster supplies kit.

• Tube tent

• Duct Tape*

• Compass

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Aluminum foil

• Plastic storage containers

• Signal flare

• Paper, pencil*

• Needles, thread

• Medicine dropper

  Shut-off wrench or pliers, to turn off household gas and water

• Whistle*

• Plastic sheeting*

• Map of the area (for locating shelters and evacuation routes)

Preparedness Tip of the Day

Saturday, September 15th

Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. Store a minimum of one gallon of

water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and

sanitation). Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using

containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A

normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot

environments and strenuous activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers,

and people who are sick will also need more.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

Friday, September 14th

 

Take a minute to check your family's first aid kit, and note any depleted items - then,

add them to your shopping list. Don't have a first aid kit? Add that to the list or build a kit yourself. Just add the following items to your shopping list and assemble a first aid kit.  Consider creating a kit for each vehicle as well:

First Aid Kits - Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes

(1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing

(1) conforming roller gauze bandage

(2) triangular bandages

(2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads

(2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads

(1) roll 3" cohesive bandage

(2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer

(6) antiseptic wipes

(2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves

Adhesive tape, 2" width

Anti-bacterial ointment

Cold pack

Scissors (small, personal)

Tweezers

CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield

First Aid Manual

 

Non-Prescription and Prescription Drugs

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

• Anti-diarrhea medication

• Antacid (for stomach upset)

• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

• Laxative

• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

• Prescription drugs, as recommended by your physician, and copies of the

prescriptions in case they need to be replaced

For more information about first aid kits, visit www.redcross.org.

 

 

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 13th -- Preparing for emergencies needn't be expensive if you're thinking ahead and buying small quantities at a time.  Make a list of some food that:

• Have a long shelf-life and will not spoil (non-perishable)
• You and your family like
• Do not require cooking
• Can be easily stored
• Have a low salt content as salty food will make you more thirsty

Keep the list in your purse or wallet and pick up a few items each time you're shopping and/or see a sale until you have built up a well-stocked supply that can sustain each member of your family for at least three days following an emergency.

It Doesn’t Cost a lot to be Prepared

It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending.  But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be prepared?  Preparedness doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.  September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come.  Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.

·         Make a Plan.  Work with your family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area.  Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.  You can download Family Emergency Plan templates at http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

·         Update Contact Information.  Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need.  Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.

·         Check Your Policy.  Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes – renters, too!  When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.

·         Make a Ready List.  You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits.  Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget.  Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car.  Sample Ready Lists can be found at http://www.ready.gov/document/family-supply-list

·         Plan Your Purchases.  You can save money by thinking ahead.  Don’t buy preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and supplies will be in high demand.  Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.

·         Shop Sales.  Shop at sales and used goods stores.  Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the cost as much.

·         Make Sure it Keeps.  Store water in safe containers.  You don’t need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight.

·         Request a Gift.  We all get things we don’t need.  Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family.  It just might save your life.

·         Trade a Night Out.  Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit.  Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80.  Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.

*The best tip: start now.  Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 12th -- You should keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of you and your family for at least three days.  Build an emergency supply kit to take with you in an evacuation.  The basics to stock in your portable kit include; water, food, battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, change of clothing, blanket or sleeping bag, wrench or pliers, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, trash bags, map, a manual can opener for canned food and special items for infants, elderly, the sick or people with disabilities.  Keep these items in a an easy to carry container such as a covered trash container, a large backpack, or a duffle bag.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 11th - What if disaster strikes while you're at work?  Do you know the emergency preparedness plan for your workplace?  While many companies have been more alert and pro-active in preparing for disasters of all types since the September 11, 2001 attacks, a national survey indicates that many employees still don't know what their workplace plan is for major or minor disasters.  If you don't know yours, make a point to ask.  Know multiple ways to exit your building, participate in workplace evacuation drills, and consider keeping some emergency supplies at the office.  Visit www.ready.gov and click on Ready Business for more information about business preparedness.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 10th - A community working together during an emergency makes sense.

• Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together during an emergency.
• Find out if anyone has specialized equipment like a power generator, or expertise such as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis.
• Decide who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors.
• Make back-up plans for children in case you can't get home in an emergency.

Sharing plans and communicating in advance is a good strategy.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 9th - Practice.  Conduct fire drills and practice evacuating your home twice a year.  Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternative routes on a map in case main roads are blocked or gridlocked.  Practice earthquake and tornado drills at home, school and work.  Commit a weekend to update telephone numbers, emergency supplies and review your plan with everyone.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 8th - Teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for help.  Post these and other emergency telephone numbers by telephones.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 7th - Check your child's school web site or call the school office to request a copy of the school's emergency plan.  Keep a copy at home and work or other places where you spend a lot of your time and make sure the school's plan is incorporated into your family's emergency plan.  Also, learn about the disaster plans at your workplace or other places where you and your family spend time.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 6th -- Go through your calendar now and put a reminder on it -- every six months -- to reviewyour plan, update numbers, and check supplies to be sure nothing has expired, spoiled or changed.  Also remember to practice your tornado, fire escape or other disaster plans.

This September: Pledge to Prepare

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM).  It is a time to prepare yourself and those in your care for an unexpected emergency.

If you’ve seen the news recently, you know that emergencies can happen unexpecedtedly in communities just like ours, to people like you.  We’ve seen tornado outbreaks, river floods and flash floods, historic earthquakes, and even water main breaks and power outages.  We’ve experienced most of them right here in Chester County.

This September, please prepare and plan in the event you must go for three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services for several days.  Just follow these four steps:

1.      Be Informed: Free information is available to assist you from federal, state, county and municipal resources.  You can find preparedness information by:

ü  Accessing Ready.gov or ReadyPA.org to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency

ü  Registering for emergency text alerts by texting CHESCO to 411911 or by visiting readynotifypa.org

ü  Contacting your local firehouse and asking for a tour and information about preparedness

2.      Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care.  For sample plans, see Ready.gov.  Work together with neighbors, colleagues and others to build community resilience.

3.      Build a Kit: Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care – water, non-perishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, battery-powered radio – for a checklist of supplies visit Ready.gov

4.      Get Involved: There are many ways to Get Involved especially before a disaster occurs.  The whole community can participate in programs and activities to make their families, homes and communities safer from risks and threats.  Community leaders agree the formula for ensuring a safer community consist of volunteers, a trained and informed public and increased support of emergency response agencies during disasters.

Major disasters can overwhelm first responder agencies.  Police, fire and rescue may not always be able to reach you quickly, such as if trees and power lines are down or if they’re overwhelmed by demand from an emergency.  The most important step you can take in helping your local responders is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care; the more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover.

As FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate reminds us, “Individuals and families are the most important members of the nation’s emergency management team.  Being prepared can save precious time if there is a need to respond to an emergency”.  For more information on National Preparedness Month and for help getting prepared visit Ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585 for free information.

Preparedness Tip of the Day

September 5th - Dogs may be man's best friend, but due to health regulations, most emergency shelters cannot house animals.  Find out in advance how to care for your pets and working animals when disaster strikes.  Pets should not be left behind, but could be taken to an veterinary office, family member's home or animal shelter during an emergency.  Also be sure to store extra food and water for pets.  For more information, visit the Animal Safety section on www.redcross.org or visit the Humane Society web site at www.hsus.org. 

Emergency Preparedness Tip of the Day

September is National Preparedness Month.  During the month, each day we will post a "Tip of the Day" to help you and your family become better prepared for an emergency.

September 1st - Take a moment to imagine that there is an emergency, like a fire in your home, and you need to leave quickly.  What are the best escape routes from your home?  Find at least two ways out of each room.  Now, write it down -- you've got the beginning of a plan.

September 2nd - Pick a place to meet after a disaster.  Designate two meeting places.  Choose one right outside your home, in case of a sudden household emergency, such as a fire.  The second place you choose needs to be outside your neighborhood, in the event that it is not safe to stay near or return to your home.

September 3rd - Choose an emergency contact person outside your area because it may be easier to call long distance than locally after a local/regional disaster.  Take a minute now to call or email an out of town friend or family member to ask him or her to be your family's designated contact in the event of an emergency.  Be sure to share the contact's phone number with everyone in the family.  During an emergency, you can call your contact who can share with other family member where you are; how you are doing; and how to get in contact with you.

September 4th - Complete an emergency contact card and make copies for each member of your family to carry with them.  Be sure to include an out of town contact on your contact card.  It may be easier to reach someone out of town if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.  You should also have at least one traditionally wired landline phone, as cordless or cellular phones may not work in an emergency.  Visit www.redcross.org or www.ready.gov for sample emergency contact cards.