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Introduction
The Leland Fire/Rescue Department wants to encourage the community to constantly strive to enhance its state of readiness! The following information is designed to help you prepare your family and your home for a natural or man-made disaster.
Please take a few moments to review the information provided on these page. You will find information and links to various disaster and emergency related sites. We hope you find the information beneficial.
For more specific information on different types of disasters, please visit the following pages in our series of disaster preparedness.
If you would like more detailed information, we would be glad to assist. Please contact assistant Chief Ronnie Hayes at (910) 371-2727, or email him at ronnie.hayes@lelandfirerescue.com.
Personal Preparedness
The most important thing citizens can do is to prepare themselves and their families to withstand the effects of disasters. There are several things you can do to ensure your family if prepared. First, you should have a plan. This plan should include items such as where to meet, how to contact family members, and how to let someone know you are safe. Additionally, you should have a supply kit, which includes basic items such as cash, food, water, flashlight, radio, batteries, prescription drugs etc. Your kit should contain enough items to be sufficient for a minimum of three days. The following list is a suggestion for items to include in your personal supply kit:
- A supply of water (one gallon per person, per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Mark the storage date on container, and replace every six months.
- A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food, and a non-electric can opener and bottle opener.
- A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for each family member.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- A first aid kit and prescription medications (such as inhalers).
- An extra pair of eyeglasses, hearing aid (and batteries), if required.
- A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra (fresh) batteries.
- Credit cards and cash.
- An extra set of car keys.
- A list of family physicians.
- Special items for infants, elderly, pets or disabled family members.
- A list of important family information: style & serial number of medical devices (such as pacemaker, hearing aid); both prescription and allergic medications; emergency phone numbers; etc
Family Emergency Plan
Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather and other emergencies.
- Identify the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
- Discuss what to do about power outages.
- Discuss what to do about personal injuries.
- Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
- Show family members how to turn off water, gas, and electricity at main switches when necessary.
- Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
- Teach children how and when to call 911.
- Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
- Designate 1 out-of-state and 1 local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster. (During emergencies, it is often easier to call out of state than within affected areas.)
- Teach children your out-of-state and local contact's phone numbers.
- Pick 2 emergency meeting places.
1) A place near your home in case of fire.
2) A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
- Take a basic first aid and CPR course.
- Keep family records in a water-proof and fire-proof container.
Evacuation
If you need to evacuate, do the following:
- Listen to a battery-powered radio for the location of emergency shelters. Follow instructions of local officials.
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Take your Emergency Supplies Kit.
- Lock your house (doors and windows).
- Use travel routes specified by local officials.
If you are sure that you have time, do the following:
- Shut off water, gas, and electricity at main switches, if instructed to do so.
- Notify your emergency contacts, telling them when you are leaving and where you are going.
- Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in public shelters.
Links
Ready.gov
brunswickes.com
FEMA: Are you ready (http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/)
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