Recent disasters have shown just how much communities count on their firefighters and other first responders to keep them safe and protected. But they have also revealed the strains placed on our emergency personnel during times of crisis. Today, more than ever, first responders and local residents must work together to prepare their cities and towns for disaster.
In a disaster, local officials and relief workers cannot reach everyone immediately. Help may not arrive for hours or days. You and your family — and don’t forget to include the needs of those with disabilities — need to be prepared ahead of time because you won’t have time to shop or search for the supplies you will need when a disaster strikes.
Create a family disaster plan that can apply to any type of disaster – natural, unintentional, or intentional. A disaster plan will help with safety, security, and comfort.
In our area, wildfire is one of the most likely natural disasters. Visit these websites for more information on natural disasters in our area:
Prepare an emergency supplies kit
Disaster can occur suddenly and without warning. They can be frightening for adults, but they are traumatic for children if they don’t know what to do when these events occur. Children depend on daily routines. When an emergency disturbs their routine, children can become nervous. In an emergency, they’ll look to parents or other adults to help.
How parents react to an emergency gives children an indication on how to act. They see their parents’ fear as proof that the danger is real. A parent’s response during this time may have a long-term impact. Including children in the family’s recovery plans will help them feel that their life will return to normal.
Families should prepare an emergency supplies kit and develop a plan. Practice your plan so that everyone will remember what to do in an emergency. Everyone in the home, including children, should play a part in the family’s response and recovery efforts. Remember: make the plan simple so everyone can remember the details.
Always remember in an Emergency DIAL 911
