Emergency Preparedness

In Feb. 2003, the DHS launched its public service "Ready" campaign in association with the Ad Council and the Sloan Foundation. People are advised to take 3 steps.

1. Make a Kit.
Make a home emergency supply kit with at least 3 days worth of essential provisions for "sheltering-in-place," and assemble a lightweight version in case evacuation is necessary.

Kits should include 1 gallon of water per person per day. Provide enough easily prepared canned or dried foods. In colder climates, supply warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of the family. Kits should contain a first-aid kit, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, toiletries, and any needed medical presciptions. They should include a filter mask (available in hardware stores) or other covering to use as a filter when breathing. Duct tape and heavy-duty garbage bags or plastic sheeting should be available in case it is necessary to seal windows and doors.

2. Make a Plan.
Form a communication plan, with designated contacts for each family member. Provisions should be made both for staying in place and for evacuating.

Shelter-in-place.
Designate in advance an interior room, or one with the fewest windows and doors, for shelter. In an emergency, if there is heavy debris in the air or authorities deem the air contaminated, close windows, doors, vents, and fireplace dampers, and turn off air conditioners, forced-air heating systems, exhaust fans, and clothes dryers. Take family members and emergency supplies to a selected room and seal doors and windows as needed. Follow TV or radio broadcasts, or the Internet, for further instructions.

Evacuation.
Create an evacuation plan with a specific meeting place for family members. Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car at all times, and learn alternate driving routes, as well as alternate means of transportation in your area. If the air is contaminated, drive with the windows and vents closed and keep the air conditioning or heater off.

Work and School.
Talk to schools and employers about emergency plans and how they will communicate with families in emergencies.

3. Be Informed.
What to do depends partly on the nature of the threat.

Biological Threat.
If a biological danger is reported, keep in contact with TV, radio, or the Internet for news and advice. If you become aware of a release of an unknown substance nearby, get away and cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow breathing. Wash with soap and water, and seek medical attention.

Chemical Threat.
In the event of a chemical attack, leave the contaminated area immediately, if you can safely do so. Signs of a chemical attack in the area may include people with symptoms such as watery eyes, twitching, choking, difficulty breathing, or loss of coordination. Listen to news reports. If you believe you may have been exposed to a chemical agent, remove clothes promptly and wash with soap and water. Do not scrub chemical into skin. Be sure to seek medical attention.

Explosions.
If there is an explosion, take shelter from the blast under a desk or table. Leave the building or area when feasible; check for fire, and never use elevators.

Nuclear Blast.
In case of a nuclear blast, take cover immediately, preferably below ground. Decide whether to shelter-in-place or evacuate; bear in mind that the more shielding and distance between you and the blast, and the less time of exposure, the more you reduce your risk.

Source: http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html