EmergencyPreparedness

Established in 1827

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Jackson County Sheriff's Office

Missouri

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency situations whether caused by nature or by terrorist activity will disrupt your life. While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones. With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.

There are numerous websites currently available with detailed information to assist with creating a personalized plan for your family. The American Red Cross, Department of Homeland Security, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are the experts in planning for and responding to emergency situations. The Mid-America Regional Council and the Kansas City Regional Terrorist Early Warning (TEW) Inter-Agency Analysis Center are local organizations that have a vast amount of information on planning for and responding to emergency situations.

The following Checklist from the American Red Cross is a good starting place for creating your personalized plan.

Complete this checklist

· Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).

· Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for
emergency help.

· Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.

· Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

· Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.

· Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.

· Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher, and show them where it’s kept.

· Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.

· Conduct a home hazard hunt.

· Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.

Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.

Practice your plan

· Test your smoke detectors monthly, and change the batteries at least once a year.

· Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.

· Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.

· Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.

· Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.

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