Would you be ready if there was an emergency? Does your family have a disaster kit? How about a disaster plan? If the answers are “yes” that is fantastic; but if the answers are “not yet” then here are some suggestions to get you started.
The Hickory Fire Department is participating in the “Ready” campaign. The “Ready” campaign is a national effort to encourage individuals to have an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different threats that may affect them.
Hickory Fire Chief Fred Hollar states “Disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. By taking the time to create an emergency supplies kit, your family will be better prepared in the event of a disaster.”
Here are some suggestions:
- With your family members, talk about what to do in an evacuation.
- Post emergency phone numbers (fire, police, ambulance, etc.) by the phone.
- Assemble a family disaster supplies kit and keep a smaller one in the trunk of your vehicle.
- Know evacuation routes. Pre-establish several different routes in case certain roads are blocked or closed.
- Decide how to take care of pets. Pets are not allowed in places where food is served, so you will need to have a place to take your pets if you have to go to a shelter.
- Family members can become separated during an emergency. Be prepared by creating a plan for how to reach one another. Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or friend) who can coordinate family members' locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.
- Quiz children every six months so they remember what to do, where to go, and whom to call in an emergency.
For a free emergency supplies checklist or more information on disaster preparedness, contact the Hickory Fire Department at 828-323-7420 or go to www.ready.gov or www.hickorync.gov.
