It is important to stay calm. Even after an event, there may still be many dangers. What seems like a safe distance or location may not be. Stay tuned to your local emergency radio or television station, and follow the advice of trained professionals. Unless told to evacuate you should avoid using roads to allow emergency vehicles access. Here are some helpful hints:

 

If Your Power Goes Out

• Assist family members or neighbors who may be vulnerable if exposed to extreme heat or cold.

• Locate a flashlight with batteries to use until power comes back on. Do not use candles—this can cause a fire.

• Turn off sensitive electric equipment, such as computers, DVD players, and televisions.

• Turn off major electric appliances that were on when the power went off. This will help to prevent power surges when electricity is restored.

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep cold in and heat out.

• Do not use the stove to heat your home, this can cause a fire or fatal gas leak.

• Use extreme caution when driving. If traffic signals are out, treat each signal as a stop sign—come to a complete stop at every intersection and look before you proceed.

• Do not call 9-1-1 to ask about the power outage. Listen to the local radio stations for updates.

 

Business Preparedness

• There are basic steps that a business should take to prepare for an emergency. Some of these steps include:

• Prepare backups and store off site all computer records (i.e. payroll, inventory records, etc.).

• Have an emergency plan in place for staff and customers and test this plan regularly.

• Maintain sufficient insurance coverage for your business.

• Identify critical business functions that absolutely must continue (i.e. shipping, inventory control, payroll) and come up with processes to ensure these will carry on.

 

Technological Emergencies

• If you are notified or become aware of a technological hazards emergency such as a chemical, biological, or radiological emergency, fire or explosion, do not panic. The best defense from any of these emergencies is education and awareness. If you need to get out of the surrounding area or are directed to evacuate, do so immediately and:

• Take your Emergency Go Kit.

• Lock your home.

• Travel on routes specified by local authorities.

• Travel with car windows up and air vents, air conditioner, and heater turned off.

• Emergency personnel are trained to respond to these situations. They will tell you what to do, either at the incident site, or via TV or radio. Emergency broadcasts can be received via the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

• If time permits:

• Close and lock windows and doors and close all vents and fireplace dampers.

• Turn off all fans and heat or air conditioning.

• Shut off water, gas, and electricity before leaving.

• Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

• Make arrangements for your pets.