| No one wants to experience an emergency but | | | | after an event. |
| everyone should be prepared for one by creating | | | | Something that is not often thought of is |
| an emergency response plan. Making sure you | | | | decontamination and exposure control procedures. |
| have the proper supplies and information needed | | | | Part of a disaster is the possible loss of security |
| to survive a serious event means routinely | | | | or containment of hazardous materials. Knowing |
| updating your supplies as well as your field guides. | | | | how to decontaminate if exposed is important, as |
| While food and medical supplies seem to be | | | | is limiting the chances of exposure to dangerous |
| rotated regularly, emergency guides tend to fall | | | | materials to begin with. |
| out of date a bit more often. Take a bit of time | | | | Disasters are usually classified as natural or |
| to check your field guide and make sure you | | | | terrorist based. Your emergency response plan |
| have the latest version. The subjects addressed | | | | should take both into account. Homeland Security |
| in the guide also make a profound difference, so | | | | as well as other agencies has developed natural |
| take a look at the following notes and make sure | | | | disaster response information as well as citizen |
| you have a guide that addresses all aspects of an | | | | terrorism response details. Make sure your field |
| emergency. | | | | guide includes both. |
| A section of your guide should address home | | | | There are also a wide range of national resources |
| walk-throughs and checklists. Obvious things like | | | | to assist you after a disaster. Contact information |
| turning off gas to the house as well as not so | | | | for federal agencies should be a part of your |
| apparent details like filling the tub with water are | | | | guide, and updating your copy regularly will keep |
| important to keep in mind. | | | | the information current. Try and get a guide that |
| Critical first aid is a crucial part of your guide and | | | | fits in your pocket and has easy to read tabs |
| should be reviewed regularly. Your emergency | | | | specifying the sections. |
| response plan will address what to do to stay | | | | Keeping a current plan for emergencies can make |
| safe and secure your location, but medical care | | | | a big difference in unexpected disasters. Make |
| for the injured is without a doubt the most | | | | sure your food and supplies are fresh and keep |
| important aspect of handling the immediate time | | | | your field guides current and you'll be prepared. |