| Just as it is important to prepare for a disaster or | | | | to get the latest information about the situation |
| emergency well before it occurs, you should | | | | from authorities, including locations of emergency |
| know what you need to do immediate after an | | | | shelters and medical care. Once you are situated |
| incident. Having a general post-emergency action | | | | in a safe location, be sure you stay there until |
| plan can mean the difference between life and | | | | there is an official announcement stating that it is |
| death to you and your family members. | | | | okay to leave. If you have a cell phone or land |
| The first think you'll want to do is check to see if | | | | line available, use it only for emergency calls and |
| anyone around you has sustained any injuries. | | | | otherwise as little as possible to keep the lines |
| Generally, you won't want to move a seriously | | | | open for rescue and other emergency workers. |
| injured person unless there is a significant risk of | | | | Lastly, once emergency workers are in an area, |
| further injury by staying at that location. Tend to | | | | do not enter the area unless volunteers are |
| those who are injured more seriously, and also be | | | | requested. This will minimize the number of people |
| sure to administer any first aid to yourself if | | | | the workers will need to worry about and it will |
| necessary. | | | | also ensure you remain safe. |
| If an evacuation is necessary, be sure all family | | | | While no one wishes they are caught in a natural |
| members evacuate together if at all possible. If | | | | disaster or other emergency situation, educating |
| there is a situation where family members need | | | | yourself beforehand and having a sound plan can |
| to evacuate without others, be sure to leave a | | | | be an effective way to maximize the chances |
| clearly visible note outlining where you are going | | | | you and your loved ones remain safe. Keep these |
| and what the plan is to meet up again. | | | | simple things in mind and you will be in the best |
| As much as possible, keep a television or radio on | | | | possible situation during an emergency. |