| Earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes in the past | | | | Take special precautions for anyone have any |
| few years have created headlines around the | | | | special needs? |
| world. No one likes to think about it but the next | | | | * Establish an alternate method of contact. |
| event is not a question of if but rather when. It is | | | | Remember the phone lines may not be working. |
| only a matter of time until the next significant | | | | Kids may be at school, and parents at work. |
| event occurs. Whether man-made or natural it is | | | | During: |
| inevitable that something will occur which causes a | | | | * Stay calm! Think deliberately! |
| disruption to normal life. It is likely that electrical | | | | * Stay where you are and take cover. |
| and water service will be interrupted. | | | | * Remember the basic rule of survival: DROP |
| Planning ahead will lessen the impact of the | | | | COVER and HOLD |
| disaster and may even save your life, your | | | | After: |
| family's and even your neighbors. Follow these | | | | * Immediately check for injuries |
| simple steps in preparing for and surviving the | | | | * Retrieve your emergency supplies. |
| next emergency situation | | | | * Apply first aid. |
| Before: | | | | * Establish accountability. If necessary execute |
| * Purchase emergency supplies. Keep your | | | | your alternate method of contact. |
| supplies in a sturdy container. A backpack for | | | | * Put on solid shoes and gloves to protect |
| storing your emergency supplies is perfect. If you | | | | yourself from debris. |
| have to evacuate, everything is ready to just | | | | * Assess the situation. Do you need to evacuate? |
| grab and go. | | | | * Tune into emergency radio for information |
| * Prepare an emergency survival kit. | | | | If you have to evacuate your house disconnect all |
| * Have adequate first aid supplies on hand. A | | | | electrical appliances, shut off the electrical circuits |
| basic two shelf first aid kit is a minimum while a | | | | and gas service at the meter. Post a note on the |
| three or four shelf first aid kit may be necessary | | | | door so neighbors, friends or authorities know you |
| for a larger family. | | | | are OK. |
| * Meet with family members and discuss the plan. | | | | |