Community Preparedness Information and Guides

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Introduction

Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA's National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and the Office of Emergency Management in Weld County urges every family to develop a family disaster plan.

Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere--at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off?

Emergency Preparedness/72-hour Emergency Kit

The 72-hour survival kit should be Winter is coming-be prepared made to reflect the needs of all the individuals in your household for 3 days to 1 week. Emergency supplies should be stored accessibly should you need to evacuate, such as in a duffel bag or suitcase.

Emergency Kit

• 1 Gallon of water per person per day.
• Identify the storage date and replace as needed.
• Non-perishable packaged or canned food.
• Be sure to have a non-electric can opener.
• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
• A first aid kit and manual.
• Be sure to include extra prescription medications.
• Candles and waterproof matches.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• An extra pair of glasses or extra contacts.
• A battery-powered radio with extra batteries and a flashlight.
• Cash.
• An extra set of car keys.
• A list of physicians, neighbors and emergency phone numbers.
• Special items for children and elderly family members, as well as for your pets.

Car Kit

• Battery-powered radio
• Booster cables
• Bottled water
• High-energy foods such as granola and peanut butter
• Kitty litter
• Use under your tires for traction on ice
• Blanket
• Fire extinguisher
• A five-pound A-B-C type
• Maps, shovel and flares
• Tire repair kit and pump

Copies of Legal Documents

• Marriage License
• House Mortgage
• Vacation Home / Property Ownership
• Automotive Ownership
• Wills
• Jewelry Appraisals
• Drivers Licenses
• Trailers, Snowmobiles, Boat Ownerships
• Insurance Polices
• Bank Accounts

Other Needs

• Plans to stay in contact with family and friends.
• Have a pre-determined location for everyone to meet. Make sure that it is outside your neighborhood is case you can’t return because of flooding, fires, or another emergency event.
• Pen and paper.
• Work gloves
• Basic tools – Utility knife, duct tape, ax, shovel, etc.

Practice and maintain your plan

Ask questions to make sure your family members remember meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months.