Protect Your Family in an Emergency
You’re ready to protect your family in any kind of emergency…or are you? How to create an evacuation plan.
(June 27, 2006 – Baltimore, MD) – The rains of the last few days have created soggy conditions throughout the Baltimore region, and the National Weather Service tells us that more rain is on the way. Some areas have been evacuated to protect residents from flash flooding. Here are a few tips from the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and your local emergency responders to help you prepare, in case an evacuation is ordered in your area:
- Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood. Make sure all family members have all necessary contact information, including cell phone numbers.
- If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.
- Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
- If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to.
- If you do have a car, check with neighbors who may need a ride.
- Take emergency supplies, including a change of clothes for each person, prescription medications, insurance information, cash or an ATM card, and supplies for infants and children, the elderly and pets.
- Lock the door behind you.
- Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency.
Current weather conditions may also lead to power outages. Remember that cordless phones do not work when the power is out, and cell phones may need to be recharged. It’s a good idea to have at least one fully corded phone in your home.
And always remember – the three most basic emergency supplies are a battery- or crank-operated radio to receive current information, flashlights, and at least a gallon of water per person per day for three days.
"We want all of our residents to remain safe in any kind of weather," said Carroll County Commissioner Julia W. Gouge, the BMC Chair. "Emergency responders do their best to reach everyone who needs help, but individuals and families must be prepared to manage until help arrives."
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 December 2008 10:34