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Protection Means Planning The Ingham County Health Department protects the public’s health during natural and intentional emergencies, such as a terrorism attack caused by the release of biological, chemical or radiological agents. However, emergency response agencies cannot be everywhere at once and may not be able to reach you or your family immediately. Therefore, everyone must be prepared to meet his or her own basic needs for several days in the event of a emergency. Emergency preparedness means planning ahead. The checklists below make it easy. Go over them with your family and review and update them once a year so they stay complete and up-to-date. Make sure your plan addresses any special needs or disabilities for yourself, loved ones, and/or pets. The American Red Cross recommends the following when preparing for disasters at home, work or school: Create a Disaster Plan Outline what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate during different kinds of emergencies. þ Name two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship. þ Make sure everyone knows the address and phone number of your second meeting place. þ Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood. þ Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster. þ Make sure everyone’s needs are met, especially seniors, people with disabilities, non-English speakers, and pets/livestock. þ Practice your plan with all household members and be sure they have a copy. þ Check on the school emergency plan of any school-age children you may have.
Prepare Emergency Supplies Keep your supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers. Keep the larger one at home and put a smaller one in your car. Include:
þ Three-day supply of water: one gallon per person per day for drinking and cleaning. þ Three-day supply of food, such as dried or canned foods and can opener. þ Cash (at least $50 - 100 in small bills) and an ATM card. þ Changes of clothes and shoes. þ A blanket or sleeping bag for each person. þ First aid kit. þ Family’s prescribed medicines and, if possible, copies of prescriptions. þ Battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and waterproof matches. þ Soap, toilet paper, and extra plastic bags. þ Items for pets, infant, elderly, or disabled family members. þ Extra eyeglasses, extra set of car and home keys. þ Copy of important family papers in a fireproof container.
Get Informed
Know what may happen and how you can help.
þ Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play and how they can affect you, your family and community. þ Identify how authorities will notify you and how you will get important information. |
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Online Resources |
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To contact us: |
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Ingham County Health Department Emergency Preparedness Program 5303 S. Cedar St P.O. Box 30161 Lansing, MI 48909-7661 |
