Disasters & Emergencies
We are all subject to the weather and nature. Emergencies can result from a variety of sources, including earthquake, flood, fire, heat, hurricane, lightning, thunderstorms, tornado and winter weather. Emergency preparedness and actions to take in the aftermath is critical. Helpful information can be obtained through the New York State Emergency Management Office
at (518) 292-2200 or http://www.semo.state.ny.us/
The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Household Preparedness Guide takes an all-hazards approach to teaching New
Yorkers emergency preparedness essentials. This guide outlines steps New Yorkers can take to prepare for all disasters. The Household Preparedness Guide
is a comprehensive pamphlet that may be downloaded online at http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/household_guide.shtml or, in New York City, received in the mail by calling 311.
Your local office for the aging can also provide you with information regarding plans for disasters/emergencies in your county, such as how to prepare for them in advance, contacts to help you in a disaster/emergency, the location of relief centers, etc. See the inside back cover of this Guide to find out what steps you should take before a disaster or emergency occurs.
Preparing for Disasters and Emergencies
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and American Red Cross recommends that you keep a supply of basic items in case of an emergency. Two kits need to be assembled.
Kit # 1: Put in everything you will need to help you stay where you are and to make it on your own for a period of time.
Kit #2: This should be a lightweight, smaller version that you can take with you if you have to leave your home.
Basic supplies should include:
- Water - one gallon per person per day for at least three days. For drinking and sanitation with food.
- Non-perishable food - a 3-day supply and can opener if kit contains canned food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand crank flashlight and extra batteries
- NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape where you are
- Moist towelettes
- Garbage bags, plastic ties and toilet paper for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Pet food if you have a pet, and extra water
- Up to date list of your emergency contacts in your wallet or pocket book with names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for key family members and health care providers.