What You Should Do

Monroe County citizens should always be prepared for emergencies—in the same manner they would under circumstances such as severe winter weather or a power outage.

Every year Monroe County’s EOC (Emergency Operations Center) joins with the American Red Cross in announcing emergency preparedness suggestions. The general message centers on maintaining normal home necessities to last about three days. Taking preparatory action ahead of time can help you and your family exert a measure of control over any unexpected emergency. You may find helpful tips about preparing for the unexpected by visiting the American Red Cross website.

Whatever the situation, there are steps everyone, young or old, can take to be prepared; steps that can help during any emergency. Here are a few preparedness suggestions:

• Create a family emergency communications plan.
• Establish a meeting place.
• Assemble a disaster kit (includes special needs like medicine, first aid, radio, blankets, etc.).
• Know you child’s school emergency plan.
• Know what to do if an emergency does strike, (listen to radio and television emergency stations, follow directions of emergency officials, etc.).

Also see:

Public Health - Personal Perparedness

Helpful Online Information

• The American Red Cross
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA), Winter Preparedness
• Citizen Corps
• International Association of Emergency Managers
• Institute for Business and Home Safety
• National Flood Insurance Program
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Disaster Research Center (DRC) at the University of Delaware
• The Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Car Roadside Emergency Kit Guide