Emergency Preparedness: What Should You Do?

Here are some facts you should know and some actions to take to prepare for weather-related or manmade disasters and emergencies.

Know the Warning Signs for Severe Weather

Weather alerts are provided by local authorities and the media when threatening climate conditions arise. Meteorologists are trained professionals equipped to analyze natural indicators of weather conditions that may be threatening and advise us to seek safety when necessary. But do we know what those alerts mean? We hear the warnings but might ask, “Now does that mean we are in the midst of bad weather or is bad weather just a possibility?”

In the event of severe weather predictions, always stay tuned to your radio or television and become familiar with the warning signals. While it’s good to be able to judge cloud formations and other natural signs, don’t assume you will have time to assess weather conditions and to act properly in the event of bad weather. It’s more important to be prepared to take shelter when advised. 

Weather Cues (clip and post in a visible place)

• A weather warning issued as a severe thunderstorm watch indicates possibilities of a severe thunderstorm.

• A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are actually occurring in your area.

• A tornado watch indicates that conditions are favorable for a tornado formation.

• A tornado warning means a tornado funnel has actually been sighted or is visible on weather radars in your area.

• A hurricane watch means a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, listen for updates.

• A hurricane warning signals an actual hurricane is headed toward your area that may be accompanied by 74 mph or higher winds, high tides, and rough waters. 

Understand Elevated & Imminent Advisories

In April 2011, the United States Department of Homeland Security replaced the colored-coded alert system with the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS). Under the NTAS, the public is notified when there is credible information regarding a terrorist threat and the alerts will be classified as an elevated threat or an imminent threat. An elevated threat advisory is issued when a threat has been made; however, there is no specific information regarding a time or location. An imminent threat advisory is issued when there is an immediate impending threat (USDHS, 2011).

Public announcements and general guidance for threats to civilians are made by the United States Secretary of Homeland Security in consultation with other government officials and emergency response teams on the state and local levels. 

Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Identify a place in your home that can be used for indoor shelter in case of emergency. Also, develop an evacuation plan in case you need to escape outside to safety. Your evacuation plan should always include a gathering spot where everyone comes together for roll call. Hold practice drills at home so that you and your family are ready to act quickly when emergencies strike.

Be Prepared
A well-prepared emergency kit should be kept where you established shelter in case of danger or environmental threats. Your kit should contain:

• Non-perishable food items, including canned goods, bottled water, and snacks such as crackers, dried fruit, canned milk, and baby formula
• A cell phone or access to a working land line
• Plastic utensils, paper towels, and a can and bottle opener
• A battery operated weather radio
• Quilts, blankets, or sleeping bags
• Disposable cloths and hand wipes
• Personal hygiene items, including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, disposable shavers, toilet paper, and deodorant
• Flashlight
• Batteries, scissors, and tape
• A first-aid kit
• Medical supplies and prescriptions drugs for seniors and people with special needs including backups for individuals with vision and hearing aids
• Disposable garbage bags
• A working watch or clock

While manmade or natural disasters may be unpredictable, being prepared will help you and your loved ones to act decisively when such incidences occur.

References

American National Red Cross. (2009). Be red cross ready. Three Essential Steps to Disaster & Emergency Preparedness. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006, August 16). Chemical agents: Facts about sheltering in place. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2007, October 18). Tornadoes: Being prepared. Emergency Preparedness and Response. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

Foremost Insurance Company. (2005). What belongs in an emergency kit. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

United States Department of Homeland Security. (2011, April). National terrorism advisory system public guide. NTAS Public Guide. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

UNP-0033, November 2011, Jannie Carter, Ph.D., Extension Assistant Director; Alabama A&M University

For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information.

Published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University), an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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