once a year: Change the batteries in all essential devices at
the same time each year. (e.g., smoke alarms).
3. Be Informed
Community Hazard Assessment
What hazards threaten your community and neigh-
borhood? Make a list of how they might affect you.
Think about both natural (e.g., hurricanes, flooding,
winter storms and earthquakes) and human-caused
(e.g., hazardous materials and transportation acci-
dents) and about your risk from those hazards.
Which hazards are most likely to happen in your
community? Earthquakes; flooding; hurricanes; toxic
spills; winter storms; home fires; tornadoes; wildfires;
thunderstorms
Preparing for a hazard that is most likely to happen
in your area will help you be prepared for any disaster.
Remember, disasters can happen at any time. Do you
live alone? Do you drive or own a car? How good is
your sense of smell? Do you have any physical, medi-
cal, thinking or learning limitations? Has your sense of
hearing or vision decreased? Are you reliant upon any
medical equipment? Are you reliant upon a caregiver?
Community Warning Systems
How will you be notified of a possible emergency?
Know how local authorities will warn you of a
pending or current disaster situation and how they
will provide information to you before, during and
after a disaster.
Friends, Family Caregivers and Neighbors
Before a disaster happens it is a good idea to have a
conversation with those in your support network: your
friends, family and neighbors. Let them know your
needs in an emergency situation; ask them how they
could assist with your plan and whether they would
be willing to help. Consider that during some emer-
gencies travel is severely limited and they may not be
able to get to you.
Local Neighborhood Emergency Teams
Connect with a group in your local neighborhood.
Some of these could include CERT (Community
Emergency Response Team), neighborhood watch,
community block associations, faith-based organiza-
tions, etc. Even if you feel you cannot become a mem-
ber, let them know your needs and ask them how they
could assist with your disaster plan. If available, take
advantage of advance registration systems in your area
for those who need help during community emergen-
cies.
Local Volunteer Fire Departments
Connect with your local volunteer fire department
or ambulance and let them know your needs (especial-
ly if you live in a rural area). Discuss with them how
they might be able to assist in your disaster plan.
Local EAS (Emergency Alert System)
Certain television and radio stations will broad-
cast emergency messages from local authorities. Find
out which stations broadcast on the Emergency Alert
System (EAS).
NOAA Weather Radio/All-Hazard Alert Radio
These special radios provide one of the earliest
warnings of weather and other emergencies, and can
be programmed to alert you to hazards in your specific
area. Call your local National Weather Service office or
visit www.nws.noaa.gov for more information.
Door-to-Door Warning From Local Emergency Officials
In some emergencies local responders may come
door-to-door and deliver emergency messages or
warnings. Listen carefully and follow their instruc-
tions!
Senior Living and Assisted Living Communities
If you live in a senior community become familiar
with any disaster notification plans that may already
exist. Talk to your community management or resi-
dent council about how you can all be more prepared
together.
Be Aware — Help Inform Others
There may be people in your community that need
extra assistance when a disaster occurs. Consider how
you can assist them in their preparedness planning and
during an emergency.
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