Emergency Preparedness

     Being prepared for an emergency is everyone’s job.  In the first few hours or days following a disaster, essential services may be interrupted.  Taking a few precautions isn’t hard and it will be time well spent to consider what steps are important to safeguard your family and/or business.  The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District suggests the following guidelines:

     1.    The Plan - Create a plan that anticipates situations and creates solutions BEFORE the crisis emerges.  Physical and emotional stress during an emergency may cloud decision-making skills.  Anticipate difficulties and inconveniences when putting your plan together and remember your family members may be in various locations when the crisis arises and special attention needs to be given to planning for this separation.  Maintain a family disaster supply kit with essentials you will need in an emergency.

     2.    Evacuation Strategies – If you must leave your home or place of employment, know the evacuation routes and alternative roads leading away from your community.  Establish several route alternatives depending upon the type and location of the disaster.  Plan on a meeting place for family members if home is not an option.  Follow the advice of authorities about evacuation – they do not ask people to leave unless they believe lives are in danger.  Keep the gas tank of your vehicle full.

     3.    Emergency Communication – Be sure each member knows whom to contact – preferably a friend or relative living out of state – if communication is impaired.   Provide your family’s medical need with a trusted friend or neighbor as well as the distant contact.  Keep important work, home, school and cellular numbers updated and share them with family and friends.  A phone card or email has proven to be helpful in a crisis situation.

     4.    Workplace Decisions – Talk with co-workers or administration to develop an internal emergency plan.  Remember to include assignments for specific responsibilities in the event of an emergency.  On-site emergency supplies may be important, as leaving the workplace may not be an option.   Isolation in the workplace and inability to meet with family must be addressed.  Certain professions (i.e. military, medical, law enforcement and teaching personnel, fire fighters, etc.) may have responsibilities that will keep them from being immediately available to their families and will require additional consideration.

     5.    Special Needs – Consider the physical ability of family members and co-workers in your plan.  Reassure children and the elderly that there is a plan and someone will care for them in an emergency.  Involving them in the plan will minimize fear. 

Consider the physical stamina of those associated with the plan.  Strengthening personal fitness is an important consideration.  Give attention to special arrangements needed to transport those who are disabled.  Plan where to take a pet in the event the emergency facility will not allow pets. 

     6.    Guidelines for Children in Emergencies – Experts agree there are several ways to reassure children and minimize the trauma of an emergency.  Keep their individual responsibilities simple and clear.  (1) Teach them to remain calm – an adult will be there as soon as possible.  (2) Train children how and when to call for help.  (3) Check with the child’s school to become familiar with their emergency plan.  (4) Teach children where to go if they are in an unfamiliar place during an emergency.  (5) Review with children what to do in they are home alone in an emergency.  (6) Practice emergency procedures with your children and family.  Include familiar toys and books in emergency kit preparation.

     The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community and Family Preparedness Program and the American Red Cross Community Disaster Education Program are nationwide efforts to help people prepare for disasters of all types.  For more information, please contact your local emergency management office and American Red Cross Chapter.  Brochures and other preparedness materials are available by calling FEMA at 1-800-480-2520 or by writing FEMA, P O Box 2012, Jessup, MD 20794-2012.  Publications are also available on the World Wide Web at FEMA’s web site or the American Red Cross web site.

     For information on public education programs offered by the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 353-3030.