St. Louis City Emergency Management Agency


	Citizens Disaster Plans Disasters happen are you ready – Are you and your family ready for any type of disasters? We need to take an all-hazard approach to planning to be ready and protect ourselves and our family. The whole point of emergency preparation is to do as much as possible before an emergency happens The Federal Emergency Management Agency can provide you and your family information on being prepared. This DisasterHelp web site is part of the President's Disaster Management Egov Initiative - a larger initiative aimed at greatly enhancing Disaster Management on an interagency and intergovernmental basis. The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Whatever you want or need from the U.S. government, it's here on FirstGov.gov. You'll find a rich treasure of online information, services and resources. HOT WEATHER TIPS -Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. -Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available. -Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation. -Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. -Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. -Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. -Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. -Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. -Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone. -Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. -Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks. Individual and family preparedness Individual and Family Preparedness  Train in CPR and First-Aid  Training in Citizens Emergency Response Training (CERT)  Develop family emergency plans to facilitate an evacuation from your home, shelter within your home, and a communications plan to ensure accountability of all family members. Set-up an out of town friend of family member to be that contact point.  Build and maintain an adequate emergency supply kit: first-aid kit, battery operated radio (list of emergency broadcast stations in you area) with extra batteries, flashlights, medications, insurance cards, cash, 3 days worth or food and water for each member of your family, and other items that you will need.  Preparedness kit for your family pet  Teach families how to turn off utilities gas, water, and electric.  Know you children schools plan on disaster response and recovery  Know your works disaster operations and recovery plan READY.GOV Through its Ready Campaign, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security educates and empowers Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Ready asks individuals to do three key things: get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses. Earthquake Preparedness Six Ways to Plan Ahead Check for Hazards in the Home Fasten shelves securely to walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches. Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit. Brace overhead light fixtures. Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks. Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor. Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects. Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table. Against an inside wall. Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over. In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways. Educate Yourself and Family Members Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand Flashlight and extra batteries. Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries. First aid kit and manual. Emergency food and water. Nonelectric can opener. Essential medicines. Cash and credit cards. Sturdy shoes. \| Return Home \| Disaster Preparedness \| Severe Weather Warning \| Citizens Emergency Response Training \|