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WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have prompted new emphasis on emergency planning by communities, businesses and organizations. It has even generated the establishment of a new cabinet-level department focusing on the protection of Americans against terrorist attacks.According to Rear Adm. Philip VanLandingham, director of Navy Medicine’s Office of Homeland Security, as good as federal, state, and local governments and organizations are at planning for emergencies and keeping people safe, they can’t do it alone.“Sailors, Marines and their families must make their own personal emergency action plans so they know what to do, whether for a terrorist attack, a hurricane or a fire,” said VanLandingham. “It’s wise to plan ahead for emergencies. Make an emergency kit with items such as food and water, and ensure you’re informed on what to do in different kinds of disasters.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.Gov Web site, www.ready.gov, says it’s important to think about the places where you and your family spend time - your command, school, work, gym and daycare - and know about their emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families and others during an emergency. Then create your own plan.
The American Red Cross has information for individuals and families’ emergency planning based on the Homeland Security Advisory System. Their brochure, “Your Family Disaster Plan,” available on their Web site, www.redcross.org, is a basic “how to” on putting together a plan.
Other planning steps include:
- Know how to contact each other. If local telephone systems are down, it may be easier to contact out-of-town friends of family members who can then communicate with the separated family members. Family members should carry telephone numbers, a cell phone, a pre-paid calling card or change for a pay telephone.
- Know how and where to get emergency information. Find out what kinds of disasters are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. One common method is emergency radio or TV broadcast. Some communities use special sirens. Military installations may have emergency workers go door-to-door.
- Talk to your neighbors to see how you can collaborate in an emergency.
You should also make a safety kit for you and your family.
The kit should include, as a minimum:
- A three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day) as well as a can opener and disposable plates and cutlery.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first aid kit, including a supply of your prescription medications. Don’t forget to rotate the medicine out before it expires. Consider taking a first aid class.
- A battery-operated radio, extra batteries, flashlight and other common-sense articles are also good to include.
- Sanitation supplies and special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
For additional recommendations on what to have in your kit, download “Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit” from the Red Cross Web site.