Families and individuals also have an important role to play in making sure our community is prepared should the unexpected strike. Take the time to sit down with your loved ones, neighbors and co-workers and talk about what you would do in the event of a flood, major accident or terrorist incident in Southern Nevada. Each situation requires a specific response and knowing what to do and what supplies to have on hand will enable you to respond to a variety of events. These may include the need to shelter in place, or to evacuate your home, school or place of work.

I have put together the following brief guide for those interested in learning more about emergency preparedness. Along with information to help you get started in planning, you will also find useful phone numbers and directions for accessing helpful on-line information. You may also call my Las Vegas office at 220-9823 to request a copy of two full length brochures— A Citizen Guide to Disaster Preparedness and Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now. Each guide contains important tips and additional information to help you stay safe in an emergency.

Develop a Family Communications Plan:

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.

Complete a contact card for each family member. Have family members keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child to keep on file.

Pick a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe.

Make a Plan for What You Will Do in an Emergency

Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Depending on your circumstances, the first important decision is deciding whether to stay or go. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.

Staying Put

Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it's simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside.

Getting Away

Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of gas in it at all times. Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other means of transportation out of your area. If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to.

At Home, Know How to Evacuate

Draw a floor plan of your home. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from each room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Post a copy of the drawings at eye level in each child's room.

Choose Where to Meet

· Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency

For example:

Near your home, choose the next door neighbor's telephone pole. Outside the immediate area, choose the neighborhood grocery store parking lot.

Learn School Emergency Plans

· Ask how the school will communicate with families during a crisis

· Ask if the school stores adequate food, water, and other basic supplies

· Find out if the school is prepared to shelter-in-place if need be, and where students and faculty plan to go if they must get away

Emergency Supplies

Start now by gathering basic emergency supplies—a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a NOAA Weather radio with tone alert, extra batteries, a first aid kit, toilet articles, prescription medicines and other special things your family may need.

Six basics you should stock for your home:

1) water

2) food

3) first aid supplies

4) clothing and bedding

5) tools and emergency supplies

6) special items (see below)

Disaster Supply Kits

A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items that you may need in an emergency situation. Consider putting together two kits for use in the case of a disaster. In one, put everything needed to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to get away. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag. Consider creating additional kits for your car and place of work.

You'll need a gallon of water per person per day. Include in the kits canned and dried foods that are easy to store and prepare. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents. If you have a pet, include food and water for at least three days, bowls for each, and utensils for opening supplies.

Special Items

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Consult with your physician about storing extra medicines for individuals with special health needs.

A Note about Important Family Documents

Keep copies of important family records such as insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit

◆       Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and Sanitation

◆       Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

◆       Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and Extra batteries for both

◆       Flashlight and extra batteries

◆       First Aid kit

◆       Whistle to signal for help

◆       Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help Filter the air

◆       Moist towelettes for sanitation

◆       Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

◆       Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) 

◆       Unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers, and important family documents

◆       Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

◆       Clothing and Bedding