Flooding Information

How can I be better prepared for an emergency?

Disasters are never a planned event and always come at the most inconvenient time so why not plan now? Below is a simple checklist you may follow to better prepare yourself to deal with an unforeseen emergency.

Prepare an Emergency Plan that will serve as a simple reminder, such as:

• Meet with household members. Discuss with children the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
• Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
• Learn how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main switches.
• Post emergency telephone numbers near phones.
• Teach children how and when to call 911, police, and fire.
• Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated by disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).
• Keep family records in a water and fireproof container.
• Download a copy of an Emergency Planning Sheet.

Prepare a Supply Kit to be available in the event you are affected by an emergency that includes:

• A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
  A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• A first aid kit and prescription medications.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• Credit cards and cash.
• An extra set of car keys.
• A list of family physicians.
• A list of important family information, e.g. the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

Home Hazard Hunt

In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
• Fasten shelves securely.
• Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Secure water heater. Strap to wall studs.
• Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat sources.
• Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
• Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.

If You Need to Evacuate

• Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of emergency shelters. Follow instructions of local officials.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Lock your house.
• Use travel routes specified by local officials.

If you are sure you have time…

• Shut off water, gas, and electricity, if instructed to do so.
• Let others know when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in public shelters.

Prepare an Emergency Car Kit, include:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blanket
• Booster cables
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
• First aid kit and manual
• Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods such as granola bars, raisins, and peanut butter
• Maps
• Shovel
• Tire repair kit and pump
• Flares

Fire Safety

• Plan two escape routes out of each room.
• Teach family members to stay low to the ground when escaping from a fire.
• Teach family members never to open doors that are hot. In a fire, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way out.
• Install smoke detectors. Clean and test smoke detectors once a month. Change batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household members in case of fire.
• Check electrical outlets. Do not overload outlets.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
• Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your house.
• Consider installing home sprinklers.

The Town of Amherst has a Fire Safety Division to address all fire safety needs, (716) 631-7142.