Preparedness Is For Everyone
WINDSOR, Conn. — How quickly people recover from an emergency may depend on the thought and planning put into preparing for a possible event.
"Every person has unique needs that should be taken into account," said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis, in charge of the federal recovery in Connecticut. "Everyone – and this includes people with disabilities, children, families and older Americans – should plan for all types of emergencies."
Make a plan that includes letting family and friends know your location if you are required to evacuate from your home. Another first action is to put together a basic emergency kit. This should include:
Medications to last at least a week
Battery-powered or crank radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
First aid kit, extra glasses, hearing aids with extra batteries, and copies of prescriptions
Important documents such as insurance and bank information, Social Security numbers for every family member, and cash and credit cards
Put these important documents in a waterproof container ready to pick up at a moment’s notice. Move anything that may block your path to the exit if you need to evacuate, particularly if the power is out.
Plan for pets as well. Plan to take them with you if you have to evacuate. Take along appropriate food, water and other necessities. Who knows when you might be able to return?
Stay informed about your local situation. Know what the local officials are advising and be ready with your emergency kit. You may need more than one kit: one for sheltering at home and one to take with you.
