• Have at least 1 operating smoke detector on each floor and test them monthly

  • Have a working fire extinguisher

  • Have an escape plan

  • Practice fire drills regularly, using escape plan

  • Keep matches and lighters secured

  • Use proper ash tray when smoking

  • Keep fireplace screen doors closed

  • Avoid using extension cords

  • Never leave candles unattended

  • Turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed

  • Large house numbers able to be seen from roadways

  • The best escape plans include:

    • 2 different ways out

    • someone assigned to call 911

    • someone assigned to assist those that need help

  • Keep portable heaters and space heaters 3 feet away from flammable items

  • Have chimney cleaned regularly

  • Never run extension cords under rugs/carpets

  • Never use stove to heat home

  • Keep oven and stovetop clean of grease and dust

  • Never leave your cooking unattended

  • Wear clothes with short, roll-up, or tight-fitting sleeves

  • Keep flammable items (oven mitts, towels, etc.) away from stove

  • For each pot or pan, have its lid out nearby

  • Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles

  • Turn pot/pan handles inward on stove to prevent bumping

  • Keep children away from cooking area while in use.

  • Unplug countertop appliances when not in use

Speak with the Fire Department

  • Speak with someone about what you should do in case of a fire in your home.

  • Your family, friends, the fire department, or a social service agency should assist in developing an escape plan you can practice.

  • Practice your escape plan with people who are with or nearby you.

Suggestions

  • If you live in an apartment complex, try to occupy one on the ground floor.

  • If you live in a two-story home, try to occupy a bedroom on the ground first floor.

  • Keep your telephone next to your bed. 

  • Install smoke detectors, test them weekly, and change the batteries at least once a year.

Crawl low under the smoke.

Check doors for heat before opening.

Open doors slowly.

DO NOT RE-ENTER FOR ANY REASON.

Call 911 as soon as it's safe to do so.

STOP, DROP, & ROLL;

Cover your face.

  • Know your hurricane risk

  • Make an emergency plan

  • Know your Evacuation Zone

  • Gather supplies

  • Secure your property

  • Get tech ready

  • If anyone in your household has a disability, identify additional help needed

  • Review important documents, such as IDs, insurance policies, passwords, etc.

  • Along with food and water, be sure to include medications and pet supplies

  • De-clutter drains and gutters, secure outside furniture and plants

  • Keep your cell phone and all other electronics charged

  • Stay informed through emergency alerts

  • Take refuge in a storm shelter or interior room for high winds

  • When dealing with flooding, go to the highest level of the building

  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters

When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations.

The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.

Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to the radio/TV for information.

  • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.

  • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

  • Turn off propane tanks

  • Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

  • Move your boat if time permits.

  • Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

  • If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.

  • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure--such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.

  • If you live in a high-rise building--hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

  • If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.

  • If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, and do not have a safe room, follow these guidelines:

  • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.

  • Close all interior doors--secure and brace external doors.

  • Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.

  • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

  • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Find out how to care for your safety after a disaster. Your first concern after a disaster is your family's health and safety.
You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being.

Health

  • Be aware of exhaustion. Don't try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself. Get enough rest.

  • Drink plenty of clean water and eat well.

  • Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water often when working in debris.

Aiding the Injured

  • Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.

  • If the victim is not breathing, carefully position the victim for artificial respiration, clear the airway, and commence mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

  • Maintain body temperature with blankets. Be sure the victim does not become overheated.

  • Never try to feed liquids to an unconscious person.

Safety Issues

  • Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring, and slippery floors.

  • Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation, and dead animals.

General Tips

  • Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.

  • Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home.

  • Watch out for animals, especially venomous snakes.

  • Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

  • Stay off the streets.

Before You Enter

  • Walk around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.

  • NOTE: If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

  • DO NOT ENTER IF:

    • You smell gas.

    • floodwaters remain around the building.

    • Your home was damaged by fire.

After Entering, Check For:

  • Natural gas

    • If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately.

  • Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches for lighting

  • Sparks, broken or frayed wires

  • Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks

  • Appliances

  • Water and sewage systems

  • Food and other supplies

  • Disinfect items that may have been contaminated

Throughout the recovery period, it is important to monitor local radio or television reports and other media sources for information about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance.

Aid Organizations

  • American Red Cross

  • Salvation Army

  • UNICEF

  • Convoy of Hope

The Federal Role

  • In the most severe disasters, the federal government is also called in to help individuals and families with temporary housing, counseling (for post-disaster trauma), low-interest loans and grants, and other assistance.

  • The federal government also has programs that help small businesses and farmers.

  • Most federal assistance becomes available when the President of the United States declares a "Major Disaster" for the affected area at the request of a state governor.

  • FEMA will provide information through the media and community outreach about federal assistance and how to apply.