Homeland Security

Family Preparedness Information

The following information is provided as a resource to individuals and families in developing emergency preparedness plans. Although most of the information is provided by federal and other homeland security agencies, which focus on preparedness for terrorism incidents, most of this information can be used in developing plans for other types of emergencies such as winter storms, hurricanes, floods, fires and hazardous materials emergencies.

 

State of NH Office of Emergency Management Family Terrorism Preparedness Handbook

State of NH Office of Emergency Management Weapons of Mass Destruction Protective Guide


National Terrorism Advisory System

Ready NH.gov

Individuals and families should not wait until the Department of Homeland Security increases the alert level to establish a family emergency plan. Plans and supplies should be assembled now and maintained even when the threat level is reduced. Plans should be reviewed and tested periodically so that all family members are familiar with them.

As states, communities, police, fire and other departments have emergency plans, families also need to have emergency plans and certain equipment and supplies to support these plans. It is key for all family members to be aware of the plans and be prepared to react appropriately in an emergency. We all rely on fire, police and Emergency Medical personnel to rapidly respond to our aid in an emergency. In a major emergency where a whole community or many communities may be impacted, the these responders may not be available and a family may be on their own for some time.

One should be prepared to be self sufficient in the home for several days. A food and drinking water supply is key. As electric power could be out, the food should not require refrigeration and alternate cooking methods should be considered. Flash lights and batteries are also key equipment in the kit.


Three Key Steps that Individuals and Families Should Take to be Properly Prepared for Unexpected Emergencies

(From the Department of Homeland Security)

Improving our national preparedness is not just a job for the professionals - law enforcement, firefighters and others. All Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during an attack.

While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.

1) Assemble an Emergency Kit

All of us should be able to survive comfortably on our own for at least a three-day period. That's the amount of time you may need to remain in your home until the danger from a biological, chemical or radiological attack has passed. You'll need:

A change of clothes
Sleeping bags
Food and water. A gallon of water per person per day should be enough. Canned and dried foods are easy to store and prepare.


Our advice is to start now by gathering basic emergency supplies - a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, prescription medicines and toilet articles. Duct tape and heavy-duty plastic garbage bags can be used to seal windows and doors. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept. You should also consider bringing a disaster supply kit to work or leaving one in your car.

2) Make a Plan

You should plan in advance 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. Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places you frequent. Ask about their emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. If they do not have an emergency plan, consider helping develop one.

3) Make a Family Communication Plan

Your family may not be together at home when an attack occurs. Make sure everyone knows contact numbers and how to get in touch.
It may be wise to have everyone call an out-of-state friend or relative.
Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone.
Select a "safe-room" where everyone can gather. The best choice is an interior room above ground with few windows and doors.

4) Be Informed

Planning helps. If your family knows what to expect, they will be calmer in the aftermath of a terrorist event. For example, you should find out where to turn for instructions, such as local broadcasting networks. Local authorities will broadcast information as quickly as possible concerning the nature of the emergency and what you should do next. Be sure to keep listening for updates.

There are other ways to plan ahead. Take a first aid and CPR class so that you can provide emergency medical help. Review your insurance policies to reduce the economic impact of a potential disaster. Remember to make accommodating for elderly family members and neighbors or those with special needs. Finally, try to make arrangements for pets not allowed in public shelters.

4) Dowload a Are You Ready Guide

Be Informed about the Types of Threats


Shelter in Place

In some emergency situations evacuation from a home, school or business may not be the best response. In cases of toxic materials in the air from a hazardous materials or terrorist release, it may be safer to remain inside a building than to attempt to escape through the toxic environment. Most buildings do provide some protection if the windows are closed and the heating and air conditioning systems are turned off. Follow the directions of local fire and police officials on whether to shelter in place or evacuate.

"Shelter in Place" is one of the basic instructions you may receive from public safety officials during a chemical emergency in your community. Sheltering in place offers you and your family immediate protection for a short time in your home.

Planning For An Emergency (From the National Institute for Chemical Studies)

If you are told to shelter in place, take your children and pets indoors immediately.

The following general information is a guide on how you should act before, during and after an emergency. The situation in your area may involve unique circumstances. Your local emergency planning committee or office of emergency services can provide you with details.

"Shelter in Place" is one of the basic instructions you may receive from public safety officials during a chemical emergency in your community. Sheltering in place offers you and your family immediate protection for a short time in your home.

If you are told to shelter in place, take your children and pets indoors immediately.

The following general information is a guide on how you should act before, during and after an emergency. The situation in your area may involve unique circumstances. Your local emergency planning committee or office of emergency services can provide you with details

A chemical emergency may occur anywhere hazardous materials are manufactured, stored or transported. Chemical plants are obvious sources of potential accidents. Less obvious are highways, railways and storage containers at places such as swimming pools (chlorine).

  • Study your surroundings for fixed and mobile sources of hazardous materials.
  • Learn about any warning sirens where you live and work. Your local emergency planning committee or office of emergency services can give you information about the sirens, such as when they are tested and for how long.
  • Prepare a shelter-in-place kit appropriate for the type(s) of emergencies that could occur near you. The kit should contain duct tape for sealing cracks around doors and windows; plastic (preferably, precut to size) to cover windows; a battery-operated AM/FM radio; flashlight with fresh batteries; bottled water; towels; toys for young children; candles; matches; first-aid kit; medicine and other items essential for your family's survival. Check the kit every six months to make sure all the supplies are still there and that they are fresh. The room should have a telephone, although you should use it only for emergency calls. If you use it otherwise, you may be taking up a line needed by emergency response officials.
  • Find out which radio, television and cable systems in your area broadcast emergency information.
  • Learn CPR and first-aid
  • For a place to shelter, select a room in your house that has few or no windows.
  • Make sure all family members know what to do in a chemical emergency, whether they are at home, school, work or outdoors.
  • Review your plan periodically and conduct drills.

    During An Emergency You are most likely to hear about a chemical emergency by radio, television or warning sirens. When you learn of the emergency:
  • Immediately take your family and pets to the room you've chosen as a shelter. If your children are at school, do not leave your house to go get them. Going outside could expose yourself to hazardous chemicals. Also, schools have emergency plans of their own.
  • Shut off heating, cooling and fans that draw in air from the outside. If you have a fireplace, close the damper.
  • Shut and lock doors and windows. Locking makes a better seal. Cover any windows with plastic sheeting. Seal cracks around the door and windows with duct tape.
  • Turn on a radio or television to a local station that broadcasts emergency information. Stay tuned until the "all clear" message is broadcast.
  • Stay off the phone. It should be used for emergency calls only.
  • Be prepared to evacuate if ordered to do so by public safety officials. Evacuation instructions will be announced over the emergency broadcast system.

    After An Emergency When you hear the "all clear" message over the emergency broadcast system, you should:
  • Open doors and windows.
  • Turn on your heating/cooling system to ventilate the house.
  • Go outside


Website Links

The following Internet websites provide information on family and community preparedness. These are intended to be a resource and guide as each family's needs are different, you should develop your own plans.

Department of Homeland Security
  • Ready.gov-Frequently Asked Questions About Citizen Preparedness
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    American Red Cross

    New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management

    Other Websites

    Center for Disease Control Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

    Boston Police Department Family Preparedness Guide

    CNN - Living With Terrorism: A How-to Guide