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. 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 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. 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). 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. 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
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.
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.
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:
After An Emergency When you hear the "all clear" message
over the emergency broadcast system, you should: