EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION

FEMA "Are You Ready?" publication
Information on terrorism compiled by the Library of Congress

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publication H-34, Are You Ready? A Guide For Citizen Preparedness, offers specific protective measures that you can take for an Orange/High threat level, including what to keep in Disaster Supply Kits at home, at work, and in your car.

The Office of Citizen Corps has developed a list of the types of items that should be included in your Disaster Supply Kits in order to be better prepared to survive on your own for three or more days. In addition to your Disaster Supply Kits, you should consider other measures you can take, such as:

• Develop a household disaster plan -- have a household meeting to discuss what members would do and how they would communicate in the event of an incident;
• Be sure to have a battery- operated radio and extra batteries to stay informed;
• Have a list of emergency contact numbers, including fire, police, and hospitals, near the phone;
• Review and practice evacuation plans;
• Learn about community sheltering resources and how to shelter in place;
• Check with school officials to determine their plans for emergency procedures;
• Apartment residents should discuss emergency procedures with building managers;
• Contact neighbors to discuss their plans and needs and how you can help each other;
• If you have special needs, be sure to discuss your plans with family, friends, and your employers;
• Be observant of any suspicious activity and report it to authorities;
• Exercise caution when traveling; and
• Schedule a course in first aid training and CPR and work with your local fire department, emergency managers, and law enforcement to help expand CERT training in your community.

Other resources and links:

FEMA or call toll-free 1-800-480-2520 or write to: FEMA, P.O. Box 2012, Jessup, MD 20794-2012 for copies of this publication.

These websites also provide relevant information:
Citizen Corp
FEMA for Kids Guide to National Security Emergencies
Department of Homeland Security
American Red Cross
Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In light of recent national events, the City of Takoma Park has reactivated its Major Incident Committee, an interdepartmental team. It will be reviewing past plans and developing responses appropriate for varied emergencies that could transpire. Part of the process will be characterizing those incidents that could be handled through City resources and those that would require other (county, state or federal) resources for effective response.

For information about bioterrorism please check the following:

How to handle biological agent threats Official information from the CDC
What is suspicious mail? from the U.S. Postal Service
Bioterrorism information page for Montgomery County citizens.
Montgomery County also has established a special telephone line for questions: 240.777.4200 It will be answered 7 am - 10 pm. A taped message will play at other times. The county health clinic at 2000 Dennis Avenue offers counseling and education.

• The county has also announced an effort to upgrade the emergency response capability .
• The county fire and rescue services have some tips.

Rumors Please check out the rumors you hear before you pass them on.
What is suspicious activity? From Thomas Sweeney, co-chair of the private sector liaison committee for the International Association of Chiefs of Police

Tornadoes? Blizzards? Takoma Park's more typical "no electricity for five days because the storm blew down a lot of trees"?

FEMA's hazard awareness map

Red Cross disaster supplies kit and family disaster planning .

HHS Launches Pandemic Flu Web Site

The Department of Health and Human Services has developed a Web site to provide one-stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information. This Web site provides advice on how to prepare in the event of an outbreak. Visitors to the site can stay up-to-date on plans for responding to an outbreak, learn about current tests, vaccines and medications, and see alerts and advisories for travelers. Personal awareness is the first step to being prepared for the possibility of a pandemic outbreak. Kathleen D. HeuerAssociate Commissioner for Management.

Health and Human Services Pandemic Flu Web Site