Preparing Makes Sense

The likelihood of you and your family surviving a house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an exit strategy, as on a well-trained Fire Department. The same is true for surviving a terrorist attack. We must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector, preparing for the unexpected makes sense.

Make an Emergency Supplies Kit

Start now by gathering basic emergency supplies and setting them aside including:

  • A flashlight
  • A battery-powered radio
  • Extra batteries
  • A first-aid kit
  • Toilet articles
  • Other special things your family may need

Other items to include:

  • A gallon of water per person per day
  • Canned and dried foods that are easy to store and prepare
  • In a cold weather climate, warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of the family

Make a Family Communications Plan

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. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both processes.

  • Develop a Family Communications Plan
  • Create a Plan to Shelter-in-Place
  • Create a Plan to Get Away
  • Plans at School and Work

Be Informed

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However there are important differences among potential terrorist threats, such as biological, chemical, explosives, nuclear and radiological, that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.

Remain Calm

Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene. Above all, stay calm, be patient and think before you act. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.