The Employer Role in Emergency Preparedness
September 18, 2007
September is National Preparedness Month
During the month of September, Americans are encouraged to prepare at home, at work, and in school for emergencies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asks all Americans to take the following the steps to prepare themselves and their families.
1. Make a family emergency supply kit.
2. Create a family emergency plan.
3. Be informed about different threats in your area.
4. Get involved in preparing your communities.
Why Should People Prepare for Emergencies?
All Americans should be socially responsible and prepare for the unexpected, whether the event is of a personal, national or international nature. Emergencies interrupt daily life; being prepared can help the individual and society return to normal as soon as possible.
Employers should take an active role in preparing for emergencies by encouraging employees to prepare themselves and their families. Large companies are in a position of influence; they can motivate employees into action.
Emergency Supply Kit
In the case of an emergency, it is essential that families have the necessary supplies to survive. An emergency supply kit should include:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food that does not have to be cooked.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
- Flashlight.
- Extra batteries for the above supplies.
- First aid kit.
- Whistle.
- Dust mask, plastic sheeting, and duct tape.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties.
- Wrench or pliers.
- Can opener.
- Local maps.
As an emergency supply kit should be personalized to the needs of a given household/family. For more information about the emergency supply kit, see: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html
Family Emergency Plan
In the event of an emergency, families may not be in the same location. Therefore, you should consider the following:
- Do you have everyone's contact numbers?
- Do you have an out of town contact person?
- Have you designated a place for everyone to meet outside of the home and neighborhood?
- What is the evacuation location of your child's school?
There are templates available to help you craft a Family Emergency Plan. For more information, go to www.ready.gov.
Be informed about regional threats
Different parts of the country face different threats such as hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes. It is important to be informed about what natural disasters pose the highest risk and prepare for those specific threats.
To learn more about natural disasters and potential terrorist threats visit www.ready.gov. For specific questions about your geographic area, contact the local Office of Emergency Management or Citizen Corps council.
Get involved in community preparedness
For more information about local opportunities to prepare, train, participate in community exercises and support local emergency responders visit www.citizencorps.gov to find your local Citizen Corps council.
For additional information on pandemic influenza and workplace planning see: www.pandemicflu.gov.
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