During disasters, local emergency responders may be overwhelmed and citizens must accept the responsibility for their own safety and survival. All personal preparations and plans for emergency situations that may affect you and your family should be designed so that they provide the necessities for surviving, without assistance from others, for a period of at least three days. These plans and preparations could mean the difference between life and death.
Be Ready By:
- Being Informed
- Having a Plan
- Maintaining a Disaster Supply Kit
- & Getting Involved!
Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility!
BE INFORMED!
Know the specific hazards that threaten the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community and how they may affect you.
Know how local authorities will alert you to a pending disaster.
Know the disaster plans of your community, schools, childcare centers and places of employment.
CREATE A PLAN & MAINTAIN IT!
***Create your plan online by clicking here.***
Work with your family, as a team, to review and practice emergency plans and drills.
Have an out-of-town and a local emergency contact that each family member can call in case of separation. Every family member should keep emergency contact numbers with them at all times.
Decide where you will meet.
Ensure that every family member knows the best escape routes out of your home as well as the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
Plan for those with disabilities and other special needs.
Remember to plan for your pets.
Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.
Keep vital records and documents in a safe location.
Review your plan every six months and quiz your family.
Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis.
ASSEMBLE YOUR DISASTER SUPPLY KIT!
The following is a list of essential supplies for your home and workplace:
Three-day supply of nonperishable food and manual can opener
Three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person, per day)
Portable, battery powered radio or television, NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, soap, bleach, moist towelettes, and toilet paper)
Matches in waterproof container
Whistle
Extra clothing and blankets
Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils
Photocopies of identification, insurance policies and credit cards
Cash and coins
Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, hearing aid batteries, etc.
Items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers
Seasonal supplies and clothing
Tools, pet supplies, maps and other items to meet your unique family needs
Restock food & water supplies by checking expiration dates every six months.
****Supplies for your vehicle(s) include: flashlight, extra batteries, maps, first aid kits and manual, white distress flag, tire repair kit, booster/jumper cables, pump, flares, bottled water and non-perishable foods and seasonal supplies.
GET INVOLVED!
You can help prepare yourself and your community in many different ways. Below is a list of some of those opportunities & websites where you can learn more:
Forsyth County CERTs (Community Emergency Response Teams)
North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service
Educational Events in Forsyth County
