Families should have own emergency plan

Emergency preparedness is everyone's business and not just government agencies. All sectors within our community such as service providers, businesses, civic and volunteer groups, neighborhoods, as well as individual residents, should all plan ahead for any kind of emergency. During the first few hours or even days following a disaster, essential services may not be available. People must be ready to act on their own. Here are simple steps people can take to be prepared: Step 1: Have a Family Plan - Families should get together to discuss their plan and talk about the steps they'll take to be ready. Learn to shut off utilities such as gas, electricity and water. Remember to plan for family members with special needs. Step 2: Take Action - Each family member, regardless of age, can be responsibly for helping the family be prepared. Activities can include posting emergency telephone numbers, installing smoke detectors, determining escape routes, assembling disaster supply kits or taking first aid and CPR courses. Step 3: Practice and Maintain FROM THE CHIEF FIRE CHIEF ROGER SMITH the Plan - Everyone should know the plan and practice the plan on a regular basis so each family member will know what to do in an emergency. It is often the quick, decisive response that can make the difference. Take the time to practice your evacuation procedures. Step 4: Organize Your Neighborhood The final step emphasizes the need for neighborhoods to take action by forming a community response team. If a community response team has not been organized form one