Check and change the batteries in your smoke alarms.
Replace all alarms that are more than 10 years old.
Post a list of emergency phone numbers posted near all the telephones.
Organize
and practice a family fire drill -- make sure your children know what your smoke detector sounds like and what to do if it
goes off when they are sleeping.
Locate
the utility mains for your home and know how to turn them off manually: gas, electricity, and water.
Create an emergency evacuation plan for your household,
including your pets.
Decide
where your family will meet if a disaster does happen.
Prepare a 3-day disaster supply kit, complete with flashlights, batteries, blankets, medications
and a supply of water and food(and pet food!).
Plan to hold a Neighborhood Watch meeting -- your local Sheriffs' office or police station can help
you get started or visit www.usaonwatch.org .
Check the expiration dates of all over-the-counter medications -- discard all that are expired(safely)
and replace any that are routinely needed.
Check your storage of chemicals and remove from heat, flame or isolate.
Visit with your neighbors and discuss
how you would handle a disaster in your area. Talk to neighbors with special needs and help them become safer too!
