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Emergency Safety Tips |
 Devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on 9/11, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. However, there are steps you can take to prepare for the unexpected and reduce any anxiety that you may feel about the possibility of an emergency situation in the future. The Walpole Police Department would like to offer the following tips, courtesy of the American Red Cross, on some simple safety tips that are great for any family to learn.
- Choose an out-of-town relative or friend who will act as an emergency contact in the event of a disaster. Family member, if separated during an incident, can call or email and check in with this contact. Often during in an emergency local communications are down or flooded making direct contact impossible. At least this way you can let everyone know you are ok.
- Establish a meeting place away from your home that your family can meet should your neighborhood be affected by an incident. Again, communication lines are often disabled during emergencies, choosing a meeting place gives direction to family member should they be alone and out of contact.
- If you need to evacuate or "shelter in place", it is good to have some important supplies easily accessible. This is nothing more than a duffle bag with vital items such as a portable radio and batteries, water, first aid kit, cash and any "special needs" items for you family (medications etc).
- Parents should be aware of school policy during emergencies, such as designated meeting area, or pickup areas.
- It is crucial that families not rely on technologies, that are often taken for granted in every day life, during a disaster. Do not base plans around cell phones, pagers or electronic equipment. Family members should learn what to do during an emergency as if they were alone. Plans that include, calling home if anything happens, may be fine during minor emergencies, but not for large scale incidents.
- You may be able to get out of your house with your eyes closed, but also remember to be very aware, and very comfortable with emergency plans at work. Know where the stairs are, know where emergency equipment is stored, and be aware of which co-workers around you may need help in an emergency.
- This could be the most important thing for everyone to understand in an emergency. Natural instinct is to run, and in stressful situations, natural instinct is to go straight for the most familiar place. Remain calm and be patient. Proceed slow and steady toward emergency exits while calming those around you. Fast and erratic responses will only cloud good judgment, and grid-lock emergency exits.
- This could be anyone for police and fire personnel, to teachers or "fire marshals" at work. These people will lead you to safety, and remind you to stay calm and proceed slow and steady.
- Check yourself for injuries, check those around you for injuries and help those around you and proceed with your preplanned evacuation.
Hopefully these simple ideas will help your family prepare if an incident should occur, but also, make your families more confident of their abilities. There is no substitution for preparation, and being aware of your surroundings, and these steps will bring you a long way toward being equipped if anything should happen.
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| • Walpole Police Department • Community Committed • |
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