Answers to Frequently Asked Disaster Preparedness Questions

What should I do following an incident?

• Remain calm.
• Be patient.
• Listen carefully to information and advice from medical and public health authorities.
• Implement personal/family communications plans.

What can I do to help plan in advance?

• Develop a READY kit.
• Make a communications plan.
• Take classes in first aid and CPR.

If our area goes to "severe" threat condition (red), what should I do?
A severe condition for the area would be declared by federal, state, or local authorities. You should monitor local radio or television and follow instructions issued by the authorities.

What is "shelter in place?"
Shelter-in-place" means taking temporary cover in a small interior room with few or no windows and sealing it off (e.g., with duct tape or plastic) to limit airflow into the room. It does not mean sealing off your entire home or office. Listen for updates from local authorities on whether or not to shelter-in-place.

How can I become involved in my community's preparedness efforts?
Citizen Corps provides many opportunities to prepare, train, and participate in community exercises and support local emergency responders. Local American Red Cross chapters provide a variety of volunteer and training opportunities.

Where can I learn more about different threats and emergency preparedness?
Go to www.ready.gov. For more specific questions about the area where you lie, contact your local Office of Emergency Management, Citizen Corps or Red Cross chapter.