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Disaster Preparedness:
Be Prepared In Case of an Emergency!

To view or print "Are You Ready: A Guide To Citizen Preparedness" from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, click HERE.

For additional questions, you can call the Office of Homeland Security at 1-800-BE-READY.

To learn what the Terror Alert system colors represent, click HERE.


Emergencies can happen anywhere at anytime. Would you know what to do if you or a loved one needed help? Here's a quick checklist to see if you and your home are safe:

  • Keep a well-stocked first aid kit. Store medication in a locked cabinet so kids can't access it. Keep cleaning agents and dangerous chemicals out of reach. Keep all substances in their original containers.

  • Fire extinguishers are affordable. Keep one near the furnace, in the garage, and anywhere else a fire may start. Make sure everyone knows how to use them.

  • Never leave a burning candle unattended or sleep while a candle is burning.

  • Space heaters can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure yours will shut off if accidentally tipped over.

  • Install smoke, gas and carbon monoxide detectors outside each sleeping area in your home, and change batteries regularly.

  • Make sure family members know how to shut off utilities, and post the phone numbers for gas, water and electricity providers.

  • Create and practice a home emergency/escape plan. Determine a meeting place where your family can go if forced to leave the home; post a note on your door telling others the date and time you left, and where you’re going.

  • Keep a bag stocked with cash, nonperishable food and water (3 days' worth for each family member), battery-powered radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, extra eyeglasses and prescription drugs, change of clothes and sturdy shoes, keys, pet supplies, and blanket or sleeping bag. Make sure all family members know where the bag is kept.

  • Keep a radio, blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit, and fresh batteries in every vehicle.

  • Keep a phone list of emergency contacts in your vehicle and wallet or purse.

  • Children should know their street address and last name, and how to dial 911.

    Disaster Preparedness

    If a local disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency. Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. This checklist will help you get started. Discuss these ideas with your family, then prepare an emergency plan. Post the plan where everyone will see it--on the refrigerator or bulletin board. For additional information about how to prepare for hazards in your community, contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and your American Red Cross chapter.

    Emergency Checklist:

    Create An Emergency Plan

    Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit

    Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or duffle bag. Include:

    Escape Plan

    In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate your house, apartment, or mobile home on a moment's notice. You should be ready to get out fast.

    Develop an escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your residence. Using a black or blue pen, show the location of doors, windows, stairways, and large furniture. Indicate the location of emergency supplies (Disaster Supplies Kit), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, collapsible ladders, first aid kits, and utility shut off points. Next, use a colored pen to draw a broken line charting at least two escape routes from each room. Finally, mark a place outside of the home where household members should meet in case of fire. Be sure to include important points outside, such as garages, patios, stairways, elevators, driveways, and porches. If your home has more than two floors, use an additional sheet of paper. Practice emergency evacuation drills with all household members at least two times each year.

    Home Hazard Hunt

    In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

    If You Need to Evacuate. . .


    If you are sure you have time ...

    Prepare an Emergency Car Kit:

    Plan two escape routes out of each room.

    For additional information and resources, click HERE for the Arizona Division of Emergency Management.


    (Courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency)


    The Terror Alert System

    Low Condition - Green

    Low risk of terrorist attacks. The following Protective Measures may be applied:
  • Refining and exercising preplanned Protective Measures
  • Ensuring personnel receive training on HSAS, departmental, or agency-specific Protective Measures; and
  • Regularly assessing facilities for vulnerabilities and taking measures to reduce them.

    Guarded Condition - Blue

    General risk of terrorist attack. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
  • Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
  • Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures; and
  • Providing the public with necessary information.

    Elevated Condition - Yellow

    Significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
  • Increasing surveillance of critical locations;
  • Coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions;
  • Assessing further refinement of Protective Measures within the context of the current threat information; and
  • Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.

    High Condition - Orange

    Orange High risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
  • Coordinating necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies;
  • Taking additional precaution at public events;
  • Preparing to work at an alternate site or with a dispersed workforce; and Restricting access to essential personnel only.

    Severe Condition - Red

    Severe risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
  • Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning specially trained teams;
  • Monitoring, redirecting or constraining transportation systems;
  • Closing public and government facilities; and
  • Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs.
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    Last Modified on 06/16/2003 08:48:24