Typically, local, State and Federal governmental agencies ensure public safety and respond to infrastructure concerns immediately following a crisis or disaster. Immediate relief organizations such as the American Red Cross work hand-in-hand with the Federal and Local Emergency Management Agencies to assist affected populations with response and recovery efforts. It is important to know how to be prepared so that you and your family or co-workers can be safe and survive, until such help arrives.
Download Williamson County Public Disaster Preparedness Plan Here
Designed to complement EMA’s official plan, this disaster plan explains the role of each agency involved in disaster response and recovery and includes descriptions of the types of disasters likely to strike Williamson County homes, businesses and agencies – natural and man-made. Also included are checklists to assist families and businesses to design their own disaster plan and gather supplies to prepare for a disaster.
Here are some tips to get you started in your planning:
TIP #1
Add a reminder to your calendar to review your emergency plans and update emergency contact information every six months.
TIP #2 (at work)
Make sure you have an up-to-date business continuity plan. A crisis will impact your organization and employees. Identify critical functions and the individuals who perform them. Make sure you have trained people to step into those roles when necessary. Check your supplies in case a disruption in supply chains leaves you without needed materials.
TIP #3 (at home)
Did you remember to consider Fido in your preparedness plans? Pets need food and water too. Include supplies and copies of immunization records in your emergency plan and kits. Contact the Humane Society of the United States for additional disaster preparation tips for your pet.
TIP #4 (at work)
Have your office inspected by the local fire department to ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations. Officials may also help you determine the feasibility of your evacuation plans.
TIP #5 (at home)
An error on your credit report could put your financial future at risk, making it difficult to obtain low-interest credit cards or loans. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to review your credit report annually. If you find an error, you have the right to correct it.
TIP #6
Your emergency kit should include, but is not limited to:
• One gallon of water per person for a minimum of three days
• Food for a minimum of three days
• Utensils
• Battery operated flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery or crank operated radio
• Cash, Travelers checks and spare change
• Whistle
• Dust Mask
• Garbage bags
• Personal hygiene items
• Tools to shut off utilities
• Medications and first aid kit
• Blanket
• Change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Important documents such as insurance policies, identification and bank records in a waterproof container
• Paper and pencils
TIP #7
Following a disaster, always use bottled water for drinking and cooking if it is available. Unsanitary water can be very dangerous to your health. If you don't know the level of purity of the water, bring the water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes before consuming it.
TIP #8
Do you know about dialing 2-1-1 to locate agencies that can help? 2-1-1 is United Way's number to connect you with trained information & referral specialists who will have information about services available.
TIP #9
Know the emergency plans for your child’s school or day care facility. Keep a copy of the plans at home and at work.
TIP #10
When returning to your home or office following an emergency evacuation, walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have the structure inspected by a qualified building inspector or engineer before entering. Do not enter the home or facility if:
- You smell gas.
- Floodwaters remain around the building
- The structure was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
TIP #11 (at home)
In some emergencies you may be required to turn off utilities. Do you know how to turn off the water, gas and electric? Do you have the correct tools on hand to do so? Prepare by locating the valves and taking inventory of your tool kit.
TIP #12
Choose an emergency contact person outside of your region to call in an emergency. Sometimes calling long-distance is easier than calling a local number after a disaster.
TIP #13
Designate two places to meet your family in the event of an emergency. One place should be nearby – such as a neighbor’s yard – and one should be outside of the neighborhood in case it is not safe to be in the area – such as the home of a friend or relative.
TIP #14
Make sure you know at least two ways out of each room in your office and home.
TIP #15
Contact with power lines, or anything touching a power line, can seriously injure or kill. Teach your family to beware of power lines. If you see a downed power line, leave the area and call 9-1-1.
TIP #16
Do not store certain chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine together. These chemicals, when mixed, create deadly hazards. Check labels on containers for other hazardous combinations.
TIP #17 (at work)
Encourage employees to talk about medical conditions that may require support of specialized care, an example may include an employee with a severe and highly-sensitive peanut allergy.
TIP #18
Stay healthy by washing your hands often with soap and hot water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to combat the spread of germs. And stay home if you are sick.
TIP #19
Food stockpiled for emergencies should have a long shelf-life, not require cooking and be easily stored.
TIP #20
Water is essential to survival. Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every six months.
TIP #21
If you become trapped under debris, do not light a match, move about or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or piece of clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Shout only as a last resort because yelling can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
TIP #22
Know what kinds of emergencies might affect your organizations both internally and externally. Find out which natural disasters are most common in the areas where you operate. You may be aware of some of your community's risks; others may surprise you.