4 Steps to Safety

1. Find out what disasters could happen in your area.
   1. In Schoharie County our highest hazards are:
      1. Flooding
      2. Power Failure
      3. Fire
      4. Oil Spill
      5. Windstorm
      6. Hazardous materials in Transit/Fixed Sites
2. Create a Disaster Plan.
   1. Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of possible disasters.
   2. Find safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
   3. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark 2 escape routes from each room.
   4. Pick two emergency meeting places.
      1. A place near your home in case of fire
      2. A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
   5. Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster.
   6. Make arrangements for your pet.
   7. Instruct household members to turn off the water, gas and electricity, if age appropriate.
3. Make a checklist of things to do today and do them.
   1. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phone.
   2. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1
   3. Teach your children your out-of-state contact's phone number.
   4. Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
   5. Teach your family fire safety tips.
      1. How to use the fire extinguisher, and show them where it is kept.
      2. Stay low to the ground when escaping from a fire.
      3. Never open doors that are hot. In a fire, feel the bottom of the door with palm of your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way out.
      4. Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household in case of fire.
      5. Do not overload outlets.
      6. Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your home.
   6. Install and maintain your smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
   7. Conduct a home hazard hunt. (During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home hazard.)
   8. Plan how to take care of your pet in an evacuation.
   9. Take a first aid and CPR class.
   10. Keep family records in a water and fireproof container.
   11. Show each member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity if age appropriate.
4. Practice and Maintain your Plan
   1. Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
   2. Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
   3. Replace stored water and food every six months.
   4. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

If Disaster Strikes

If disaster strikes, remain calm and patient. PUT YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN INTO ACTION.
Check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.

If you need to evacuate:

1. Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of emergency shelters.
2. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes
3. Take your disaster supplies kit
4. Lock your home
5. Use travel routes specified by local officials.
6. If you are sure you have time: shut off water, gas and electricity, IF instructed to do so.
7. Let others know when you left and where you are going. Do not tie up the telephone lines. Be brief.
8. Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in public shelters.