Show All Answers

1. What is Emergency Management and why is it important?

Emergency management is a systematic approach to preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impact of emergencies and disasters. It is important because it helps save lives, protect property, and ensure the well-being of communities during times of crisis.

2. What is emergency preparedness?

Emergency preparedness means taking action to be ready for emergencies before they happen. The objective of emergency preparedness is to simplify decision-making during emergencies. The emergency preparedness process incorporates the means to rapidly identify, evaluate, and react to a wide spectrum of emergency conditions. Emergency plans are dynamic and are routinely reviewed and updated to reflect an ever-changing environment.

3. What should I do during a severe weather event like a hurricane or tornado?

During severe weather events, stay informed through local news and weather alerts. Follow evacuation orders if issued, seek shelter in a sturdy building or storm cellar if necessary, and have an emergency kit with essential supplies ready. Listen to updates from local authorities and follow their instructions to stay safe.

4. What are the key components of an effective family emergency plan?

A family emergency plan should include a communication strategy, an evacuation plan, a meeting place, and a list of emergency contacts. Ensure that all family members understand the plan, including what to do and where to go in various types of emergencies.

5. What are some steps businesses can take to enhance their emergency preparedness?

Businesses can enhance their emergency preparedness by conducting a risk assessment, creating a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), training employees in emergency procedures, establishing clear communication protocols, and regularly testing their emergency plans through drills and exercises. Collaborating with local emergency management agencies can also provide valuable resources and guidance.

6. How safe is it to use candles indoors during an emergency?

Candles pose a fire hazard and must never be burned unattended. For safety reasons, battery-powered flashlights may be a better option. That said, candles are an inexpensive light source and are often readily accessible. If you decide to use candles, be sure to follow the necessary fire safety precautions. Keep lit candles in sturdy containers on level surfaces. If possible, place a glass shade over them.

Candles can be easily knocked over, so keep them out of the reach of children and pets, and away from anything that can burn. Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

7. Can I use my camping gas stove indoors in case of an emergency?

Never use unvented combustion appliances, such as barbecues, cook stoves, fondues, butane camping lanterns, propane or kerosene heaters, and lamps inside your house. They burn up available oxygen. They produce Co2 (carbon dioxide) and other combustion gases and fumes. Some produce huge quantities of colorless, odorless, and deadly carbon monoxide. Sterno cookers, fondues, and charcoal-burning devices are especially dangerous. Room ventilation won't get rid of fumes from unvented appliances. Use portable propane cook stoves, heaters, and lamps outside only. There is a very real risk of fire, explosion, asphyxiation, or poisoning from fumes.

8. How much water should I have for an emergency, and how should I store it safely?

Water quantity
You should have at least 1 gallon of water, per person, per day - for drinking, food preparation, personal hygiene, and dishwashing. So, for example, if you have three family members, you should have 3 gallons a day for at least a three-day period, for a total of 9 gallons. Record the date that you bottled or stored the water on the label. Replace stored water every six months and store-bought bottled water every year.

If you have pets or a service animal, don’t forget to store water for them. Your pet needs approximately 1 ounce of water per pound (of pet) per day. If your pet is 8 pounds, you'll need a cup a day. A one-gallon jug of water, per pet, would be sufficient for a week.

Water storage
If your local water is treated commercially by a water treatment utility, you do not have to treat the water before storing it. If your water comes from a public well or other public, non-treated system, follow instructions about water storage provided by your public health agency or water provider. Likewise, if your local water comes from a private well or other private source, consult with your local public health agency about recommendations regarding storage of water. Only your local public health agency should make recommendations about whether your local water can be safely stored, for how long, and how to treat it. In all cases, it is important to change and replace stored water at least every six months.

9. What is a boil water advisory?

A boil water advisory is a public health recommendation or directive issued by local authorities or water utilities to inform residents and businesses that the tap water may be contaminated and should not be consumed or used for certain activities without first boiling it. The advisory is typically issued in response to concerns about the safety of the drinking water supply due to the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites), chemicals, or other contaminants.

Here's what a boil water advisory means and what you should do when one is in effect:

• Boiling Water: The primary recommendation during a boil water advisory is to bring the tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. This process kills or inactivates most harmful microorganisms and makes the water safe for consumption and other uses.
• Drinking and Cooking: While the advisory is in effect, do not use tap water for drinking, making ice, cooking, brushing teeth, or any other activity where the water may be ingested.
• Safe Alternatives: Use bottled water or previously boiled and cooled water for drinking and food preparation. You can also use water disinfection tablets or drops if boiling is not feasible.
• Follow Local Guidance: Pay close attention to the guidance provided by local authorities or the water utility. They will inform you when it is safe to stop boiling water and return to using tap water as usual.
• Stay Informed: Keep updated through local news outlets, social media, or official notifications about the status of the advisory. Authorities will let you know when the water is safe to consume without boiling.

Boil water advisories are typically issued as a precautionary measure to protect public health. They are important to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses that can occur when water quality is compromised. It's crucial to follow the advisory guidelines until it is officially lifted to ensure your safety and the safety of your community.

10. How can I create an emergency preparedness plan for my family?

To create an emergency preparedness plan, start by identifying potential hazards in your area, establish a communication plan, assemble an emergency kit, and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in different emergency scenarios. Check out the Build-a-Kit tab on the left hand column of our home page for more information.

11. I know what an emergency kit is, but what is a “go-bag” emergency kit?

A go-bag is an emergency kit that you can easily take with you if you need to leave your home. Make sure your go-bag is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffel bag, or suitcase with wheels. It should be in an easy-to-reach place, such as your front hall closet. If you have a large household, your go-bag could get heavy, so it's a good idea to separate some of these supplies into multiple backpacks. That way, your kit will be more portable, and each person can personalize their own go-bag emergency kit.