| Homeland Security Launches Readiness Website | |
The key to homeland security? "Make a kit, make a plan, and be informed."
The Department of Homeland Security has announced the launch of a new Website it hopes will educate and empower American citizens to prepare for and respond to potential future terrorist attacks.
At the Website Ready.gov -- http://www.ready.gov -- you can learn the best ways to protect yourselves and your families against terrorism. The site offers practical suggestions to increase preparedness, including learning about serious threats, making emergency supply kits, creating a family communication plan and keeping emergency phone numbers near the phone.
The Department of Homeland Security hopes Ready.gov will help to reduce fears and provide information by providing individuals specific actions they can take to protect themselves, their families and their communities in the wake of an attack, or another emergency situation.
Homeland Security Readiness Suggestions:
Emergency Supply Kit:
Start with three days worth of non-perishable food and water. Remember, even if your community is not directly affected by an attack, your life and daily routine may be disrupted. You may need to shelter at home for a couple of days. Roads and stores may be closed - electricity may be turned off - your water supply might be interrupted.
Add flashlights and a battery-powered radio to hear the latest instructions from local authorities. Don't forget extra batteries, a blanket, a first aid kit and medicines, and a manual can opener. Stash away duct tape and pre-measured plastic sheeting for future use. Experts tell us that a safe room inside your house or apartment can help protect you from airborne contaminants for approximately five hours - that could be just enough time for a chemical agent to blow away.
Family Communication Plan:
Make certain that everyone knows how to get in touch, and knows what the emergency plan is for different types of attacks. Every state, every community, every school and every workplace should have an emergency plan. Find out what that plan is and who is in charge. If your school or employer does not have a plan, volunteer to be part of a group to create one. Choose a meeting place, maybe a friend or relative's house, that's well away from your neighborhood. Keep your gas tank half-full. And always make sure you have a set of emergency and contact numbers posted by the phone.
Be Informed and Aware:
Log onto www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY. In the event of an emergency, listen to local authorities for instructions.
Information on preparing for specific types of threats can be found on the following pages of www.ready.gov:View and print a copy of the brochure "Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now." Download PDF or call 1-800-BE-READY.
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