The Department of
Homeland Security, and many organizations across America are working
hard to strengthen our Nation's security. Whenever possible, the
department and associated organizations will stop terrorist attacks
before they happen. All Americans should begin a process of learning
about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during an
attack. While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your
personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now
to prepare yourself and your loved ones.
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as
assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan,
are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. Read over the Citizens Planning Guide for Disaster Preparedness for information on preparing for all types emergencies.
THE HOMELAND SECURITY ALERT SYSTEM
AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
GREEN
- (LOW) - A low risk of an
attack occurring exists.
Recommended
Public Actions & Expectations:
•Participate freely in travel, work and recreation
activities
•Be prepared for disasters and emergencies. Refer to
the American Red Cross brochures for emergency
preparedness
•Develop a family emergency plan
•Know how to turn off your water, power and gas to your home
•Know what natural hazards are in your area and what measures
to take to protect yourself and your family
BLUE
- (Guarded) - A general risk of an attack exists. There are
not credible, specific threats.
Recommended
Public Actions & Expectations:
Continue
all precautions from lower threat condition
•Maintain normal routine but be alert for suspicious activity
and report
it to local law enforcement
•Review family emergency plans
•Stock emergency preparedness kits with food, water
and other supplies
•Be aware of current events
•Update immunizations
•Volunteer to assist at emergency organizations
YELLOW-
(ELEVATED) - A significant risk of an attack
occurring exists.
Recommended
Public Actions & Expectations:
Continue
all precautions from lower threat condition
•Continue normal activities but be alert for suspicious
activities and report
them to law enforcement
•Become active in your Neighborhood Watch program
•Suspicious activities include photographing government
buildings, bridges, dams, water systems, power systems, interstate
highway nodes, asking detailed
questions about security at these critical facilities
•Check emergency kits and restock as necessary
ORANGE -
(HIGH) - High risk of an attack occurring exists. There are
credible threats but no specific target identified.
Recommended
Public Actions & Expectations: •Maintain normal activities but expect delays
in heightened security areas
•Continue to monitor current events
•Report to law enforcement all suspicious persons, activities
and items
•Avoid leaving items unattended in public places
•Keep emergency kits handy
•Rehearse emergency plans with family members
•Take personal security precautions and monitor your
surroundings
•Know where family members are, if possible
•Maintain contact with family, friends and neighbors to ensure
their welfare and safety
RED
- (SEVERE) - Severe risk of attack occurring or an attack has
already occurred. A credible, specific threat to a facility
or location may be declared.
Recommended
Public Actions & Expectations:
Continue
all precautions from lower threat conditions
•Report suspicious activities to law enforcement, for
immediate response call 911. Suspicious activities include
persons photographing critical facilities, asking detailed questions
about security or a facility or dressing inappropriately for weather
conditions
•Expect delays for searches of bags and parcels at public
facilities
•Expect traffic delays and restrictions
•Be aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid being a
victim of a terrorist attack or a crime
•Avoid crowded public areas or gatherings
•Do not travel into an area affected by a terrorist attack or
an area that is a target of an attack
•Check emergency supplies, restock if necessary, and place in
a handy place
•Keep vehicle fuel tank full
•Be prepared to evacuate if it is ordered
•Monitor news reports and Emergency Alert System radio/TV
stations
•Avoid passing on unsubstantiated information
STEPS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR
PERSONAL SAFETY
AND THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY
The
Town of paradise views the emergency preparedness of our community and
its citizens as one of its most important public service
responsibilities. Regardless of whether the emergency facing
our community is the result of a natural disaster, or a direct or
indirect act of terrorism; there are steps you can take to increase the
personal safety of yourself, your family and neighbors.
Here
are a few tips:
Make
a Plan - planning ahead is the first step to a calmer and
more assured disaster response. Talk with your family about
the disasters that can happen where you live. Establish
responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work
together as a team. Designate alternatives in case someone is
absent.
Choose
two places to meet after disaster that include right outside your home
in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire, or outside your
neighborhood, in case you cannot return home, or are asked to evacuate
your neighborhood.
Get
Trained - learning simple first aid techniques can give you
the skills and confidence to help anyone in your home, your
neighborhood and at work.
When a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant.
Loved ones can be hurt and emergency response can be delayed.
Make
sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid
and CPR and in how to use an automated external defibrillator
(AED).
The
three steps below can help you react well in an emergency:
Check the scene for safety and the
victim for life-threatening conditions Call 9-1-1 to request professional
emergency assistance Care for the victim if you can reach the
person safely
You can contact your local American Red Cross Chapter for class
descriptions, times, costs and information about first aid, CPR,
AED and Community Disaster Education.
Build An Emergency Kit - What you have on hand when a disaster
happens can make a big
difference. Plan to store enough supplies
for everyone in your household for at
least three days.
1. Water.
Have at least one gallon per person per day.
2. Food.
Pack non-perishable, high protein items, including energy
bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select foods that
require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no
water.
3. Flashlight.
Include extra batteries.
4. First
Aid Kit. pack a reference guide.
5. Medications.
Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.
6. Battery-operated
Radio. Include extra batteries.
7. Tools.
Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can
can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic
sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
8. Clothing.
Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy
shoes and gloves.
9. Personal
items. Remember eyeglasses or contact lenses and
solution;
copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance
policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.; and comfort items such
toys and books.
10. Sanitary
Supplies. You'll want toilet paper, towelettes,
feminine
supplies,
personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
11. Money.
Have cash. (ATM's and credit cards won't work if the
power is out).
12. Contact
Information. Carry a current list of family phone
numbers
and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may
be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service, or over-
loaded.
13. Pet
Supplies. Include food, water, leash, litter box,
or plastic
bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.
14. Map.
Consider marking an evacuation route on it from your local
area. You are encouraged to obtain a copy of the Paradise
Ridge
Evacuation Plan that is available through the Paradise Police
Department.
A Final Note:Include any necessary items for infants, seniors and
people
with disabilities in your kit. Store your disaster supplies
in a sturdy, but easy-to-carry container. A large covered
trash container, overnight backpack or duffel bag will work.
Keep a smaller version of the kit in your vehicle. If you
become stranded or are not able to return home, having some items with
you will help you be more comfortable until help arrives.
