Different events – natural and man-made – require different emergency responses. It is important to know what hazards exist in your neighborhood and how to prepare for them. Emergency preparedness means planning ahead, and knowing what to do and how to do it.
You can start by getting to know your neighbors on a first-name basis.
- Introduce yourself
- Discuss being prepared for any emergency
- Exchange contact information
- Know who to call for help and what their skills and resources are.
- Know who in your neighborhood is vulnerable – the frail and elderly, people with medical needs and families with young children.
- Organize a neighborhood meeting to discuss an emergency plan.
Create a neighborhood plan that includes:
- A method of communication and a procedure to determine the status of every neighbor, such as a telephone tree
- A neighborhood skills and needs inventory
- A neighborhood map with exit routes
- A neighborhood contact list
- An emergency plan for every household
- A survival kit for every household.
- View and download a checklist here.
- Prepare2Respond brochure here.
There is a good overview of neighborhood planning here.
You can download a helpful “Map Your Neighborhood” guide here.
