At Home
Knowing what to do and what not to do can be your best protection during disasters. It is your responsibility!
- Where will your family be when disaster strikes? The could be anywhere - at work, at school or in the car. Since Dallas County is spread out across many miles, it is especially important that your family members and those who depend on you are prepare. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children, elderly family members and pets are safe?
- Disasters and major emergencies can strike quickly and without warning. They can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off? Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team.
- Discuss with household members the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies. Create a plan and post it where everyone will see it. It's only too late if you fail to plan!
- Follow these seven steps to safety...
- Find out what disasters could occur
- Create, practice and maintain your family disaster plan
- Plan for family members with special needs and for your pets
- Pick an "out-of-state" contact for family members to call if separated by disaster
- Do a home hazard hunt - check for anything that can move, fall, break or cause fire
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit
- Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle
- For more information on how to prepare your home, contact the Dallas County Emergency Management at (214) 653-7980
At Work
Being at work does not protect you from disasters.
- Before the emergency strikes, it is your responsibility to be familiar with your office or work-site and its surroundings. Do you know the building evacuation procedures or what to do in the event of a fire? Are there nonstructural hazards (hanging objects, potted plants, cabinets etc.) that pose a threat to you and others when the shaking of an earthquake starts?
- It is every employee's responsibility to take the necessary steps to eliminate nonstructural hazards or other potential hazards by either personally correcting the hazardous situation or reporting it to your supervisor. Advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or the loss-of-life. Take time today to find out what you can do now and the emergency procedures you should follow.
- Know where the stairs, manual fire alarm devices, fire extinguishers and first aid kits are located. Keep on hand such personal items as a pair of flat (preferably hard soled) shoes, work gloves, a flashlight with batteries, U.S. Coast Guard approved food and water (at least a three day supply), emergency "space blanket", a battery powered AM radio with extra batteries and other personal items that can be stored in a small nylon bag or back pack. This type of emergency kit will improve the quality of your life immediately following a disaster.
For more information how to build a proper Emergency Preparedness Kit, please see the HSEM Preparedness Pamphlet or contact the Office of Emergency Management at 214-653-7980.
