Personal Safety Plan

As many aspects of our lives were changed by the events of September 11, 2001, we hope that this information is helpful to you and your family in preparing for emergencies.

General Tips:

• During an incident, stay where you are, unless directed by authorities to evacuate. Staying in your location is usually the most prudent course of action, unless you are in immediate danger.
• Do not assume that you should evacuate. If evacuation is appropriate, listen for the message indicating directions to proceed and signs to follow. Information will be provided to the public through the media. Your best initial action is to "shelter in place" and stay attentive to media broadcasts.
• Plan to walk or use transit.
• If you leave your vehicle, make sure it is secure and not parked on an Emergency Evacuation Route.
• If you have a car, it is best to try to keep at least 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.
• Create a Family Emergency Plan
• Discuss with your family how you will respond to an emergency.
• Pick a friend or relative that all family members can call if separated (consider an out-of-state point of contact as it may be easier to call out-of-state after an emergency than in your local area).
• Prepare an emergency "Go-Kit" (the kit should have 3 days' supply of food, water, medical items, first aid supplies, a flashlight, radio batteries, etc.).
• Know the Plans of Your School System
• If you have a child in school, you need to understand fully the school's plans to protect your child in the event of an emergency.
• If you are told to evacuate, your children may have already been taken to a safe place by the time you reach their school. Find out if this will happen and where they will go.
• Consider partnering with other parents in your children's classes to develop joint emergency plans and share pickups.