National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies to help keep you, your family, and the community safe. One great way to substantially increase the emergency preparedness of your family is to develop a Family Emergency Plan.

A Family Emergency Plan should include the following:    

• A Family Communications Plan informational sheet that includes:
  • Contact names and phone numbers for schools, caregivers, workplaces
  • Emergency Contacts
  • Emergency Meeting Place
  • Gas, water, and electric companies contact information
  • Medical information
    • Dr.’s Office name and phone number
    • Medical and dietary needs
    • Insurance company name, contact, and policy number.
    • Veterinarian contact

Find a Family Communications Plan template at Ready.gov

• Emergency Supplies Kit
  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, manual can opener
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

(See complete list at EMHS website below)

• Discuss with your family:
  • How to receive emergency alerts and warnings
    • Wireless Emergency Alerts, Emergency Alert System, register to receive Detroit Alerts 365 emergency notifications
  • Tornado shelter location in your residence and at school
  • Home fire meeting spot – pre-chosen, safe outdoor spot
  • How and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches
  • Teach children about calling 911
  • Teach family how to use the fire extinguisher
    • Use the P.A.S.S. technique – Pull the pin; Aim at base of fire; Squeeze lever slowly and evenly; Sweep the nozzle side to side.
       
• Keep Emergency Supplies Updated and Operational
  • The Detroit Fire Department reminds residents to regularly check and maintain their fire-safety equipment.
  • Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery - Change removable smoke alarm batteries once a year when you change your clocks in the fall (replace batteries whenever low-battery warning sounds)
    • Test smoke alarms monthly.
    • Sealed 10-year batteries do not require annual battery replacement.
    • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
       
• Regularly inspect your fire extinguishers and make sure they are accessible, charged, and free from damage. Replace or professionally service extinguishers that have been used or damaged.
  • Disposable dry-chemical fire extinguishers, commonly sold for household use, must be replaced after they are used; they cannot be recharged and should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions, and no later than 12 years from the manufacture date.
  • Rechargeable dry-chemical fire extinguishers, typically equipped with a metal valve assembly, can be professionally inspected, serviced, and recharged. Certain types require internal inspection every 6 years and hydrostatic testing every 12 years.
  • Remember: Only use a fire extinguisher on a small, manageable fire when you have a clear escape route. When in doubt, get out safely and call 911.
• Take Training
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is offered free quarterly by the Detroit Office of Emergency Management &
  • Homeland Security
  • Red Cross First Aid training
  • CPR and AED training
• Practice Your Plan
  • Regularly practice and familiarize your family with the components of the plan
     

Find additional ways to prepare your family for emergencies by visiting Ready.gov or detroitmi.gov/EMHS and searching emergency planning.