Your family can be better prepared in advance for all types of emergencies.

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones ~ fire, police, ambulance, etc.
• Teach your children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
• Check to see if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Teach each family member how to use the Fire Extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home.
• Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

For information on NFPA Safety for Children Presented by Sparky the Fire Dog visit http://www.sparky.org.

For more information on Planning and Preparing http://www.fema.gov.

FIRST STEPS TO FLOOD RECOVERY http://www.ces.purdue.edu/floodpub/.

American Public Health Association Video: Emergency Preparedness

Ivan Lee is the Emergency Preparedness and Response Division. You may reach Ivan at (812) 349-2849.