Emergency Readiness Plan at Home
  • Take time to prepare now.
  • Decide where and when to reunite your family if you are separated when an emergency happens. Pick two meeting places: (1) A location that is a safe distance from your home in case of fire; and (2) A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
  • Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated.
  • Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend.
  • Locate shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity. Learn how to shut off the valves before an emergency. If you have questions, call your area utility service providers.
  • Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms, test them monthly, and change the batteries twice each year.
  • Always keep an A-B-C type fire extinguisher close at hand.
  • Never leave children alone near an open flame or with matches. Keep clutter away from the stove while cooking.
  • If grease in a pan catches fire, do not throw water on it or try to beat it out with a towel. Carefully cover the pan with a lid. Moving the pan can cause the fire to spread. If grease has spattered, use a fire extinguisher or sprinkle the fire with baking soda.
  • Consider having your chimney cleaned and flue checked before using.
  • Know the locations of the nearest fire and police stations.
  • Take photos and/or videos of your valuables, and make copies of vital records. Keep them in a safe deposit box or in another city or state.
  • Know how to operate your electric garage door manually.