Do you know how to protect your family in an emergency?
BE PREPARED !

Have a Family Plan for an Emergency

Monitor storm conditions closely and make preparations early. Have a back up plan if power fails. Things such as securing loose items, outdoor furniture, boarding and taping windows, securing or removing boats, relocating pets and stocking up on emergency items should be accomplished very early, usually before the onset of hurricane watch conditions. If an evacuation becomes necessary. Act immediately.

1. Know where to go - Public shelters will be available. Remember that public shelters are established to meet only basic emergency needs. Hotels and motels inland may be overcrowded. Friends and relatives are the best solution. Gas up your vehicles.
2. Don't wait until the last minute. It is possible that you could be involve in traffic jams are being cut off completely by high water.
3. Plan to include comfort items. Check the Family Disaster Supply kit.
4. You MUST leave your if an evacuation is ordered, COMPLY - individuals who do not evacuate may be trapped. Remaining behind is dangerous! Let friends and relatives know where and how you are. They will be concerned. Have a plan for your pet.
5. The Village will broadcast over the audible warning system emergency messages - you will hear:

   " COASTAL FLOODING WILL HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT TO THE VILLAGE. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RESIDENTS MOVE FROM ALL LOW LYING AREAS TO HIGH GROUND."

   This is the time to take action and leave! You will also hear emergency warning messages for evacuations over this same audible warning system. Fire and Police Department vehicles will also travel though the affected area of the Village and notify you of the evacuation alert via loudspeakers.

   Listen to radio stations NOAA Weather Radio, WHLI, WBAB, WGBB or Cable TV Channel 12. There will be specific instructions concerning evacuation areas. Listen closely for specific instructions for your area. Evacuate when ordered to do so. Use the designated evacuation routes. Follow the " Coastal Evacuation Route " signs.

   See hurricanes for more information.

  When You Leave Your House

Bring enough emergency supplies to last three days See checklist. Be sure to take important papers, money, change, and identification. Your identification should include your local address; you may need identification to return to your home after the storm. Turn off electricity at the main switch. Shut off gas valves at the appliance, not at the main valve. Secure cans that contain flammable liquids so they do not spill. Lock your doors; secure your windows and outdoor items. Don't forget your pets. Red Cross Shelters will not allow you to bring pets, except guide dogs for the blind and hearing impaired.

  When You Return Home

Be careful of nails, broken glass and other debris. Be alert to downed wires. Do not move or touch any type of downed wire. Be careful around electrical boxes, they may be wet inside. If salt water contaminated, flush with fresh water. Dry appliances and electrical boxes before re-energizing. Check for flammable liquid spills in flooded areas. Do not turn on gas if you smell flammable vapors. When you do turn the gas back on, do not forget pilot lights.

  Special Needs

If you have a family member, or assist a person, who require special assistance during or following a hurricane or storm (example: a resident who depends on electricity for life support), send the following information.

Name - of person needing assistance
Address - location in the Village of East Rockaway.
Please describe the special needs, and type of assistance.
A contact phone at the location or a person who is a care provider.

If you are filling the information out for another person, please include your name and contact number.

Sent the information to:

Village of East Rockaway
Emergency Management Office
376 Atlantic Ave, P.O. 189
East Rockaway, New York 11518-0189
  How to Create a Family Disaster Plan

To get started...
Contact Village Emergency Management and the Nassau County American Red Cross chapter.

• Find out which disasters are most likely to happen in your community.
• Voice emergency messages be sounded. See Emergency Booket.
• Find out how to prepare for each.

Meet with your family.

• Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.
• Explain how to prepare and respond.
• Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate.
• Practice what you have discussed.

Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster.

• Pick two meeting places:
  1. a location a safe distance from your home in case of fire.
  2. a place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
• Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.

Complete these steps.
Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone. Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas and electricity at main switches.
Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries two times each year.
Contact the East Rockaway Fire Department to learn about home fire hazards. 887-6340
Learn first aid and CPR.
Contact Nassau County American Red Cross chapter for information and training.

Meet with your neighbors.

• Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster. Know your neighbors' skills (medical, technical). Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home. Remember to practice and maintain your plan.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community and Family Preparedness Program and the American Red Cross Disaster Education Program are nationwide efforts to help people prepare for disasters of all types. For more information, please contact the Village or State Office of Emergency Management, and Nassau County American Red Cross chapter. Ask for "Your Family Disaster Plan" and the "Emergency Preparedness Checklist."

Or write to:

FEMA P.O. Box 70274
Washington, D.C. 20024

FEMA L- 189 ARC 4463
Updated: Jan 29, 2000