Pennsylvania

A Message from Governor Edward G. Rendell:
At this critical time, educating Pennsylvania’s families on how to best
prepare for a natural disaster, large-scale emergency or unexpected attack
means more than anything. Although we cannot always prevent
emergencies, there are many things we can do as individuals, employees,
families and organizations.
You need to know there are well-developed and well practiced emergency
response plans at all levels of government. Emergency responders, both paid,
and volunteer, are part of a National Incident Management System that
requires countless hours of training and practice to provide a seamless
response to citizens across Pennsylvania and the entire United States. This
system includes all of the resources available to governments at local, state
and federal levels.
At the core of this effort is the important issue of citizen preparedness.
This guide provides tips on how to respond in an emergency and will help you
and your family prepare your home in case of disaster. Many of the ideas
discussed will be beneficial to you before, during and after an emergency.
When you have finished reading this guide, you should be well informed
and ready to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your
community.
With Best Wishes,
Edward G. Rendell
1 Governor’s letter
Plan Ahead 2
While we can’t control natural disasters, emergencies or unexpected attacks, we can be prepared,
and we can protect ourselves and our families. If a major disaster occurs in the Commonwealth,
citizens must be prepared to survive on their own for a minimum of 72 hours. In this guide, you’ll
learn some of the fundamentals of being prepared if an emergency strikes, including:
• The different types of emergencies that may
affect you and your community, how you’ll
be notified of an event and what plans are
in place to deal with these events.
• How to create an emergency plan.
• How to prepare an emergency kit.
• How Pennsylvania’s emergency alert system is used
in the event of an emergency.
• How to get involved.
For further information on what to do in the event of an emergency, visit: www.homelandsecurity.state.pa.us,
www.pema.state.pa.us, www.ready.gov or www.health.state.pa.us.
• A severe storm watch means that severe weather may develop.
• A severe weather warning means a storm has developed and is on its way — take cover or seek safe
shelter immediately.
• The safest place to ride out any storm is inside a secure building or well-built home.
There are simple steps you can follow to stay safe during most types of severe weather.
1. Listen to weather updates and stay informed 2. Be ready to evacuate if necessary
3. Keep away from windows and doors 4. Consider buying a weather radio
5. Have an emergency kit ready
All communities are vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards, such as severe weather, including
thunderstorms, flash flooding, snowstorms and tornadoes. It is important for you to understand the difference
between a watch and a warning for severe weather.
• Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the
tank and fuel lines.
• Let someone know your timetable and primary
and alternate routes.
If caught in a vehicle:
• Stay in your car or truck; disorientation occurs
quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
• Run the motor about ten minutes each hour for
heat. Open the window a little for fresh air to
avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the
exhaust pipe is not blocked.
• Make yourself visible to rescuers. Turn on the
dome light at night when running the engine. Tie
a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or
door. Raise the hood to indicate trouble after
snow stops falling.
• Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving
arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood
circulating and to keep warm.
Inside your home or other building:
• Stay inside. When using alternative heat from a
fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire
safeguards and properly ventilate to avoid carbon
monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide gas is
colorless and odorless!
• If you have no heat: Close off unneeded rooms.
Stuff towels or rags in the cracks under doors.
Cover windows at night.
• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with
energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body
replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm
clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating,
perspiration and subsequent chill.
Plan ahead for winter traveling: Plan ahead for winter storms at home:
3 Types of Emergencies
Evacuations: There may be conditions in which you
decide to leave on your own, or there may be
situations when you are ordered to leave. Plan in
advance how you will assemble your family and
anticipate where you will go. Choose several
destinations in different directions so you have
options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at
least a half tank of gas in it at all times. Become
familiar with alternate routes as well as other means
of transportation out of your area. If you do not have
a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Take
your emergency supply kit, unless you have reason
to believe it has been contaminated, and lock the
door behind you. Take pets with you if you are told to
evacuate; however, if you are going to a public
shelter, keep in mind that they may not be allowed
inside. If you believe the air may be contaminated,
drive with your windows and vents closed and keep
the air conditioning and heater turned off.
Tornadoes:
• In Homes, the basement offers the greatest
safety. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture if
possible. In homes without basements, take
cover in the center part of the house, on the
lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or
bathroom. Keep away from the windows.
• In Shopping Centers, go to a designated shelter
area (not to your parked car).
• In Office Buildings, go to an
interior hallway on the lowest
floor, or to the designated
shelter area.
• In Schools, follow advance plans
to a designated shelter area, usually an interior
hallway on the lowest floor. If the building is not
of reinforced construction, go to a nearby one
that is, or take cover outside on low, protected
ground. Stay out of auditoriums, gymnasiums,
and other structures with wide, free span roofs.
• In Automobiles, leave your car and seek shelter
in a nearby building, or lie flat in a nearby ditch
or ravine.
• Mobile Homes are particularly vulnerable and
should be evacuated. Trailer parks should have a
community storm shelter and a warden to monitor
broadcasts throughout the severe storm
emergency. If there is no shelter nearby, leave the
trailer and take cover on low, protected ground.
• Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable
for tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
• Tornado Warning means a tornado has been
detected by Doppler Radar and/or has been
sighted.
Flash Flood Safety Rules:
• Go to high ground immediately.
• Get out of areas subject to
flooding. This includes dips, low
spots, canyons, washes, etc.
• Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow
areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream
on foot where water is above your knees.
• Never drive through flooded areas or standing
water. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a
car from a roadway. Also, the roadbed may not
be intact under the water.
• If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and
seek higher ground, rapidly rising water may
Make a Winter Emergency Car Kit
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
and drinks
• Shovel • Tow rope
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Booster cables
• First-aid kit
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Utility knife
• Sack of sand (or cat litter)
• Tool kit
• Compass and road maps
• Compass and road maps
• Books, puzzles, games for
children
• Extra medication
TYPES OF EMERGENCIES
Water- store in clean containers, one gallon of water per person per day, for a minimum of three days for drinking and
sanitation purposes. If you live in a warm climate more water may be neccessary.
engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep
them away.
• Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to
recognize flood dangers.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams
and washes, particularly during threatening
conditions.
Thunderstorn Safety Rules:
• If you plan to be outdoors, check the latest
weather forecast and keep a weather eye
on the sky. The signs of an impending storm
include; dark, thickening clouds, lightning,
increasing wind, darkening skies, listen to your
NOAA Weather Radio, AM FM radio, or television
for the latest weather information.
• When a thunderstorm threatens, get inside a
home, a large building, or an automobile,
(not a convertible). Do not use the
telephone except for emergencies.
• If you are caught outside, do not
stand underneath a tall isolated
tree or a telephone pole. Avoid
projecting above the surrounding
landscape. For example, don’t stand on a hilltop.
In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a
thick growth of small trees. In open areas, go to a
low place, such as a ravine or valley.
• Get off or away from open water, tractors, and
other metal farm equipment or small metal
vehicles, such as motorcycles, bicycles, golf
carts, etc. Put down golf clubs and take off golf
shoes. Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines,
metal pipes, and rails. If you are in a group in the
open, spread out, keeping people several yards
apart.
• Remember, lightning may strike some miles from
the parent cloud. Precautions should be taken
even though the thunderstorm is not directly
overhead. If you are caught in a level field or
prairie far from shelter, and if you feel your hair
stand on end, lightning may be about to strike
you. Drop to your knees and bend forward,
putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat
on the ground.
OTHER TYPES OF EMERGENCIES
A biological threat can be the deliberate or
accidental release of germs or other biological
substances that can make you sick. Many agents
must be inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin or be
eaten to make you sick. Some biological
agents, such as anthrax, are not
contagious. Others, like the smallpox
virus, can result in diseases you can
catch from other people.
A chemical threat can be the deliberate or
accidental release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that
can poison people and the environment. Chemical
agents can be released deliberately by bombs;
sprayed from aircraft, boats or vehicles; or used as a
liquid. Hazardous chemical spills also can be
accidental, such as the spilling of household
products like bleach or a release of hazardous waste.
Chemical hazards can have an immediate effect or
may take hours or even days before they
take effect.
A radiological threat can include an
emergency at a nuclear power plant,
the use of a small nuclear weapon or a
“dirty bomb”explosion. A dirty bomb contains an
explosive that would scatter radioactive material over
a targeted area, which is known as the “fallout”.
Types of Emergencies 4
A Flash Flood Watch
means that flash flooding is a possibility, not a
certainty along small streams and rivers.
A Flash Flood Warning
means that flash flooding is imminent or occurring.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch
means that conditions are favorable for severe
thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning
means that thunderstorm winds are expected to
exceed 57 mph and/or large hail of 3/4 inch or
greater is expected.
5 Watch and Listen
In the event of a radiological event,
think about shielding, distance and
time. Residents living within a 10-
mile radius of a nuclear power plant
should be aware of the evacuation
routes established for their area.
• Shielding: If you have a thick shield between
yourself and the radioactive materials, more of the
radiation will be absorbed by it, and you will be
exposed to less.
• Distance: The farther away you are from the blast
and the fallout, the lower your exposure.
• Time: Minimizing time spent exposed also will
reduce your risk.
In the event of a threat, public health officials may
not immediately be able to provide information on
what you should do. It may take time to determine
exactly what the illness is, how it should be treated,
and who is in danger. However, you should watch TV,
listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official
news following the event to determine:
• The level of danger
• What health effects may exist
• Where to get medications or vaccines, if
necessary
• Where to go for medical help or shelter
OTHER TERRORIST THREATS
Other terrorist threats may include explosions,
snipers, Internet viruses, etc. Visit:
www.homelandsecurity.state.pa.us, www.bt.cdc.gov,
www.pema.state.pa.us, www.ready.gov or
www.health.state.pa.us for more information.
If you suspect terrorist activity, please contact the
the State Police Terrorism Tipline at 1-888-292-1919
or e-mail: sp-intelligence@state.pa.us.
WATCH AND LISTEN
As with any emergency, local authorities may not
be able to immediately provide information on
what is happening and what you should do.
However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio,
or check the Internet often for official news and
information as it becomes available.
In the Commonwealth, we use the Emergency
Alert System (EAS) during emergencies. When the
decision is made to activate the EAS, original
programming will be interrupted and an
emergency message will be broadcast. It is
important that you listen to these instructions.
If you need to get out of the surrounding area or
are directed to evacuate, do so immediately and:
• Take your Emergency Kit.
• Travel on routes specified by local authorities.
If you are instructed to stay inside and not to
evacuate (Shelter-in-Place):
• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Turn off ventilation systems, water and gas.
• Seal gaps under doorways and windows
with duct tape.
• If you suspect chemical or biological agents have
entered your house, move to a safe room in the
interior of the house on a higher floor if possible.
Many harmful agents that could enter a house will
fall and accumulate at lower levels.
• If harmful vapors do enter the house, covering your
nose and mouth with a cloth can provide minimal
breathing protection.
• Stay inside until authorities say it is safe.
THE HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY
The Homeland Security Advisory System is designed
as a simple way to communicate information
regarding the risk of terrorist activity. It provides
warnings through a set of color-coded “Threat
Conditions” that change to reflect current risk. There
are five alert stages that range from green for low risk
to red for severe risk. A specific color-coded threat
condition may be assigned for the entire nation or
may be different for areas of the country. Threat
conditions also may be different for certain industries
such as power plants, airports, transportation
centers, or chemical factories. You can always find
the most up-to-date information on threat conditions
on the Pennsylvania Homeland Security website
located at: www.homelandsecurity.state.pa.us.
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency (PEMA) with guidance from the
Pennsylvania Homeland Security who will coordinate
any actions by government, businesses and
volunteer organizations in response to changes in
threat conditions. In addition, PEMA will notify
appropriate state agencies and organizations such as
the nine Regional Counter Terrorism Task Forces,
County Emergency Management Coordinators, and
the
County 911 Communications Centers of changes in
the threat levels. Below are examples of actions the
state will take at each threat level and steps you
need to take to better protect yourself, your family,
and your home.
Pandemic influenza
An influenza (flu) pandemic is a worldwide outbreak
of a new flu virus that can spread easily from person
to person. Like the seasonal flu many people
experience every year, pandemic flu will probably
spread by infected people coughing or sneezing and
by touching an infected surface. Unlike seasonal flu,
people will have little immunity to the new flu virus
that causes a pandemic. Many more people will get
sick.
Right now, there is no immediate threat of a flu
pandemic in Pennsylvania or the United States.
However, Pennsylvania is taking an aggressive
approach to preparing for the possibility of a
pandemic flu outbreak in humans or animals
sometime in the future.
What to expect
A flu pandemic could affect our daily lives in many
ways.
• Hospitals and doctors might be overwhelmed
with sick patients.
• Schools and businesses might close to keep the
virus from spreading or because too many people
are sick.
• Essential supplies and services may become
limited or unavailable.
• Travel and public gatherings might be limited to
keep the virus from spreading.
• Public health officials may suggest using isolation
or quarantine measures to control the spread of
infection.
• There may not be a vaccine to protect people
against the pandemic flu.
• Antiviral medicines may be in limited supply.
• If vaccines or antiviral medicines are available,
you may be asked to go to a certain community
location to get vaccinated or receive the
medicine.
• The pandemic could last a long time.
Sometimes, there are several waves of illness that
occur over a series of months or even more than
a year.
Watch and Listen 6
Red—The state may restrict transportation and
access to critical locations.
You must adhere to the restrictions announced by
authorities and prepare to evacuate, if instructed.
Stay alert for emergency messages.
Orange—The state may activate Emergency
Operations Centers and begin to restrict access
to some critical locations.
You should review your emergency communications
plan with your family and monitor the news for further
information and instructions.
Yellow —The state will increase surveillance at
critical locations such as power plants, bridges
and tunnels.
You should develop alternative routes for travel
between work, home and school. Be prepared to
assist and/or offer assistance to those with special
needs and people who are older.
Blue—The state will put key emergency response
personnel on stand-by and provide information to
the public as needed.
You should be alert for and report any suspicious
activity to the proper authorities. Review your
emergency kit and replace outdated items.
Green—The state will continue to develop and
refine emergency response plans and conduct
training exercises.
You should develop an emergency communications
plan and stock an emergency kit.
Severe Risk Of
Terrorist Attacks
High Risk Of
Terrorist Attacks
Significant Risk Of
Terrorist Attacks
Low Risk Of
Terrorist Attacks
General Risk Of
Terrorist Attacks
7 Preparedness for Special Populations
What to do
Every Pennsylvanian has an important role to play in
preparing for a flu pandemic. There are many simple
things you can do. Many of these tips are useful for
other emergency situations as well.
• Make an emergency supply kit for your home.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or
sneezing.
• Regularly clean surfaces that are touched by
multiple people.
• Stay home from work or school when you are
sick.
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, getting
regular exercise and getting sufficient rest.
• Get a yearly flu vaccination, especially if you are
at high risk for flu complications.
• Discuss individual health concerns with your
doctor.
• Plan to help your family, friends and neighbors,
especially those who live alone or may need
assistance in an emergency.
• Stay informed about pandemic flu and things you
can do to prepare.
Learn More at the Pennsylvania Pandemic
Preparedness website:
www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Older and/or People with Disabilities
A person with a special need may face some
challenges if an emergency strikes. If people learn
about these challenges in advance of an emergency
they can be prepared ahead of time, and will be
better able to cope with the disaster and recover
from it more quickly.
Special populations can be anyone that may face
challenges or have difficulties if an emergency
strikes. Many people may not feel
comfortable or are unable to safely
use standard resources available
during a disaster and recovery. This
may include, but not be limited to; anyone who has
any type of physical disability; mental illness or
developmental disability; have limited or are non-
English speaking; have service animals and/or pets;
older people; children; or have medical needs.
Establish a Personal Support Network
The best way to prepare is to establish a personal
support network. A personal support network is
made up of individuals who will check with you in an
emergency to ensure you are fine and to give
assistance if needed. This network can consist of
friends, roommates, family members, relatives,
personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors.
You and your personal support network should
notify each other when you are going out of town and
when you will return, and learn about each other’s
needs and how to help each other in an emergency.
You could be responsible for food supplies and
preparation, organizing neighborhood watch
meetings, interpreting, etc.
Medical Emergency Supplies
For your safety and comfort, you need to have
emergency supplies packed and ready in one place
before disaster hits. You should assemble enough
supplies to last for at least three days.
• Assemble the supplies you need in an evacuation,
both medical and general supplies, including
prescription medication (check expiration dates).
• Store them in an easy-to-carry container, such as
a backpack or duffel bag.
• Be sure your bag has an ID tag.
• Label any equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes
or walkers that you would need.
Traveling
When staying in hotels/motels, identify yourself to
registration desk staff as a person who will need
assistance in an emergency, and state the type of
assistance you may need.
Health Card or Medic Alert Tag
• An emergency health information card
communicates to rescuers what they need to
know about you if they find you unconscious or
incoherent, or if they need to quickly help
evacuate you.
• An emergency health information card should
contain information about medications, equipment
you use, allergies and sensitivities,
communication difficulties you may have,
preferred treatment, treatment-medical providers,
and important contact people.
• Make multiple copies of this card to keep in
emergency supply kits, car, work, wallet (behind
driver’s license or primary identification card),
wheelchair pack, etc.
• If you have a cell phone, don’t forget to put ICE in
your contact list. ICE stands for “In Case of an
Emergency” and is being use worldwide for
individuals to show who should be contacted in
an emergency. First Responders may look
through a contact list but not know who to call.
ICE followed by a name and phone number will
give them the information they need. ICETEXT
followed by a name and phone number will let
responders know they need to send a text
message to that contact.
Preparedness for Special Populations 8
Infants, Toddlers and Children
Infants and toddlers require special attention
immediately after disasters.
• Your preparedness kit should include enough
baby formula, baby food, diapers, bottles, toys
and games to keep small infants safe and
comfortable after a disaster.
• If children are at preschool, daycare or school, it
is important that parents or guardians know the
emergency procedures of the school. Review and
update information on your child’s
emergency card as needed.
• Make sure you authorize
someone nearby to pick up your
children from school in case you are
unable to travel to the school after a disaster.
• Parents should inform neighbors when their
children are home alone so neighbors could take
care of them in the event of a major disaster.
Effective ways to deal with children after an
emergency event:
• Encourage children to talk about their fears. Let
them ask questions and describe how they’re
feeling. Listen to what they say, as a family group
when possible.
• Reassure them with love. Tell them they are
safe, everything will be all right and life will
return to normal again.
• Keep them informed, in simple language, about
what is happening.
• Emphasize that they are not responsible for
what happened.
• Hold and hug them frequently.
• Encourage them to return to school and discuss
problems with teachers and to resume playing
games, riding bikes and other such activities.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Working with neighbors in an emergency can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to
plan how you could work together until help arrives. If you’re a member of a neighborhood organization,
such as a home owners association or crime watch group, introduce emergency preparedness as a new
activity. Encourage your neighborhood to take training, such as the Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) training to better assist your community with its preparedness efforts. Know your
neighbors’ special skills and consider how you could help those with special needs, such as people
with disabilities and older persons. For more information, visit: www.pema.state.pa.us,
www.homelandsecurity.state.pa.us or www.health.state.pa.us.
BE PREPARED
If an emergency strikes, it’s important to have a plan of action for you and your family. Creating an
emergency contact list, a written plan for your family, and having an emergency kit on hand are key for being
prepared and maintaining control in times of crisis. For more information, visit: www.pema.state.pa.us,
www.homelandsecurity.state.pa.us, www.ready.gov or www.health.state.pa.us.
9 Preparedness for Special Populations
Pets or Livestock
When preparing for a potential emergency, don’t
forget to include pets and livestock. Here are some
ideas for preparing to protect your animals during a
disaster:
• Talk to your veterinarian about evacuation and
emergency care for your animals.
• Identify an emergency animal shelter location
nearby: kennels, adjoining farms, state and local
fairgrounds, County Animal Response Team
(CART), etc. Know which hotels will accept pets.
Get to know the policies and staff of your local
animal control authority, as well as the local
animal non-profit rescue and care groups
including the Pennsylvania State Animal
Response Team (PASART) and your CART.
• Ask neighbors and friends to evacuate your animals
if a disaster strikes when you are away.
• Have a portable crate available for cats or small
dogs and a leash available for larger dogs. For
livestock, have halters and lead straps available.
Make sure that your animals trust this
person before an emergency, and
that this person knows where to
find the crates and leashes, etc.
Agree on a post-emergency
meeting place before the emergency
happens.
• License your companion animals; make sure your
animals can be easily identified so they can be
reunited with you after the disaster; and keep all
vaccinations current.
• Consider microchips and/or tattoos as permanent
identification. Take pictures of you with your
animal(s) to show proof of ownership if you are
separated during a disaster.
• Have a record of the number of the rabies tag,
license, microchip, or tattoo with you for proof of
ownership.
• Have a copy of your pets’ and livestock’s medical
records and list of necessary medications on hand.
• Have a travel bag for your pets ready and in your
car in case your pets must be evacuated. The bag
should include, at minimum, several days worth of
food and water, dishes/bowls, bedding, toys, treats,
an extra leash and collar, a litter pan for cats, a pet
first aid kit, identification information, paper towels,
clean-up bags, and any medications your pets need.
• Prepare an evacuation plan for livestock. Your plan
should include a list of resources such as trucks,
trailers, pasture and/or feed which might be needed
in an evacuation, as well as a designated person
who will unlock gates and doors and make your
facility easily accessible to emergency personnel.
Make sure that everyone who lives, works or
boards at your barn is familiar with the plan.
If you must leave animals behind, post a highly visible
sign (either on a window or a door) letting rescue
workers know the breed and number of animals which
remain. Leave plenty of food and water with care
instructions. If your animal becomes lost, immediately
call or visit the nearest animal shelter or emergency
command post.
If you find a lost animal, notify the local animal shelter
as soon as possible and be prepared to give a full
description of the animal (i.e., color, breed, sex) and its
location. For more information visit: www.pasart.org
Be Prepared 10
Create an Emergency Contact List
Ask several relatives or friends who
live outside your immediate area to
act as a clearinghouse for
information about you and your
family after a disaster. It is often easier
to place an out-of-state long distance call from a
disaster area than to call within the area. All family
members should know to call the contact person to
report their location and condition. Once contact is
made, have the contact person relay messages to
your other friends and relatives outside the disaster
area. This will help to reduce calling into and out of
the affected area once the phones are working.
Create an Emergency Plan
1. Meet with household members and discuss the
dangers of possible emergency events, including
fire, severe weather, hazardous spills and terrorism.
2. Discuss how you and your family will respond to
each possible emergency.
3. If family members are at different locations when an
emergency starts, discuss in advance who will pick
up the children and where you will meet if an
evacuation is declared. You should plan to meet
well outside the danger area, probably at a
relative’s home.
4. Discuss what to do in case of power outages or
personal injuries.
5. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark escape
routes from each room.
6. Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity
at main switches. If for any reason you turn off
natural gas service to your home, call your gas
company to restore service. Do not attempt to
restore service yourself.
7. Post emergency contact numbers near all
telephones. Pre-program emergency numbers into
phones with auto-dial capabilities.
8. Teach children how and when to dial 9-1-1 to get
emergency assistance.
9. Teach children how to make long-distance
telephone calls.
10. Pick a friend or relative that all family members will
call if separated (it is often easier to call out-of-state
during an emergency than within the affected area).
11. Instruct household members to turn on the radio,
the weather radio, or television for emergency
information.
12. Pick two meeting places: a place near your home
and a place outside your neighborhood in case you
cannot return home after an emergency.
13. Take a Basic First Aid and CPR class. Contact the
American Red Cross for more information.
14. Keep family records in a waterproof and fireproof
safe. Inexpensive models can be purchased at
most hardware stores.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Often during an emergency, electricity, water, heat,
air conditioning or telephone service may not work.
Preparing an emergency kit ahead of time can save
precious minutes in the event you must evacuate or
go without electricity, heat or water for an extended
period. You should consider including the following
items in your emergency supply kit: at
least a three-day supply of water
(one gallon per person per day);
non-perishable packaged or canned
food that does not spoil quickly;
blankets or bedding; a battery-powered
radio with extra batteries; and a first aid kit and
prescription medicines (check the expiration dates).
PREPARE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
There are six basics you should have in your home in case of any emergency. They are: water, food, a first
aid kit, clothing and bedding, tools and supplies, and special items. Items you would need in case of an
evacuation should be kept in an easy-to-carry container such as a large covered trash container, a backpack
or a duffel bag. You also should keep a smaller version of a disaster supply kit in your car. Below are listed
some items from each of the basic categories which you may want to consider. For more information, visit:
www.pema.state.pa.us, www.homelandsecurity.state.pa.us or www.health.state.pa.us.
11 Emergency Supplies Kit
Water
Store one gallon of water per person per day in plastic
containers. Hot environments and intense physical
activity can double that amount.
• Have a three-day supply (replace supply every six
months).
Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and
footwear per person. Long sleeved shirts and long pants
are recommended. Clothing should be placed in waterproof
bag.
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Heavy socks at least two pairs
• Blankets and/or sleeping bags (placed in water-proof
bag)
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses
• Rain gear
• Hats and gloves
Special Items
Remember in your planning family members who have
special needs; the young, old, and those with a disability
requiring special assistance.
For Children
• Baby formula/food
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Games/Activities
• Special toy for comfort
• Wet wipes
• Extra sets of clothing (check sizes every three
months)
• Anti-rash ointment
• Emergency Contact information in case they are
separated from parents/guardians
For Adults
• Prescription drugs, such as: heart, high blood
pressure medication, respiratory inhalers and insulin
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eyeglasses
• Playing cards and books
• Important legal documents such as deed, insurance
polices, identification cards in a waterproof pouch
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Recent pictures of family members and pets
For Pets
• Medications and medical records
• Pet first aid kit
• Extra leash and collar
• Food, water and dishes/bowls
• Cat litter/pan
• Copies of licenses
• Current photo in case they get lost
• Name and phone number of veterinarian
• Microchip or tattoo number
• Toys
• Treats
• Bedding
• Paper towels and clean-up bags
• Store at least a week’s worth of food and water at
home for your pets for an emergency and replace
the food and water supply every six months.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
for each person. Select foods that require no
refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Select food items
that are compact and lightweight and rotate the food
supply every six months.
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Soups, bouillon cubes or dried soups
• Milk—boxed powdered or canned, requiring no
refrigeration
• Baby formula/food
• Sugar cookies
• Hard candy
• Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper
• Juices—canned, boxed, powdered or crystallized
• Smoked or dried meats such as beef jerky
• Vitamins
• High energy foods—peanut butter, nuts, trail mix
Emergency Supplies Kit 12
Tools and Supplies
• Case/nylon bag/fanny pack
• Mess kits or paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
• Battery- or gyro- operated radio and extra batteries
• Small fire extinguisher
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Paper and pencil/pen
• Non-electric can opener
• Multi-purpose tool/utility knife
• Tent
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Pliers
• Compass
• Signal flare
• Needles and thread
• Aluminum foil
• Water-proof Matches
• Shut-off wrench for gas
and water
• Work gloves
• Plastic storage containers
• Medicine dropper
• Cash or travelers checks
and change
• Dust mask (for dust/debris)
• Toilet paper
• Battery powered fan
• Extra keys for car and house
• Light sticks
• Map of local and out of state area
• Nylon cord
• Portable generator, if possible
• Pre-paid phone card
• Scissors
• Spray paint
• Propane cooking stove
• Pot and pan for cooking
• Wet wipes
• Ziploc bags
• Hard hat
• Pry bar
• Personal hygiene items
• Feminine supplies
• Disinfectant
• Plastic garbage bags and ties
• Soap
• Household chlorine bleach
• Small shovel (to dig toilet, etc.)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid (indoor toilet)
First Aid Kit
You should have two first aid kits—one for your home
and the other for your car. Each kit should include:
• Sterile adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• Gauze pads (2- and 3-inch)
• Triangular bandages
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Sterile roller bandages
(2- and 3- inch)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Safety razor blade
• Safety pins (assorted sizes)
• Snake bite kit
• Cold pack
• Bar of soap
• Moist towelettes
• Non-breakable thermometer
• Antiseptic spray
• Latex gloves
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Tongue blades and wooden applicator sticks
• Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
• Antacid
• Laxative
• Eye wash
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Emetic (to induce vomiting)
AFTER AN EMERGENCY OCCURS
During and after an emergency, it is important to
stay calm. Even after an event, there may still be
many dangers. What seems like a safe distance or
location may not be. Stay tuned to your local
emergency station and follow the advice of trained
professionals. Unless told to evacuate, avoid roads to
allow emergency vehicles access. What you do next
can save your life and the lives of others.
• Remain calm and assist family members or
neighbors who may be vulnerable if exposed to
extreme heat or cold.
• Locate a flashlight with batteries to use until
power comes back on. Do not use candles — this
can cause a fire.
• Turn off sensitive electrical equipment such as
computers, VCRs and televisions to prevent
damage when electricity is restored.
• Turn off major electrical and gas appliances
that were on when the power went off. This will
help to prevent power surges when electricity
is restored.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed
as much as possible to keep in cold.
• Do not use the stove to heat your home — this
can cause a fire or fatal gas leak.
• Use extreme caution when driving. If traffic
signals are out, treat each signal as a stop
sign — come to a complete stop at every
intersection and look before you proceed.
• Do not call 911 to ask about a
power outage. In case of a power
outage, use battery-operated
equipment to listen to news and
radio stations for updates.
How Can I Help?
• Contact the American Red Cross to find out how
to donate blood.
• Contact the relief agencies/organizations in your
area to see what they may need, such as clothing
or food.
• Take a Basic First Aid or CPR class.
• Consider joining a Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) or County Animal
Response Team (CART). Contact your county
emergency management agency (listed on the back
cover) for training.
• Form a neighborhood watch program to be better
prepared for potential future events.
• Register to become a state disaster volunteer for
the State Emergency Registry for Volunteers in
Pennsylvania (SERVPA) at: www.serv.pa.gov
Out-of-Area Contact is one of the most important
concepts in your disaster plan. When disaster
occurs, you will be concerned about the welfare of
your loved ones.
In a disaster, local telephone service may be
disrupted. However, long-distance lines, because
they are routed many different ways out of your
community, may be open. It also is important to
remember that the telephone company’s emergency
telephone network is the pay telephone system.
They will restore it before the rest of the system. So,
if you have change to make a pay telephone call and
an out-of-area contact, you may be able to
communicate with loved ones in the disaster area
indirectly through your out-of-area contact.
Meeting Points. After a disaster it may be impossible
for family members to return home for one reason or
another. It is very important that you select a meeting
point in the community where you can join the
members of your household.
13 After an Emergency Occurs
Phone Numbers
Out-of-Area Contact
Name
Address
State
Day
Evening
Cell
Local Contact
Name
Address
State
Day
Evening
Cell
Nearest Relative
Name
Address
State
Day
Evening
Cell
Family Work Numbers
Father
Mother
Other
Know your location when using a cell phone.
Local Police
Fire Department
Hospital
Utilities
Electric Co.
Gas Co.
Water Co.
Telephone Co.
Cable TV Co.
Family Physicians
Name
Phone
Name
Phone
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION
Remove and post this page in a prominent area, i.e., near phone or refrigerator.
Retain this guide for future use. A good place to store this guide is in your emergency kit.
Preparing for an Emergency
• Prepare a emergency supply kit for the home.
Use the checklist as a guide.
• Create an Emergency Communications Plan
and post this sheet in a prominent place.
• When in public places, locate stairways and
emergency exits. Think ahead about how to
evacuate a building, subway or congested public
area in a hurry.
• Keep informed — listen to local radio or TV.
For the Latest Info. . .
Find up-to-the-minute preparedness information,
the current security alert, resources and related
links at: www.homelandsecurity.state.pa.us,
www.pema.state.pa.us, www.ready.gov or
www.health.state.pa.us.
How to Submit Criminal/Terrorist Tips…
The most effective way to report a tip regarding
possible terrorist activity is to call the Pennsylvania
State Police at 1-888-292-1919 or contact your
local police department. In an emergency,
however, call 911.
Emergency Services
In a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.
Meeting Points Outside Your Home
Location 1. Right outside of your home.
Location 2. Away from your neighborhood, in case
you cannot return home.
Address
Phone
Route to try first
Safe Room Inside Your Home
Our safe room is
Emergency Preparedness Information 14
Adams County
717-334-8603
Allegheny County
412-473-2550
Armstrong County
724-548-3431
Beaver County
724-774-1049
Bedford County
814-623-9528
Berks County
610-374-4800
Blair County
814-940-5906
Bradford County
570-265-5022
Bucks County
215-340-8700
Butler County
724-284-5211
Cambria County
814-472-2050
Cameron County
814-486-1137 x 352
Carbon County
570-325-3097
Centre County
814-355-6745
Chester County
610-344-5000
Clarion County
814-226-6631
Clearfield County
814-765-5357
Clinton County
570-893-4090 x 209
Columbia County
570-389-5720
Crawford County
814-724-2548
Cumberland County
717-240-6400
Dauphin County
717-558-6800
Delaware County
610-565-8700
Elk County
814-776-5314
Erie County
814-451-7911
Fayette County
724-430-1277
Forest County
814-755-3541
Franklin County
717-264-2813
Fulton County
717-485-3201
Greene County
724-627-5387
Huntingdon County
814-643-6613/6617
Indiana County
724-349-9300
Jefferson County
814-849-5052
Juniata County
717-436-2181
Lackawanna County
570-961-5511
Lancaster County
717-664-1200
Lawrence County
724-658-7485
Lebanon County
717-272-7621
Lehigh County
610-782-3073
Luzerne County
570-820-4400
Lycoming County
800-433-9063
McKean County
814-887-5070
Mercer County
724-662-6100
Mifflin County
717-248-9645/9607
Monroe County
570-992-4113
Montgomery
County
610-631-6530
Montour County
570-271-3047
Northampton
County
610-759-2600
Northumberland
County
570-988-4217/4218
Perry County
717-582-2131 x 2256
Philadelphia County
215-686-1104/1100
Pike County
570-296-6714
Pittsburgh, City of
412-255-2293
Potter County
814-274-8900
Schuylkill County
570-622-3739
Snyder County
570-372-0826
Somerset County
814-445-1515/16
Sullivan County
570-946-5010
Susquehanna
County
570-278-4600 x 250
Tioga County
570-724-9110
Union County
570-523-3201
Venango County
814-677-7356
Warren County
814-723-8478
Washington County
724-228-6911
Wayne County
570-253-1622
Westmoreland
County
724-600-7305
Wyoming County
570-836-2828
York County
717-840-2990
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911
Tip Submission—Report criminal/terrorist tips immediately to:
1-888-292-1919 or email sp-intelligence@state.pa.us.
Ready America
www.ready.gov
Pennsylvania Homeland Security
www.homelandsecurity.state.pa.us
Pennsylvania Department of Health—1-877-PA-HEALTH
www.health.state.pa.us
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
www.pema.state.pa.us
Pennsylvania Poison Control Centers —1-800-222-1222
American Red Cross —1-800-435-7669
www.redcross.org
American Trauma Society —1-717-766-1616
Pennsylvania’s public health network
consists of 57 State Health Centers
and 10 County and Municipal Health
Departments. For public health
preparedness information, call your
designated health department listed below
or otherwise, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
Allegheny County Health Department
412-578-8026
Allentown Bureau of Health
610-437-7760
Bethlehem Health Bureau
610-865-7087
Bucks County Department of Health
215-345-3318
Chester County Health Department
610-344-6225
Erie County Department of Health
814-451-6700
Montgomery County Health Department
610-278-5117
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
215-685-5670
Wilkes-Barre City Health Department
570-208-4268
York City Bureau of Health
717-849-2252/2299
For more information on local emergency management planning in your county, call:
Tell us what you think… We appreciate your
feedback. Visit: www.health.state.pa.us and
look for the emergency survey link.
Revised 4/2007