Citizen Checklist

Citizen Checklist

ARE YOU READY?

A GUIDE FOR CITIZEN PREPAREDNESS

This guide offers specific protective measures that you can take for a “High Condition ( Orange )” threat level. These include:

	Keep life, property, health and other insurance policies current and know their limits. Store copies of these and other important documents in a watertight container.
	Develop a household disaster plan – have a household meeting to discuss what members would do and how they would communicate in the event of an incident.
	Identify two meeting places; one near home and the second away from the neighborhood.
	Assemble a disaster supply kit with food, water, and first aid supplies at home, at work, and for your car.
	Keep a battery-operated radio and extra batteries to stay informed.
	Have a list of emergency contact numbers, including E-911, fire, police, and hospitals.
	Review and practice evacuation plans.
	Learn about community sheltering resources and how to “shelter in place”.
	Check with school officials to determine their plans for emergency procedures.
	Discuss emergency procedures with building managers.
	Contact neighbors to discuss their plans and needs and how you can help each other.
	Be observant of any suspicious activity and report it to authorities.
	Exercise caution when traveling, especially when visiting high profile or symbolic locations.
	Schedule a course in first aid training and CPR.
	Work with your local rescue squad, fire department, emergency managers, and law enforcement to help expand CERT training in your community.
	Have a plan for pets and other animals including livestock.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to listen to what LOCAL AUTHORITIES tell you about the situation in the area.

Please review the Are You Ready? chapters on General Preparedness, Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies, Evacuation, and Shelter – available online in .PDF and in Word format at http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/. Remind others to learn how to be more prepared in their community and tell them to visit the Citizen Corps website!

Are You Ready? A Guide for Citizen Preparedness also has a separate chapter on National Security Emergencies, including terrorism, chemical, and biological weapons, and nuclear and radiological attack.

These websites also include relevant information:

	FEMA for Kids Guide to National Security Emergencies – http://www.fema.gov/kids/nse/
	Department of Homeland Security – http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic
	American Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org
	Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
	www.state.sc.us/emd/
	www.ready.gov

In these times of heightened alert, it is important for all of us to take action to be better prepared. We should reach out to our families, friends, and neighbors ensuring that we are ready for any emergency situation.