Saugus Emergency Management Agency: Terrorism Preparedness

FRAMINGHAM, MA - "Most major disasters and emergencies, which we, as a nation, have historically confronted, like blizzards, hurricanes and floods give us some warning and time for short-term, last-minute preparedness. Unfortunately, as we have seen, Terrorism does not afford us such a luxury", stated Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Stephen J. McGrail. "Regardless of the type of Terrorist Event, which could take place, there are some steps you and your family can take to alleviate the fear of the unknown and assure some peace of mind".

Develop/Review a Family Communication Plan.
This will give assurances that all are safe and enable you to make plans to get back together. Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as the family contact. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance, outside of the disaster area. Make sure all family members know the name, address and telephone number of the contact person.

Develop/Review a Family Disaster Kit.
A Disaster Kit should consist of the materials your family would need to survive for 3 to 7 days without power. This is the same type of kit which should be in place to survive the aftermath of a hurricane or blizzard. The Kit should include non-perishable food, water (at least one gallon per person, per day), a First Aid Kit with prescription medicines, a battery powered radio and NOAA weather radio, flashlights with extra batteries, special items necessary for babies or elderly, pet care items, blankets & pillows, toiletries, vehicles with full fuel tanks and an amount of cash, in case banks or ATMs are not available.

Develop/Review a Family Evacuation Plan.
Contact you local Emergency Management Director (Every city and town in the Commonwealth has one.) to learn of your community's emergency plan, location of shelters and hospitals, evacuation routes and emergency warning system. If an incident occurs, listen to local radio or television and follow the instructions of emergency officials. Evacuate immediately, if told to do so. Lock your homes when you leave. Travel routes specified by local officials, taking Family Disaster Kit basics with you. You may be asked to 'Shelter-in-Place'. This means to go indoors, closing all doors & windows. Turn off all window fans, dryers kitchen and bath exhaust fans, air conditioners and other sources of outside air. If you are traveling in an automobile, close windows and air vents. Continue to monitor the Media for further instructions.

This document courtesy of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency www.state.ma.us/mema