Preparedness is everyone's responsibility. All sectors of society - business and industry, civic and volunteer groups, industry associations and neighborhood associations, as well as every individual citizen and every family - should plan ahead for disaster. During the first few hours or days following a disaster, essential services may not be available. People must be ready to act on their own. Here are some preparedness tips:

PERFORM A HOME HAZARD HUNT
In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, break, fall, or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
• Fasten shelves securely and brace overhead light fixtures.
• Place large, heavy objects, on lower shelves.
• Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds
• Strap water heaters to wall studs.
• Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.
• Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans. Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.

FIRE SAFETY

• Plan two escape routes out of each room.
• Practice fire drills at least twice per year.
• Teach family members to stay low to the ground when escaping from a fire.
• Teach family members never to open doors that are hot. In a fire, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way out.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Clean and test them at least once per month. Change the batteries at least once per year.
• Check electrical outlets. Do not overload outlets.
• Purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your house.
• Plan two escape routes out of the basement.
• Consider installing home sprinklers.

For more information on fire safety, visit Seward County Fire Department's website.

FILL OUT AN EMERGENCY PLAN WITH YOUR FAMILY.