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LEPC - Information for Families

Home Safety Kits | Childcare Emergency Plan | Children's Games | Links

Home Safety Kits

Home safety kits, which included plastic and duct tape, were suggested as needed supplies. For the past several years the emergency management office and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) have been promoting the home safety kits as an all hazards approach to preparedness.

The purpose of a home safety kit is to have your emergency supplies in one place so that in the event of an emergency you can rapidly locate your emergency supplies. The home safety kit should include a radio with batteries, flashlight, first aid kit, plastic sheets, duct tape, scissors, water and snacks. The supplies can be used for a variety of emergency situations such as severe weather, tornados, chemical spills, power outages or even a terrorist attack. There are other items that you should also have on hand in your home. These would include food and water, blankets, etc.

Every family should develop an emergency action plan. Some of the most common hazards we face would include fire, severe weather, tornados, power outages and chemical emergencies. We also need to develop a communications strategy so family members can report their location and condition during a critical event.

What to do during a chemical emergency
 
Chemical Emergency Events will only affect a limited area.
  1. Close all windows and doors in your home or office.
  2. Turn off the thermostat.
  3. Move to an interior room with few windows.
  4. Seal off the doors and windows with plastic, duct tape or towels.
  5. Listen to the radio or television for further instructions.
  6. If you think you are being exposed to fumes, put a wet cloth over your mouth and nose.
  7. If you need help call 911
  8. When the "all clear" is issued, open all doors and windows, move outdoors until the building is aired out.
  9. If there is a major spill, officials may instruct you to leave the area.

For additional information contact your local emergency management office, the Red Cross, or the many websites that address homeland security, family preparedness and emergency management.

Childcare Emergency Plan Guidelines and Checklists

Children's Games

Word Scramble (grades 4-8)

Various Drinking/Ground Water Games & Activities

US EPA Environmental Kids Club

National Library of Medicine: ToxTown

Links for Families

Be Prepared
Tools and templates for developing a family emergency plan

Are You Ready? An in-depth guide to Citizen Preparedness
FEMA’s citizen guide on what to do before, during and after a disaster. Available in English and Spanish.

Get Ready! Kent County
Monthly activities for strengthening family preparedness one step at a time. Available in English and Spanish.

Be Red Cross Ready
Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Saving the Whole Family
Preparedness booklet for pet owners from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Saving the Whole Family - Video
Preparedness tips for pet owners from a veterinarian.

Ready America – Americans with Disabilities and Special Needs
Preparedness resources, planning templates and an instructional video for people with disabilities.

Readiness Quotient: Test Your RQ
How prepared are you? Take this ten-question assessment and find out!