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Preparation Guidelines
A Citizen's Guide to
Emergencies
CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
We at the Dover Emergency Management Agency have published this guide
with the assistance of FEMA to help the citizens of Dover prepare for
a variety of emergencies.
Being prepared and understanding what to do can reduce fear, anxiety
and losses that accompany disasters. Families and individuals should know
what to do in a fire and where to seek shelter in a storm. They should
be ready to evacuate their homes, take refuge in public shelters and know
how to care for their basic medical needs. You should know how to respond
to severe weather or any disaster that could occur in your area- hurricanes,
earthquakes, extreme cold or flooding. You should also be ready to be
self sufficient for at least three days. This may mean providing for your
own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation. Share this reference
with your household. Include everyone in the planning process. Teach children
how to respond to emergencies. Give them a sense of what to expect. Being
prepared, understanding your risks and taking steps to reduce those risks
can reduce the damages caused by hazards
Shelter
In times of major storms or disasters, we will open the emergency shelter
at the Town Hall. If you feel you need emergency shelter at any other
time, please call our office and arrangements will be made.
Disaster Supply Kits
You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means
having your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks
or duffel bags to keep the supplies together.
You should prepare emergency supplies for the following situations:
· A disaster supply kit with essential food, water, and supplies
for at least three days-this kit should be kept in a designated place
and be ready to "grab and go" in case you have to leave your
home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical
emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is
kept.
· Consider having additional supplies for sheltering or home
confinement for up to two weeks.
Health and Safety
Your first concern after a disaster is your household's health
and safety. Be aware of new hazards created by the disaster. Watch for
washed out roads, gas leaks, contaminated water, broken glass and damaged
wires. Do not try to do too much at one time. It is important that you
conserve your resources. Also, inform local authorities about health and
safety hazards, including chemical releases, downed power lines,
washed out roads, smoldering insulation or dead animals.
Prepare a Family Plan
Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond
to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation. Plan how
your household would stay in contact if you were separated. Identify two
meeting places: the first should be near your home- perhaps a tree or
a telephone pole; the second should be away from your neighborhood in
case you cannot return home. Pick a friend or relative who lives out of
the area for household members to call to say they are okay.
School Information
The Dover-Sherborn public schools, K-12, have prepared extensively for
the safety of its students and personnel in the event of a national or
local disaster. Each school has established an Emergency Response
Team and prepared guidelines for dealing with individual tragedies as
well as broader local or national emergency situations. It is recommended
that every family have in its possession the following:
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All emergency phone numbers and contact people in the school your
child attends.
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An individual family communication plan to include what happens should
a catastrophic event occur when the family is not together.
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A clear understanding of the evacuation procedures and plan for each
individual child and his/her school.
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