BE PREPARED, NOT SCARED

Being prepared for disasters is very important to keep you safe. You can learn what to do in an emergency by talking with your family and practicing for different situations. Having a plan, knowing the plan and practicing the plan will help your family recover fast after an emergency. It’s important to feel confident and ready to stay safe when something unexpected happens.

The Disaster Preparedness Passport will guide you through activities to discuss with your family about being prepared and responding well to disasters. Once completed, return the last page to the Office of Emergency Management at 1621 E Lookout Dr, Richardson, TX 75082.

Passports are available to pickup at the Richardson Public Library at 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Suite 500, Richardson, TX, 75082.

BE INFORMED

There are many types of natural disasters that happen in Texas.

1. In Texas, a tornado is a powerful windstorm that can cause a lot of damage.
2. Hurricanes are big storms that form over the ocean and bring heavy rain and strong winds to Texas.
3. During a drought, Texas has very little rain, making the land dry and plants thirsty.
4. Sometimes in Texas, a lot of rain can cause flooding, which is when water covers the land.
5. An earthquake is a shaking of the ground that sometimes happens in Texas, though not very often.
6. Wildfires can happen in Texas during dry and windy conditions, causing fires that spread quickly.
7. In the summer, Texas can get extremely hot, and this is called a heat wave.
8. A thunderstorm is a type of storm with thunder, lightning and heavy rain.
9. Severe winter weather including ice and snow may cause schools to be closed.
10. If there is a tornado warning in your area, it means a tornado might be coming, and to take
    shelter immediately.

Richardson sends important alerts for:

• Tornado Warnings
• Utility/Water Outages
• Unexpected Street Closures
• Emergency Evacuations
• Public Health Concerns

Sign up for alerts at cor.net/alerts and follow Richardson OEM on X at twitter.com/RichardsonOEM

HOME SAFETY

Safety begins at home. Use this checklist to review your house for potential hazards.

• Kitchen
  - Emergency numbers are posted where they can be easily seen (refrigerator), including 911 and poison control.
  - Knives and sharp instruments are kept in knife drawers or holders.
  - Disinfectants and cleaning products are out of reach of children.

• Living Room and Dining Room
  - Furniture is placed to allow easy passage in an emergency.
  - Rugs are fastened or laid on non-slip pads.
  
  
• Bathroom
  - Tub and shower are equipped with strong handholds.
  - Tub floor has non-slip surface.
  - Poisons and dangerous chemicals are marked, sealed shut in original containers and out of reach of children.
  - Medicines are out of reach of children in childproof containers.
  
  
• General 
  - Everything has a place and is in its place.
  - Window screens and storm windows are securely fastened.
  
  
• Electrical Devices and Fixtures
  - Electrical fixtures and appliances are located and used beyond arm’s length of the sink, stove, tub, shower or other grounded metal unless outlet is protected by a ground-fault interrupter.
  - Light bulbs are installed in all lamp sockets.
  - Cords are kept out from under rugs, doors and furniture.
  
  
• Bedroom
  - Smoke alarm has fresh battery or secure electrical connection and is tested regularly.
  - Carbon monoxide detector has fresh battery or secure electrical connection and is tested regularly.
  - Furniture placement for clear passage between bed and door.
  - Light switch or lamp is within easy reach from bed.
  - A nightlight illuminates bedroom or hall.

MAKE A PLAN

Important topics to discuss -

If your family is separated during an emergency:

• Where's a meeting place near the home?
• Where's a meeting place outside the neighborhood?
• Make a list of friends or family you could stay with if you have to evacuate.

Know what to do - 

What should you do if one of these happens:

• Tornado 
• Earthquake
• Hurricane
• Snowstorm

BUILD A KIT

Build an emergency kit for your family.

• Recommended Items:
  - 2 copies of your family emergency plan
  - $20 minimum cash and coin
  - Extra copies of family health records, list of prescriptions with dosages and insurance papers
  - First-aid kit and prescription medications
  - 3-day supply of canned and dry food, and a manual can opener
  - Battery-powered or hand cranked radio
  - Mobile phone and chargers for car and home
  - Flashlight and extra batteries
  - Tools (wrench or pliers) to turn off utilities
  - Items for the senior or functional-needs family members
  - Pet supplies
  - Spare set of car and house keys
  - Blankets or sleeping bags
  - Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
  - Plastic trash bags
  - Moist towelettes and other hygiene supplies
  - Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for each gamily member
  - Sunscreen and insect repellent
  
  
• Important Items for Children:
  - 1 comfort item per child (a teddy bear or other toy) Ask what your child would like to include such as a doll that’s not often used.
  - Items for children (paper, crayons, books and travel sized games)
  - Small toys, nonperishable snacks and diapers for infants or toddlers

Remember:
- Keep your kit handy
- Keep items in airtight plastic bags
- Refill your kit with fresh water, batteries and right-size clothes every 6 months
- Don’t forget to keep emergency supplies in your car and at work

PREVENTION

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are an important safety feature in your home. You should:

• Have one inside and outside every sleeping area
• Change the batteries every 6 months
• Test them once a month

Test your smoke detectors. Were any of them not working? What did they sound like?

Emergency Exits

If there is an emergency in your home, do you know how to exit? Use the drawing you made before to practice your route to a safe place. Pay attention to where your family will meet once outside.

HELP OTHERS

Service Project

Look for an opportunity to help others be more prepared for a disaster. This can be family, friend or volunteering with a group.