News Release: February 10, 2002
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
With America’s terror threat level raised to “High/Orange” for just the second time since the Homeland Security Advisory System was established nearly a year ago, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley urges area residents to take steps to prepare for the unexpected.
“Corresponding with the government’s color-coded system, the Red Cross has tailored specific emergency readiness information for families, individuals, schools, neighborhoods and businesses relating at each of the five threat levels,” said Cordelia Miller, director of emergency services for the local Red Cross. “These Red Cross Recommendations for the Homeland Security Advisory System are available for the public at www.redcross.org.
“When hearing that the terror threat level has been raised, many people think,
'What does this mean to me? What do I need to do?’” said Miller. “The preparedness information available at redcross.org specifically tailored for each color-coded threat level, giving the general public some practical preparedness guidelines that can make homes, schools, workplaces and communities safer during these uncertain times.
“In today’s world climate, we can’t stress enough the importance for residents to be prepared,” Miller said. “Some of the most fundamental principles to being prepared for any event are having a disaster plan and having a disaster supplies kit ready, and taking a Red Cross CPR/AED and first aid course.
“At this Orange status, individuals should exercise caution and review their disaster plan. People should also be very aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to the proper authorities,” Miller said.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Assemble a disaster supplies kit -- If you need to evacuate your home or are asked to "shelter in place," having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable. Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic trash can. Include "special needs" items for any member of your household (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older people), first aid supplies (including prescription medications), a change of clothing for each household member, a sleeping bag or bedroll for each, a battery powered radio or television and extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools. It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licenses) in your kit.
Copies of essential documents -- like powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, life insurance beneficiary designations and a copy of your will -- should also be kept in a safe location outside your home. A safe deposit box or the home of a friend or family member who lives out of town is a good choice.
Create an emergency communications plan -- Choose an out-of-town contact your family or household will call or e-mail to check on each other should a disaster occur. Your selected contact should live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event, and they should know they are the chosen contact. Make sure every household member has that contact's, and each other's, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers (home, work, pager and cell). Leave these contact numbers at your children's schools, if you have children, and at your workplace. Your family should know that if telephones are not working, they need to be patient and try again later or try e-mail. Many people flood the telephone lines when emergencies happen but e-mail can sometimes get through when calls don't.
Establish a meeting place -- Having a predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may even want to make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency. Be sure to include any pets in these plans, since pets are not permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them.
Neighborhoods -- Check on neighbors who are elderly or have special needs to ensure they are okay. Review their disaster plan with them.
Check on the school emergency plan of any school-age children you may have --
You need to know if they will keep children at school until a parent or designated adult can pick them up or send them home on their own. Be sure that the school has updated information about how to reach parents and responsible caregivers to arrange for pickup. And, ask what type of authorization the school may require to release a child to someone you designate, if you are not able to pick up your child. During times of emergency the school telephones may be overwhelmed with calls.
Shelter in place -- If you are advised by local officials to "shelter in place," what they mean is for you to remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there. Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Get your disaster supplies kit, and make sure the radio is working. Go to an interior room without windows that's above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed. Using duct tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
Businesses -- Review the emergency plans, including continuity of operations and media materials on hand. Ensure that the emergency communication plan is updated and includes the purchase of needed emergency equipment as detailed in the Red Cross Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry. Determine any need to restrict access to the business or provide private security firm support/reinforcement. Contact vendors/suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures.
All of these recommendations make good sense, regardless of the potential problem. For brochures on how to get ready for disaster and be safe when disaster strikes, or to register for a first aid and AED/CPR course, call the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley at (610) 865-4400 or visit the office at 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, Monday through Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To download the full versions of the Red Cross Recommendations for the Homeland Security Advisory System, visit here, where you can also find a wide variety of free publications in a variety of languages to help you prepare.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about your local Red Cross, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.
