Homeland Security

 

Home
News/Calendar
Related Links
Homeland Security
Storm Spotters
CERT
EOP
Special Needs

 

 

At the elevated risk level, the potential of terrorist attack exists and Americans are cautioned to be alert and on guard.

What can you and your family do?

  • Stay alert and aware.  Maintain emergency preparedness.
  • Maintain close contact with family and neighbors to ensure their safety and emotional welfare.
  • Follow travel warnings in place.
  • Be alert to suspicious activity.
  • Conditions are likely to change with little or no notice.  National and local news media will have increased coverage of any evolving situations.  Access to public buildings and government facilities will be restricted.  Public gatherings may be postponed.
  • Continue normal activities but expect delays, baggage searches, and restrictions as a result of heightened security at public facilities.
  • Continue to monitor Emergency Alert System (EAS) stations in your area and listen to the National Weather Radio.
  • Stop the spread of rumors by not sharing unsubstantiated information.
  • Develop alternate routes to and from work or school and practice them.
  • Fill your gas tank regularly.
  • Review emergency plans at work, school, and public places you regularly visit.
  • Call 9-1-1 if you see suspicious persons taking photographs of critical facilities, asking detailed questions about physical security, or dressed inappropriately for weather conditions.
  • Develop alternate routes to/from school/work and practice them.
  • Review your disaster plans and discuss them in detail with your family.
  • Be prepared to evacuate or to take shelter.
  • Check your family disaster supply kit and update as necessary.
  • Review and update phone numbers and email addresses in your emergency notification plan.
  • Take advantage of training opportunities available through your local Red Cross to refresh your first aid knowledge.
  • Continue to provide volunteer services in your community, but contact the agency to determine their needs before volunteering
 

Additional information on threat levels and protective actions to take can be obtained at the following websites:

http://www.nipc.gov/

or:

http://www.fbi.gov/

 

The Butler County Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security recommends the following items be prepared by your family for any potential emergency:

  • 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 household member (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older people), first aid supplies (including prescription medications), a change of clothing for each person, 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 power 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.)

Sheltering in Place

If you are advised by authorities 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.  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 it is safe or told to evacuate.

Additional information on sheltering in place is available by contacting our office or you can rent - free of charge for 5 days - the video, "Sheltering-in-Place" at the Andover and El Dorado Blockbusters.  Look for it in the Community Service section.

For more information on preparing your family or workplace for disasters, check out:

http://www.ready.gov/