Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s a storm, power outage, fire or medical emergency, being prepared helps you and your family stay safe when the unexpected occurs. Your local fire department encourages every household to take simple steps now to build confidence and peace of mind later.
Start by creating a family emergency plan. Talk with your loved ones about what to do in different situations. Choose a safe meeting place right outside your home in case of fire, and another location in your community if you need to evacuate. Make sure everyone knows how to contact each other and select an out-of-town family member or friend as a central contact if local communication lines go down.
Next, put together an emergency supply kit. Aim to have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, necessary medications and important documents. Think about pets, children and anyone with special medical needs when building your kit. Keeping a small amount of cash on hand also can be helpful.
Staying informed is just as important. Sign up for local alerts and weather warnings so you can act quickly. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can provide life-saving information if power or internet service is lost.
Don’t forget preparedness outside the home. Review emergency procedures at work, school or daycare. Practice fire drills, severe weather responses and evacuation routes with your family so that actions become second nature in an actual emergency.
Finally, review your plan and supplies once a year. Replace expired food, water and batteries, and update your plan to reflect changes in your household.
Preparedness saves lives. Your fire department is committed to protecting the community, but safety starts at home. Taking these steps today ensures you and your loved ones are ready for whatever comes tomorrow.
Editor’s Reminders
The Annual Naperville NFD and NPD Open House is set for 10AM to 2PM Sat., Sept. 27, at the Naperville Public Safety Center, Aurora Avenue at River Road. This family-friendly event provides demonstrations and other info to learn about preparedness and public safety. This once-a-year event is a chance to get to know first responders up close and personally to gain understanding why it’s so important to let the men and women who serve do their jobs well.
Citizen Fire Academy
Hosted by the Naperville Fire Department, the Citizen Fire Academy provides participants with educational insights into how firefighters/paramedics perform their duties.
According to the City’s website, “The program consists of brief classroom discussions, with a primary focus on hands-on exercises that may include a variety of physical activities including but not limited to standing, climbing, lifting, bending and crawling. All are welcome; no one is excluded based on physical limitations. Participants must be at least 18 years of age.”
Attend the annual Open House on Sat., Sept. 27, and ask for information regarding the next session of the Citizen Fire Academy.
Meanwhile, flash back to the 1960s and remember the words of Sparky the Fire Dog: “Never give a fire a place to start.”
Sparky and McGruff the Crime Dog are popular mascots known to show up at the open house. “Take a bite out of crime,” has been McGruff’s slogan since 1979.
