Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan:

Gather Information About Hazards

 

If you would like information on what type of disasters could occur, and how you should respond, please call the National Weather Service office 937-898-4541 or the American Red Cross at 937-222-6711.

Most important, be alert!  Be prepared!  When weather is threatening, stay tuned to a local radio or television station for weather updates.  If a tornado is threatening Fairborn, emergency sirens will sound.  Listen for a constant tone with very little variation in pitch.  The siren will sound for approximately 3 minutes when a tornado has been sighted within 5 miles of the City.  The sirens will not sound an "all-clear" signal. These sirens are tested on the first Monday of every month.

 

You can prepare for a tornado by knowing the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado in the area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted, and may be approaching our area.       WHEN A WARNING IS ISSUED, GO TO A SAFE PLACE SUCH AS A BASEMENT OR A HALLWAY TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM GLASS OR FLYING OBJECTS.

Create A Family Plan

Discuss the information you have gathered.  In case of an emergency, establish two (2) family meeting places -

locations outside of your home.  Discuss what you would do if you needed to evacuate your home.

Implement Your Plan

• Keep emergency telephone numbers by the phones;
• Install smoke detectors in your home, and keep fire extinguishers handy;
• Teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1;
• Inspect your home for potential hazards (items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire).  Correct any problems you discover;
• Have your family learn basic CPR, first-aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home;
• Assemble a disaster supply kit in the trunk of your vehicle;
• Keep important family documents in waterproof containers.

Practice and Maintain Your Plan                Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules.  Conduct drills on a regular basis.  Test your smoke detectors monthly and change batteries twice a year.  The best way to remember to change the batteries is to do it during the spring and fall time change.  Have your fire extinguishers serviced and recharged by a licensed fire protection company.  Replace stored food and water every six months.

Assemble A Disaster Supply Kit

• A 3-day supply of water (1 gallon/person/day);
• Food that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water (ready to eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables).  Remember to pack a manual can opener;
• One change of clothing and footwear per person;
• A first-aid kit, including prescription medicines;
• Emergency tools, including a battery powered NOAA Weather Radio (available at local electronic stores), a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries;
• An extra set of car keys;
• A credit card or cash;
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members;
• Important family documents such as wills, insurances, contracts, deeds, bank account information, ID's, immunization records, and important telephone numbers.