Norwood
Health
Department

To prevent the spread of disease; promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors and protect our environment, residents and visitors from harmful effects of pollutants and diseases.

·       First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Local maps


Individuals should also think about the special needs of family members:

Prescription medications and glasses

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food, extra water for your pet, medications, leash and collar

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, marriage license, house mortgage, wills, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and other emergencies to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. Pick two places to meet:

1.  Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.

2.  Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number.

Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Families should develop different methods for communicating during emergency situations and share their plans beforehand with all those who would be worried about their welfare. Options for remaining in contact with family and friends if a disaster strikes include:

Phone contact with a designated family member or friend who is unlikely to be affected by the same disaster.

E-mail notification via a family distribution list.

Use of the U.S. Postal Service change of address forms when it becomes necessary to leave home for an extended period of time, thus ensuring that mail will be redirected to a current address.

Complete this checklist:

Complete the Family Emergency Plan Template.

Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.) and enter into cell phone contact lists.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.

Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.

Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.

Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.

Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher, and show them where it is kept.

Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.

Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.

Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.

Practice the Plan

Test your smoke detectors monthly, and change the batteries at least once a year.

Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.

Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.

Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.

Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Be prepared before an emergency happens. Find out which disasters are most likely to happen to the community and appropriate ways to respond to them. During an emergency, check all types of media—Web sites, newspapers, radio, TV, mobile and land phones—for global, national and local information. The local Emergency Management or Emergency Services office will provide information on such things as open shelters, traffic restrictions, and evacuation orders.

Ask local officials the following questions about your community’s disaster/emergency plans.

1.  Does my community have a plan?
2.  Can I obtain a copy?
3.  What does the plan contain?
4.  How often is it updated?
5.  What should I know about the plan?
6.  What hazards does it cover?

In addition to finding out about your community’s plan, it is important that you know what plans are in place for your workplace and your children’s school or day care center.

1.  Ask your employer about workplace policies regarding disasters and emergencies, including understanding how you will be provided emergency and warning information.

2.  Contact your children’s school or day care center to discuss their disaster procedures.

Contact the Norwood City Health Department at (513) 458-4600, for information on seasonal flu clinics or during public health emergencies.
 

Look into taking first aid and emergency response training, participating in community exercises, and volunteering to support local first responders. Contact Citizen Corps, which coordinates activities to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to an emergency situation and consider becoming a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer.

Homeland security promotes emergency preparedness throughout the year via the Ready America campaign. Checklists, brochures and videos are available in English and Spanish online and by phone (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO).

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes
(1) 5” x 9” sterile dressing
(1) conforming roller gauze bandage
(2) triangular bandages
(2) 3” x 3” sterile gauze pads
(2) 4” x 4” sterile gauze pads
(1) roll 3” cohesive bandage
(2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer
(6) antiseptic wipes
(2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves
Adhesive tape, 2” width
Anti-bacterial ointment
Cold pack
Scissors (small, personal)
Tweezers
CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield