Collin County is working hard to plan and prepare for any disaster that
could threaten our community. Although the county will be responsible
for responding to a disaster, county residents can also play a major role
by learning about what hazards threaten their community, personally preparing
for a disaster, and understanding how to respond.
How To Prepare
Based on the information provided by the American
Red Cross, Collin County recommends you take these general planning
steps to prepare for any disaster:
Make a plan. Talk with your family about how you will respond
to an emergency, where you will meet, and what you will do.
Build an emergency kit. Having an emergency kit in the car or
home can make a big difference if and when you may need emergency supplies.
The American Red Cross recommends that your kit include:
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Canned food and can opener
- At least 3 gallons of water per person
- Battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries
- Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
For a complete list of disaster supplies, we recommend the American
Red Cross Disaster Supply List.
Learn First Aid and CPR. First aid and CPR classes are available
from local chapters of the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association
as well as local hospitals and fire departments. Knowing these basic skills
could save your life.
Volunteer.
In the event of an emergency, Collin County will need the assistance of
its residents to quickly respond and recover to a disaster. To volunteer,
please contact our office for more information.
Give blood. Blood supplies are always in high demand and short
supply. Give blood now to ensure that adequate resources are available
during an emergency.
Be alert and aware. Also, know where exits and stairwells are
at all times. Maintain your normal routine but don't let fear overwhelm
or impede your normal life.
Know your community. Get involved in your community and learn
about their planning efforts. Be aware of what resources are around you
and how to access them for everyday use and especially during a disaster.
What Should You Do In An Emergency?
In the event of an emergency, Collin County recommends the following in
the event of an emergency:
- Call 911 if you need immediate assistance.
- Stay calm and informed. Listen to local news broadcasts for information,
announcements and advice.
- Avoid the disaster area so as not to interfere with rescue crews.
Local police, fire, and EMS have been specially trained to respond to
any disaster that threatens your community.
- If necessary, take shelter.
- Render first aid. In some cases, assistance may not be immediately
available and you will need to use your skills to save another's life.
Brochures
Collin County's Department of Homeland Security has prepared the following
informative brochures to provide you more information on our planning
and preparedness activities:
Additional Resources
Please visit the following websites for additional planning and preparedness
information:
Check out Bioterrorism
Planning Frequently Asked Questions for more tips and advice
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