π Public Information & Education
Empowering communities through knowledge and preparedness
π‘ Did You Know?
Families that have emergency plans are 3x more likely to survive disasters safely. Just 15 minutes of planning today could save lives tomorrow.
Emergency Kit Essentials
Build a 72-hour emergency kit with these critical supplies:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food for 3 days
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit and medications
- Whistle for signaling help
- Local maps and emergency contact list
- Cash in small bills
Home Safety Planning
Protect your home and family with these safety measures:
- Create family communication plan
- Identify safe spots in each room
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Know how to shut off utilities
- Secure heavy furniture and appliances
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible
- Practice evacuation routes
Communication Plan
Stay connected during emergencies:
- Designate an out-of-state contact person
- Program emergency numbers in phones
- Sign up for local emergency alerts
- Learn about social media emergency features
- Keep backup power sources for devices
- Know alternative communication methods
Mental Health Preparedness
Prepare mentally and emotionally for disasters:
- Learn stress management techniques
- Understand normal disaster reactions
- Build community support networks
- Know mental health resources
- Practice self-care strategies
- Help children understand and cope
π Understanding Natural Disasters
π Earthquakes
Sudden ground movements caused by tectonic plate shifts. Most occur along fault lines in the "Ring of Fire" around the Pacific Ocean.
π Floods
Water overflow onto normally dry land. Can be caused by heavy rain, dam failure, storm surge, or rapid snowmelt.
π₯ Wildfires
Uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly through vegetation. Often caused by drought, high winds, and human activities.
πͺοΈ Cyclones
Rotating storm systems with high winds. Called hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the Pacific.
Early Warning Systems
Modern technology helps predict and warn about disasters:
- Seismic monitoring networks for earthquakes
- Weather radar and satellite systems
- Flood gauges and river monitoring
- Emergency alert systems (TV, radio, mobile)
- Community sirens and notification systems
Climate Change Impact
How climate change is affecting disaster patterns:
- More frequent extreme weather events
- Longer and more severe droughts
- Increased wildfire risks
- Rising sea levels and coastal flooding
- Stronger hurricanes and storms
Community Heroes
Ordinary people making extraordinary differences:
- Neighborhood emergency response teams
- Volunteer firefighters and first responders
- Community preparedness coordinators
- Local disaster relief organizations
- Schools teaching disaster preparedness
Technology Innovations
Cutting-edge technology saving lives:
- AI-powered disaster prediction models
- Drone search and rescue operations
- Satellite disaster monitoring systems
- Mobile emergency alert networks
- Smart building earthquake detection
During an Emergency
Critical actions to take during disasters:
- Stay calm and follow your emergency plan
- Listen to official emergency broadcasts
- Follow evacuation orders immediately
- Help others if it's safe to do so
- Stay away from damaged areas
- Use text messages instead of phone calls
- Document damage with photos for insurance
Medical Emergency Basics
Basic first aid knowledge everyone should have:
- CPR and AED training
- Wound cleaning and bandaging
- Recognizing signs of shock
- Basic splinting techniques
- When and how to move injured persons
- Emergency medication administration
Information Sources
Reliable sources for emergency information:
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Local emergency management offices
- Emergency Alert System (EAS)
- Official government websites
- Local news media
- Emergency management social media
After the Emergency
Important steps for recovery and safety:
- Wait for official all-clear signals
- Check for injuries and damage
- Contact family and friends
- Document damage for insurance
- Begin cleanup safely
- Be aware of secondary hazards
- Seek mental health support if needed
π Together We Are Stronger
Disaster preparedness is everyone's responsibility. By working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other, we can build more resilient communities that are ready to face any challenge.