The first step in preparing for an emergency is to have a plan. Determine how you will respond to an evacuation order and make sure everyone in the home is familiar with the plan.

• Have a back-up plan – Know two ways out

• Identify Safety Zones

• Pre-determined family meeting place

• Plan and practice

There are a number of ways that citizens will be informed about an emergency in your area. If you receive notice to evacuate, it is important to respond immediately. Waiting, or choosing not to evacuate, when told to leave can put you and your family in danger. Some of the ways that information will be communicated to the public include:

• Local TV and Radio

• Emergency Alert System (EAS)

• Emergency Notification System (ENS)

• Visit www.elpasoteller911.org for more information and to register cell phone numbers

• Emergency Personnel

As soon as you are alerted to an emergency in your area, follow these steps and be prepared to leave immediately:

• Back the car into the garage, roll the windows up, and leave the keys in the ignition

• Close garage door and set it for manual operation

• Load important documents, pets, valuables, evacuation kit, prescriptions into the car

• Take only one vehicle – stay together

• No boats or RV’s

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes

Conditions during an evacuation can be very disconcerting. It is important to stay calm, think clearly, and to avoid panic. Evacuating early and away from the emergency is recommended, however if you can not safely evacuate, follow these guidelines:

• If you become trapped by fire, seek refuge in structure

• If you are trapped in your vehicle, park in clear area, close windows and vents, cover up with a blanket on the floor

• If on foot, find clear area, lay down on the ground, protect airway

If you become aware of a developing emergency, but your area is not yet directly affected, you may have time to take some action to increase your home’s survivability:

• Attach garden hoses to reach around the entire house

• Fill sinks, tubs, etc.

• Place a ladder against house away from the fire

• Close windows and doors

• Turn lights on

• Move furniture to the interior

Following a disaster, emergency workers may not be able to respond to your needs right away. Officials recommend that families stock enough supplies to last at least three days.

The 72-Hour Emergency Kit should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family for three days to a week. Take into consideration any special needs such as infants and elderly, persons with disabilities and pets. It is recommended that you store your emergency supplies in one location that is relatively safe, yet easily accessible and portable if evacuation is required. Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year and replace items as needed.

You may have to leave your home during a disaster. It’s smart to put together your own Children’s Activity Survival Kit so they will have things to do and share with other children. We suggest you pack:

• A few favorite books

• Crayons and pencils

• Plenty of paper

• Scissors and glue

• A few favorite toys

• Board games

• Favorite stuffed animal

• Pictures of family pets

• Favorite blanket/pillow

Essential items often overlooked include:

• Wallet card with emergency and family phone numbers

• Electronic copies of important papers, which can be stored on a small usb flash drive

• Identification for each person

• A change of clothes for each person

• First aid kit

• Medications with prescription directions

• Glasses, hearing aid batteries, necessary items for other medical devices

• Batteries for cell phones and other items

• Face masks

• Toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste

• Hand sanitizer

• Plastic bags

• Blankets

• A non-electric can opener

• Canned dog or cat food if you have pets

• Good quality painting drop cloths (shelter-in-place)

• Duct tape