City of Frontenac, Missouri

GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT HAZARDS THAT MAY STRIKE OUR REGION.

Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation plans. Consider reviewing website information on tornadoes and other hazards such as that available at: The National Hurricane Center.

MEET WITH YOUR FAMILY TO CREATE A PLAN.

Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home during an emergency such as a fire, and a place away from your home in case you can't return to your neighborhood for any reason. Choose an out-of-state friend for everyone to call if you get separated.

IMPLEMENT YOUR PLAN.

Post emergency telephone #s by all phones. Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Inspect your home for potential hazards - such as items that can move, fall, break easily, or catch fire - and correct them. Learn basic safety measures such as CPR and First Aid, and learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn where to turn off your home's electrical, natural gas, and water supplies. Teach children how and when to call 911. Keep enough supplies such as food and water in your home to last for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container easily accessible to you in an emergency.

PRACTICE AND MAINTAIN YOUR PLAN.

Make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. A good reminder is the Fall change of time for Daylight Savings Time adjustments. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months, and remember that your hot water heater is a good source of fresh water in an emergency. Use caution if the heater is operational, as the water will be HOT.