Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.

The Sons of The American Legion - Detachment of Georgia have joined forces with The American Legion to actively communicate the important message of "Preparing Makes Sense."  Former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge comments that "Terrorism forces us to make a choice. We can be afraid. Or, we can be ready."  The Detachment of Georgia - Sons of The American Legion encourages every citizen to get prepared.

1. Make an Emergency Supply Kit

All citizens should assemble an emergency supply kit for immediate accessibility in the event of disaster.  At least one gallon of water per person per day, as well as kits of canned and dried foods.  Be prepared for cold weather and climate with warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of the family.  Many potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic "junk" into the air and many of these materials can harm - so think about creating a barrier between the contamination and the home.  It's smart to have something for each member of the family that covers the mouth and nose - and don't forget the needs of your pets.

2. Make a Family Communications Plan

Develop a Family Communications Plan.  Your family may not be together when disaster strikes so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.  Consider a plan where each family member calls, or e-mails the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency.  It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-state contact may be a matter of survival. 

Create a Plan to Shelter-in Place. There are circumstances where staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process knows as "shelter-in-place" can be a matter of survival.  Choose an interior room or one with as few windows and doors as possible.  Consider precutting plastic sheeting to seal windows, doors and air vents.

Create a Plan to Get Away. Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go.  Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency.  Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other means of transportation out of your area.  If you do not have a car, plan how to get away.  Take your emergency supply kit with you.  If you believe the air could be contaminated, drive with the windows and vents closed and keep the air conditioning and heater turned off.  Listen to the radio for instructions.

Plans at School and Work.  Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places your family frequents.  Talk to your children's schools and your employer about emergency plans.  Find out how they will communicate with families during and emergency.  A community working together during an emergency also makes sense.  Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together!

3. Be Informed

Some of the things you can do is to develop an emergency kit and develop a family communications plan...but it's also important to be aware of potential terrorist threats, such as biological, chemical, explosive, nuclear and radiological, that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.

Call: 1-800-BE-READY (1-800-237-3239) for a free brochure or go to www.ready.gov to learn about potential terrorist threats.

4. Remain Calm

Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal environment.   It's important to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene.  Above all, stay calm, be patient and think before you act.  With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.  Get ready now.