The lessons learned from the hurricanes that struck the US Gulf Coast and the east coast of Florida in recent months reminded all of us of the necessity of being prepared for emergencies and disasters of all kinds, both natural and manmade. There are steps that each of us can take to be sure that we are prepared if catastrophic disasters occur here.

 

Make a plan: Be sure you and your family have written personal and family preparedness plans that include emergency telephone numbers, medical information, school contact information, contact numbers that family members can call if you are separated during an emergency and the location of a meeting place where family members would reunite if separated.

 

Be prepared: Know where to get information before and during an emergency. Make an emergency go kit containing items that will sustain you and your family for three days, including one gallon of water per person per day, a supply of nonperishable food, a first aid kit, a flashlight and a battery powered radio. Know and understand emergency terms such as the difference between a watch and a warning.

 

Know the emergency plan for your neighborhood: The District of Columbia has developed community emergency management plans for each of the city's 39 neighborhood clusters. If you live or work in the District, be sure you are aware of the plan for the area in which you live or work. The plans are posted online.

 

Sign up for DC Text Alert: Visit the Emergency Information Center to sign up to receive text alert messages on your cell phone, pager, Blackberry or other text capable device. DC Text Alert allows you to select the District neighborhood and/or school about which you would like to receive text messages in the event of an emergency.

 

Each of us must take responsibility for our own emergency preparedness plan. Government can't do it alone. Empower yourself and your family with the knowledge and resources to sustain yourselves if a disaster should strike.