Franklin Township Emergency Management

Erie County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY GUIDELINES
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY!

DIAL 911
STAY CALM (Listen to the dispatcher)
DO NOT HANG UP! (Answer all questions clearly.)

FOR COMMUNITY WIDE EMERGENCIES
Turn on your radio or television and listen for further instructions.
Use your telephone/cell phones only to report an emergency! These lines will be needed for official business.

BE PREPARED!

THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN!

Write down instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water service to your property. Familiarize each member of your household with the location of shut-offs and how to turn them off. (Utilities should only be turned back on by a professional)

Know where to go if you must evacuate. Contact your municipalities Emergency Management Coordinator for information about shelters in your area.
Keep insurance policies, household inventories, valuables, and other important papers in a safe deposit box.
Have emergency numbers by every phone
Keep an inventory of your belongings
Keep a store of non-perishable foods that require no cooking or refrigeration
Keep the family car filed with fuel. (If power goes out, pumps at gas stations may not work.)
KEEP A FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY!
IF YOU LACK MOBILITY BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR DISABILITY, OR IF HEARING OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED LET OTHERS KNOW YOU WILL NEED ASSISTANCE! Tell your neighbors. Send a postcard to your fire department explaining that you will need special assistance, and ask them to contact you.

ASSEMBLE A DISASTER KIT!

  • Portable radio and plenty of batteries
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • First Aid kit with medications required by members of your household
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Prescriptions and phone numbers of physicians and pharmacist
  • Spare eyeglasses
  • Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person
  • Style and model number of any required medical devices
  • Change of clothes – boots, gloves, extra socks, windbreaker or jacket
  • Credit card or travelers checks for emergency purchases
  • Baby items – formula, diapers, canned food
  • Please visit: www.ecema.org for more information.

EVACUATION

IF REQUESTED TO EVACUATE

  • Secure your home or unit
  • Turn off utilities at main shutoff IF REQUESTED TO DO SO.
  • Leave note on the front door with a telephone number where you can be contacted.
  • Take your Disaster Kit with you
  • Leave quickly
  • Listen to the radio for further instructions
  • Go to the designated shelter. Franklin Township Mass Care Shelter is located at the Franklin Township Fire Department Social Hall.

DO NOT RETURN TO YOUR HOME UNTIL THE “ALL CLEAR” IS GIVEN BY AUTHORITIES.

WHAT TO TAKE TO THE SHELTER

  • Identification for all members of your family
  • Medicines and any medical devices you may need
  • Dentures
  • Eyeglasses
  • Pillow and blanket or sleeping bag
  • Change of clothes
  • Flashlight
  • Portable radio with earphone
  • Infant needs, i.e., formula, diapers, toys

DO NOT TAKE THESE ITEMS TO A SHELTER

PETS WEAPONS

ALCOHOL FIREARMS

UPON ARRIVAL AT SHELTER
Register all family members. Advise the shelter if you leave

IN PLACE SHELTERING

  • To reduce possible exposure to toxic air pollutants or explosive materials, you may be asked to remain indoors and follow in place sheltering instructions
  • For toxic air pollutants, seal all entries. Close and lock doors and windows. Seal gaps under doors with wet towels and duct tape.
  • Close/shut-off exhaust fans, cover vents with paper, aluminum foil, or duct tape.
  • Close fireplace dampers
  • Close as many interior doors as possible. Move to central area
  • If outdoor explosions are possible, close drapes, curtains, or blinds to lessen possible flying glass.
  • Stay away from windows. Move to the opposite side of the building from where explosions might occur
  • Turn off all ventilation systems including furnaces and air conditioners.
  • When all clear sounds, open all windows and doors, go outside to allow building to ventilate.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS

  • Cover your nose and mouth if hazardous vapors are suspected. Wet towels work best
  • Close windows and doors in buildings or vehicles
  • Turn off heating or cooling systems
  • Turn off fans and vents

IF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ARE INVOLVED AND YOU THINK YOU WERE CONTAMINATED

  • Follow the decontamination instructions provided by authorities
  • Seek Medical attention for unusual symptoms
  • If medical attention must be delayed, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and socks, and place in sealed bag
  • Shower thoroughly
  • Seek medical attention and tell everyone that you have been exposed to hazardous materials.