During a disaster such as a flood or tornado, the Appleton Health Department will collaborate with emergency management to respond. You can take steps to prepare yourself and your family for an unexpected event. Being prepared at home is important so that you can help ensure the health and safety of your family during an emergency or disaster. Follow the three basic steps below to get well on your way to becoming prepared for an emergency.
Step 1. Make a Family Plan Choose two places to meet: 1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
Plan what to do if you have to evacuate.
Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. Keep in mind that an evacuation may occur during the day when family members are at work or school. It's important to have a plan in the event phones are not working properly so that you can reconnect with your family members.
Plan ahead for your pets.
Pets are not allowed in all shelters. Make a list of pet-friendly hotels/motels or make arrangements with a friend or family member that lives out of town.
Step 2. Assemble an Emergency Supplies Kit You need to have an emergency supplies kit in the event you have to evacuate on a short notice or you are told to shelter-in-place. For a list of needed items, click here. Make sure to plan for pets or any family members that have special needs.
Step 3. Be Informed
Know the potential hazards or risks in your area. Severe winter weather, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding are natural disasters that can occur in our area. Each of these disasters can cause power outages and disrupt our day to day routines. For information on specific hazards please click here.
Be certain to stay informed by frequently listening for updates from local officials regarding emergency instructions. Television, radio and websites are all a great source of information. Social media is becoming another method for information dissemination during an emergency.
Disaster Clean Up
If you are affected by a disaster, there are precautions you should take during the clean up process. The documents below contain clean up information to keep you healthy.
