Emergency Preparedness
Disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, usually with little to no warning. Being prepared is everyone’s job, including YOU! You can ensure your household is prepared by planning ahead. Emergency preparedness does not need to be overwhelming and can be completed by taking small, actionable steps.
Want to take our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training?
Visit our CERT page for more information.
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Be Informed
The first step in becoming better prepared is to be aware of what potential hazards and threats can occur in your area, such as earthquakes, power outages and volcanoes.
Learn about the Hazards that pose the greatest risk to the community:
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Build a Kit
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items that you may need following an emergency. Please check out the videos and links below for tips on how to build a grab and go kit, a family kit, and an office kit.
Be sure you’re 2 Weeks Ready! To get yourself prepared, check out this checklist.
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Get Involved
West Pierce Fire & Rescue invites community members who live or work in the Lakewood and University Place area to attend our next session of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) classes. Aimed at preparing groups in the community to prepare for and respond to disasters, these classes follow a model developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are offered in cities across the United States.
The idea behind this model is to teach people in neighborhoods how to help each other in the first few minutes or hours following a disaster – before emergency responder are able to get to them to render professional help. In the classes, students will gain hands-on skills such as how to put out small fires, render first aid in a disaster situation, perform light search and rescue and much more.
Visit our CERT page for more information.
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Make a Plan
You and your family might not be together when a disaster happens. Talk with your family and friends about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Discuss the specific needs of your household and tailor your plan to support your family’s needs.
Household Emergency Plan Template
A family kit should have enough supplies to sustain you and your family for a few days following a disaster. Remember to customize the family kit to your family’s needs.
An office kit should contain supplies that you will need in case you need to remain in your office for a prolonged period of time until relief arrives. Placing it under your desk should make it accessible during an emergency.
A Grab and Go Kit is a great resource for everyone in the family to have. They can be customized to each family member and should be placed in a spot that is easy to grab if you need to quickly leave your house.