Emergency preparedness is necessary in the event of a hurricane, tornado, winter storm, power outage, other utility service interruption, etc.

Regardless of the cause, it is generally recognized by emergency management experts that each one of us should take action to prepare for short-term emergencies.  Depending on the specific needs of your household (such as children, senior citizens, people with special health needs, animals), you should prepare now to be self-sufficient for a period of 3 to 7 days.  The following is an overview of general emergency preparedness procedures that should be followed in case of any type of emergency:

1.         Remain advised of current conditions

Follow recommendations from government agencies, utilities, other service providers, news media.

2.         Personal preparedness in your home

Be prepared at home for short-term emergencies.  Restock your home emergency supply kit with sufficient nonperishable food and water, a battery-powered radio, flashlight and batteries to last for 3 to 7 days.

3.         Valuable information on the Internet

You are encouraged to learn more about preparing for specific emergencies by visiting the websites listed below:

www.mema.state.md.us

Maryland Emergency Management Agency

Overview of the Maryland Threat Alert System

www.mdsp.maryland.gov

Maryland State Police Counter Terrorism Cyber Tip Site

www.redcross.org

www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/hsas.html

American Red Cross Homeland Security Advisory System

www.fema.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency

National security emergencies and terrorism

4.         University of Maryland emergency warning siren system

The University of Maryland maintains a system of emergency warning sirens.  These are located on the UM campus, but can be heard throughout the City of College Park.  These sirens will be tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:55 am. The sirens may sound when there is an imminent hazard, such as a tornado.  When you hear these sirens at a time other than the monthly test:

            a.         Take shelter immediately – go inside a building to a windowless room.

            b.         Seek current news and information – tune to 1640 AM radio or local news.

            c.         For more information, please visit http://www.umpd.umd.edu

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