On Friday, February 7, 2003, President Bush raised the Homeland Security Advisory System threat level to High Condition – Orange (meaning a high risk of terrorist attacks.) An emergency can occur quickly and without warning. The most important thing that you can do to keep yourself and your family safe from any emergency is to prepare, stay calm, and follow instructions from emergency personnel. Michigan residents face emergencies every year – from snowstorms, tornadoes, floods, chemical spills and other occurrences. National security threats are also part of the risks that face us.

"You should be ready to be self-sufficient for at least three days. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation. Discuss with your family or household what you would do in the event of a disaster. Teach children how to respond to emergencies. Give them a sense of what to expect," stated Capt. John Ort, Commander of the Emergency Management Division of the Michigan State Police. "It is encouraged that adults explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, power outages, or any type of disaster."

Recommendations to consider:

• Develop a household disaster plan, have a meeting to discuss to family discuss what members would do. Plan to work together as a team.
• Have a battery-operated radio and spare batteries to stay informed.
• Have available a list of emergency contact telephone numbers, including fire, police, and local hospitals.
• Be observant of any suspicious activity and report it to authorities. The very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning.
• Work together with your local school to ensure emergency procedures are in place.
• Apartment residents should discuss emergency procedures with their building managers.
• Talk to your neighbors to discuss how you can help each other in the event of a disaster.

The following websites can provide additional information and resources:

Michigan Emergency Management Division – http://www.mspemd.org

FEMA "Are You Ready?" – http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/

FEMA for Kids Guide to National Security Emergencies - http://www.fema.gov/kids/nse/

Department of Homeland Security - http://www.dhs.gov

American Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org

Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov

Citizen’s Corps: http://www.citizencorps.gov/ready/cc_pubs.shtm.