Shelton Emergency Planner: Don't Wing It

Michael Maglione wants you to be prepared.

Shelton's director of Public Safety and Emergency Services Management has released a few tips on how to be ready for most emergencies.

"Winging it is not  an emergency plan. Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation.  Use common sense," he said.  "We should all have a documented emergency plan that was developed with family members. If you do not have family nearby the plan should be developed with friends."

"Documentation is the key. Why? Everyone will know what procedures you and your family will be following prior to and at the time of an emergency. Everyone will know your contact numbers and email addresses, said Maglione.

His other advice:

• Be informed about how to prepare for and what might happen before, during and after an event. Sources of information would be local and national media, the Weather channel, local government, www.sheltonemergency.com, state, www.ct.gov/demhs  and federal, www.ready.gov, web sites. The City of Shelton has  a Code Red system. If you have a land line you are already in the system. To register other communication devices on the Code Red system  log onto the Shelton Police web site, www.sheltonpolice.net, and register or go to the Police Department at  85 Wheeler  Street or City Hall, or the Mayor's office and fill out a Code Red form.

• Put together a kit of emergency supplies. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. Consider two kits. In one put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to get away. You will need a gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Include in the kits a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that are easy to store and prepare such as protein bars, dried fruit or canned foods. If you live in a cold weather climate, include warm cloths and a sleeping bag for each family member.

• Develop a family communication plan. Consider a plan where each family member calls, or e-mails or texts the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be easier to make a long distance phone call then to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separate family members. Be patient remember everyone will be trying to contact others.

• Develop a plan to get away. Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency. If you have a car keep at least a half tank of gas in it at all times. Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other means of transportation out of your area. If you do not have a car how will you leave if you have to.

Maglione said the information came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is not all-inclusive. The web sites that have been listed will provide more detailed information.