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Prepare pets

Have pets microchipped in case they get lost in an emergency. Also consider who would temporarily house your pet if you are displaced from your home as shelters do not accept pets.

Prepare the house

Write a note on the calendar or set an alarm on your phone to remind you to check the batteries in your alarms regularly and review the evacuation plan with your family. According to the U.S. Fire Administration smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month and batteries should be replaced at least twice a year.

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Prepare yourself

Learn CPR and first aid, review how to use a fire extinguisher, know the exact routes of evacuation, and locate area shelters. Preparing yourself for the possibility of an emergency will help you remain calm if you are faced with one of these situations.

Prepare the kids

Make sure your kids know their address, phone number, and their parents’ names, and how and when to dial 911. Take a fire station tour or a first aid class to help them feel more prepared. Continue to discuss and practice what they have learned.

We all hope that the skills and preparation done to prepare for an emergency will never be used, but it is safest to take measures in case they do occur. Preparing for an emergency will help you keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe.