Various City agencies work together to respond to emergency situations. These could range from floods and snowstorms to hurricanes and even to terrorist attacks. You should be prepared with an emergency kit. Be sure to have these supplies on hand to cope with any weather or other emergency.

Have the following items available:

• Flashlights
• Extra, fresh batteries
• Portable radio
• Bottled water
• Corded phone
• Canned foods
• Manual can opener
• Medicine
• Heating oil
• Plastic tarp
• Duct tape

Life-saving Tips

• Check smoke detector batteries.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning! Have your furnace professionally cleaned and inspected.
• Maintain proper ventilation in your vehicle!
• Do not use your oven or kerosene stoves for heat!
• Do not use portable generators in your house or boat!

Around the house:

• Keep a pencil lead-thin flow of water from pipes to prevent freezing.
• Empty water from garden hoses.
• Turn off water to outside faucets.
• Clear snow away from fire hydrants and storm drains.
• Use emergency numbers for actual emergencies only.
• Do not shovel snow into the street.
• Assist your elderly and disabled neighbors.
• Bring your pets inside.
• Call 911 only for life-threatening or property-damaging emergencies!
• Call 311 for all other concerns.

Life-saving actions:

• Check smoke detector batteries.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning! Have your furnace professionally cleaned and inspected.
• Maintain proper ventilation in your vehicle.
• Do not use your oven or kerosene stoves for heat.
• Do not use portable generators in your house or near open doors and windows.

In case of an emergency, please tune to your local radio or television station for information.

If evacuation is ordered, and if time allows, be sure to take important documents and medical information with you including:

• Driver’s license or personal identification
• Social Security card
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Insurance policies
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns
• Contracts, stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
• Passports and immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers
• Inventory of household goods
• Important telephone numbers
• Medical records, health insurance cards, and prescriptions.