Today, it is more important than ever that all of us be prepared for possible emergencies. Natural disasters or other disasters can strike suddenly, but a disaster won’t overcome our community if we are prepared together.

For the sixth year, the Ready Campaign is encouraging Americans to Resolve to be Ready by getting prepared for emergencies. We hope you will join us in this effort. To help assist you, please find the toolkit with helpful resources at www.ready.gov.

Residents in Addison are urged to prepare their families, homes, and businesses for potential disasters. The Addison Police Department offers free training in Community Emergency Response (CERTS) and Family Preparedness.

Join us. Get trained! Contact Officer Brucal in the Crime Prevention Unit at (630) 693-7900 to find out when classes are being held.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Make a Plan: Identify potential disaster scenarios and practice what to do if you have time to evacuate. Identify an out-of-town contact person that each family member will contact in case of emergency.

Build a kit: Whether evacuating or sheltering in place, a disaster supply kit could save lives. Backpacks, duffle bags, or plastic bins make easy to carry containers. The pack should contain non-perishable food items, extra batteries, flashlight, radio, diapers, infant formula, medication, and one gallon of water per person per day.

Get Trained: Training can save lives! The Addison Police Department offers free training in the Community Emergency Response Training (CERTS) program which is a eight-week course. Family Preparedness training is also available. For more information, contact Officer Brucal at (630) 693-7900.

HOMELAND SECURITY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LINKS:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)
National Weather Service
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
American Red Cross
Citizen Corps
DuPage Citizen Corps