Incident Preparedness

[Sentinel]

Recently, the potential for a significant event in the United States has seemingly increased. While tensions are heightened both domestically and internationally, rationally predicting what, if anything, will take place is essentially impossible. That withstanding, the list below will provide some starting information for how to prepare for and react to various incidents. 

Plan: All Hazards Preparation

https://www.ready.gov/plan

Disaster Preparedness: All Hazards Preparation

https://www.ready.gov/be-informed

Nuclear Blast/attack: 

https://www.ready.gov/radiation

Hazardous Material Incident (Chemical/Biological):

https://www.ready.gov/hazmat

Explosions:

https://www.ready.gov/explosions

Regional or National Cyber Attack:

• Monitor news and social media as possible. Keep in mind that all information, even from trusted sources, should be treated as questionable. 
• All services normally relied on may be inaccessible or inoperable
• Text message will be the best form of communication as cellular devices will continually attempt to send the message until service is obtained
• Be prepared to be without utilities for an extended period of time

Civil Unrest:

• Monitor news and social media, and sign up for government alerts.
• Identify safe routes and set meeting points. Have shelter-in-place strategy.
• Reinforce doors and windows and have defensive items and fire extinguishers.
• Avoid involvement & stay calm. Communicate with loved ones as possible. Avoid high-risk areas.
• Familiarize yourself with local laws.
• Assess damage and seek community support following the conclusion of the incident(s).

This is by no means a comprehensive preparedness list. Keep in mind that in the event of a severe regional of nationwide incident, emergency and government services will be strained. It is also possible that municipal government systems may be strained to the point of collapse. Consequently, keep in mind that your wellbeing may depend solely upon yourself and your loved ones, especially in the immediate aftermath of a potential incident.