Emergency Preparedness
ICE (In Case of Emergency) for Cell Phones
Everyone should have "ICE" contacts in their cell phones. The idea behind this is to enable first responders (paramedics, firefighters, police officers) to identify people and contact their next of kin to obtain important medical information. People are encouraged to enter in their emergency contact person(s) in their mobile phone book in the following format ICE1-mom, ICE2-dad, ICE3, etc.
Family Emergency Communication Plan
Develop a "Family Emergency Communication Plan" in case family members are separated from one another during an emergency, such as a winter storm, hurricane, or any unexpected event (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), and have a plan for getting back together. Every family/household should be prepared for emergencies. This includes pre-planning and have an emergency supply kit.
Fire / Smoke Alarm
Make a fire escape plan for your family. Sketch out a floor plan of your home, including all rooms, windows, interior and exterior doors, stairways, fire escapes and smoke alarms. Make sure that every family member familiar with the layout.
Have a place to meet in front of your home. Use a portable phone or a neighbor’s phone to call 911. Once you get out, stay out. Do not go back inside for any reason.
Practice makes perfect. Every second counts during a real fire. Hold family fire drills frequently and at various times until the escape plans become second nature. Once you’ve mastered the escape process, hold a drill when family members are sleeping so you can test each family member’s ability to waken and respond to the smoke alarm.
Young children might sleep through the sound of the smoke alarm. Be prepared for a family member to wake children for fire drills and in a real emergency.
Winter Storms
This is New England, we must all be prepared for winter storms.
A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!
Keep an emergency supply kit in your home
Keep your car "winterized" with antifreeze. Carry a winter car kit that includes a windshield scraper, flashlight, candle and matches, tow chain or rope, shovel, tire chains, blanket, extra mittens, bag of sand or salt, a fluorescent distress flag and an emergency flare.
For further information please visit these sites:
American Red Cross
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency)
Ready Gov
Enroll in the Watertown Police Department Rapid Notify program. This program enables you to receive timely notification regarding community issues or emergencies. Follow this link to enroll. Follow the instructions there to set up your desired contact information. You will be provided with a login to access the portal to update your contact information.
