It’s understandable for a person to be flustered and forgetful during an emergency or other stressful time. Most  people don’t take into consideration “emergency service” when building their homes, installing phone service,  unexpected financial demands and so on. But there are things you can do right now to assist you and the  responders if and when an event occurs and you will benefit from these preparations as well. The more organized  and prepared you are before an emergency, the better the response.

 Identifying your home is vital for first responders. When responders are paged for an emergency in the middle of the night, in the driving-pouring rain or blizzard like conditions, visibility will be really poor. Post your house number near the front entrance of your home (by the front door and above the garage door for example). The numbers should be visible from the road and have adequate lighting. Ensuring your house numbers can be clearly seen from the road makes identifying your location effortless and….it saves time!!!

 Often responders will use mailboxes to locate your home. If your mailbox is placed along the road, post large reflective house numbers on the front & sides of your mailbox. Doing so aids responders in the dark of night, and when visibility is very poor due to bad weather conditions.

Place a copy of your current list of medications, doctor’s info & contact person(s) on your refrigerator and by your telephone. When responders arrive, simply give them your list. When you aren’t feeling well, you may not remember what medicines you take, when you take them, and the dosage. Having a pre-made, up-to-date list is very convenient for you and the responders, and….it saves time!!!

 Follow the dispatcher’s instructions. They are certified in emergency medical procedures and can provide vital instructions to you before the ambulance arrive.

 Prevent any distractions for emergency responders. When responders arrive, they need to focus on you. Responders want to provide you with the best quality care. Friends & family members with you on scene will be worried and may even be emotional. Sometimes emotional family members can be distracting, which will take treatment time away from you. Ask for one person to stay with you and the others to go in a separate room while responders assess your situation.

 Do you have pets? Pets are very sensitive to emotions. Scary situations for you are just as scary for them. Gently reassure your pets that all is well. Secure your pets before help arrives. Make arrangements for pet care in the event you would need to be transported and admitted to the hospital.

Know your location! If you are traveling, know the mile marker, what township or borough you are in, the name of the building etc. Know the address! If we can’t find you, we can’t help you!

 Teach children how to call 911 and the appropriate use of 9·1·1: Make sure your child is physically able to reach at least one phone in your home. Teach your child what 9·1·1 is — (not nine eleven). Teach them to call 911 for emergencies only, and how to dial 9·1·1. Tell your child it’s ok to trust the dispatcher, to answer questions truthfully and be sure to speak loud & clear into the phone. When calling 9·1·1, your child must know their name, parent’s names, phone number and their address. The address is important. They need to remain on the line until the dispatcher tells them to hang up. Crank calling 9·1·1 is punishable by law. If you dial 911 by accident, do not hang up! Explain to the dispatcher you dialed in error.

 If you have a lock box, entry code or if you are an elderly person living alone with advanced medical issues, please take a moment to fill out the Residential Emergency Response Notification Form. The form registers important information to assist emergency responders when entering or securing your home during an emergency. Submitting the form is completely voluntary. The information will be used between 9·1·1 & first responders only. To obtain a copy of the form, please contact the office.

 Some fire & EMS agencies are volunteer agencies. These agencies rely on the community for support. Every little bit helps. Your support purchases emergency supplies, repairs and purchase of equipment & apparatus used to respond in your critical time of need!