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Everyone is encouraged to have an all hazard preparedness plan and kit.  This should always include a portable radio with battery power to listen to local media and weather radio information.

Remember, the most important thing you can do for yourself and others is to be prepared for that unexpected emergency or disaster

In case of an emergency, the responsibility for emergency preparedness does not only rest on the shoulders of government. Residents play a large role in our city’s ability to prepare and recover from any disaster.
We need you to say alert and aware in your neighborhoods. We need you to be our eyes and ears and report the things you see and hear that seem suspicious.

In an effort to enhance your family’s safety, all citizens should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared.

Many of us already have plans in place on what family members would do in case of a fire, tornado, and so forth, and those same plans would apply when reacting to a threat. Discuss possibilities so all family members are familiar with what they should do and can react calmly and rationally.

Suggested supplies to have on hand include:
One gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
Non-perishable food supplies (including a manual can opener and eating utensils)
Examples include: Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, fruit bars, dry cereal, crackers, canned juices, non-perishable pasteurized milk, and food for infants.

Consider putting together two kits: One with everything you need to stay where you are and a smaller lighter version you can take with you if you would have to leave. You should have items on hand such as fresh water, food, clothing and personal items to sustain you for at least three days.

Other items to include are:

• Flashlight
• Battery-operated Radio
• Extra Batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Prescription Medications
• Family pets and their needs
  
  As we live in a cold climate, the possibility exists we may have no power. Don’t forget about these items:

   

• Complete change of warm clothing and shoes for each family member
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• First Aid Book
• Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, utility knife, paper towels, fire extinguisher, pliers, matches, storage containers and shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water
• Sanitary items such as plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, garbage bags and ties, toilet paper and towelettes.
  
  Most of these items are readily available in our homes now and are used on a daily basis.
  
  Make a family plan that you discuss with all family members, obtain the materials to carry out your plan and continue on with your normal activities.

Preparedness Tips

"ICE" your cell phone
Your cell phone can help emergency responders identify you, notify your family in case of emergency, and find out important health information. It's easy to program your cell phone with ICE:

• Create a new entry in your contacts called "ICE" (In Case of Emergency).
• Enter the phone number of your emergency contact person. To list more than one, use ICE2, ICE3, etc.Emergency workers are trained to look for the code word ICE when they turn to your cell phone during an emergency. Help them help you. Program your phone today!

Road Conditions

Get traffic information 24 hours a day, visit the website www.511mn.org or dial 511 on your phone to find current national, regional, or metro area traffic reports. The Minnesota 511 Information System is part of a national effort to provide travel information to the public. The 511 website and phone system offer reports on construction work, road obstacles, traffic congestion, and road and weather conditions. The information is continually updated and provided 24 hours a day.

All Hazard Warning Sirens

The Fergus Falls emergency sirens will be sounded under the following conditions:

National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning with straight line winds 65 mph or more and/or hail one inch or larger
Severe thunderstorm is in area and a confirmed tornado is approaching
National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Fergus Falls
An emergency situation exists and citizens need to be warned and given instructions on how to respond.

Sirens are tested the first Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm