In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the City of Plymouth encourages residents to spend time preparing in advance for an emergency.

In an emergency or a disaster, residents may be without access to water or power for several days. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, recommends residents be prepared for at least three days on their own. Basic necessities should be accounted for and residents should be especially mindful of ways to obtain fresh water, food and clean air.

FEMA recommends residents prepare a kit comprised of basic emergency supplies, make a plan for what they’ll do in an emergency, be informed about what might happen and get involved in preparing the community.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Emergency Kit
FEMA recommends residents prepare a basic emergency kit, containing the supplies listed below.

• Water – one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Filter mask or cotton T-shirt, to help filter the air
• Moist towelettes for sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers, and important family documents

Sign up for Alert Plymouth
In case of an emergency, those who live and work in Plymouth should make sure they have a way to stay informed. The City of Plymouth recently launched Alert Plymouth – a new tool to contact the public in an emergency.

For Alert Plymouth to be effective, residents are asked to sign up. The city does not have a database of cell phone numbers or email addresses – only landline numbers from the White and Yellow Pages. Alert Plymouth can notify residents of emergencies via text, phone call or email. Including an address in the signup process will permit Alert Plymouth to notify residents and businesses of localized emergencies.

All information provided is confidential and will not be shared.