In the summer of 2003, Southeast Michigan got a chance to exercise emergency planning when the blackout hit. The good news is that all emergency services performed well and services were available to those that needed it. This situation may have prompted you to become more prepared and there are many resources available to help you.
The most important part of personal preparedness is to make an emergency kit and communication plan for your family. The United States Department of Homeland Security has developed a web site that can walk you through preparing a kit and communication plan. The web site is www.ready.gov and a brochure containing the same information is available by calling 1-800-BE-READY.
In the event of a bioterrorism emergency - an emergency involving a germ or other biological substance that can make you sick - there are some specific things to remember. The first is to stay calm. If you or a family member become sick, it is important to be suspicious. It is also important to follow directions so that the possibility of infecting others is minimized. Be prepared for quarantines and to be sent to medical facilities other than a hospital for treatment in a setting that minimizes infecting others.
