Department of State Health Services Home


   

 
   
Natural Disasters

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family in Case of an Attack?

Follow these few simple suggestions to improve your preparedness for a bioterrorist attack and thus help keep your family safe and away from harm:

  • Establish a good communication plan: Set up a contact person to be called or otherwise informed in case of a disaster.
  • Establish a meeting place: Agree on a meeting place in case a disaster occurs while you are away from home; churches, schools or libraries are just a few examples of such a place.
  • Prepare supplies for the event of a disaster. You should keep essentials such as first aid supplies, emergency clothing, sleeping bags, a battery powered radio or TV with enough spare batteries, food, bottled water, tools and importan family documents readily available.
  • Be aware of any evacuation plans, whether they be local or for your children's school.
  • Make sure that everyone in your family is throughly familiar with this plan. Make accomodations for family members who would not be able to take care of themselves in case of emergency (this includes family pets).

In the case of a disaster occuring, remeber to:

  • Remain calm and follow your plan!
  • Stay informed (through radio or TV) and follow the advice of local emergency officials.
  • If the disaster occurs near your home, check for damage and provide aid to injured people.

Last Updated: Monday, February 27, 2006

Texas Department of State Health Services

1100 West 49th Street • Austin, Texas 78756 • Contact Information •