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1. In an emergency, is evacuation always the answer?

No. Evacuation is not the only protective action available to the public. In some situations, sheltering may provide protection that is equal to or even greater than evacuation. Sheltering may be the preferred protective action in cases where weather, competing events, or short-term releases are factors.

2. What is emergency preparedness?

Emergency preparedness means taking action to be ready for emergencies before they happen. The objective is to simplify decision making during emergencies.

3. What should people do to prepare for an emergency?

Families should develop an emergency plan to prepare their home, family, and office in case of a natural disaster or other emergency.

• Get an emergency kit
• Make a plan
• Have extra cash, medication, water, clothing, and food on hand to be prepared
• Have a list of family emergency numbers and school contacts
• Have an emergency meeting place
• Stay informed on what is happening

Agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have brochures to help you develop a family emergency plan. Your community group or neighborhood association might also want to consider establishing a phone tree or email list to relay important information.

4. What's the difference between emergency preparedness and emergency response?

Emergency preparedness refers to actions that can and should be performed prior to an emergency, such as planning and coordination meetings, procedure writing, team training, emergency drills and exercises, and prepositioning of emergency equipment. Emergency response refers to actions taken in response to an actual, ongoing event.

5. Who is involved in making emergency preparedness decisions for Upton?

Upton's Emergency Management, Upton Fire/EMS, Upton Police, Upton Department of Public Works (DPW), Upton Board of Health and Upton Board of Selectmen. In addition, MEMA, FEMA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and The American Red Cross are all involved in emergency preparedness. These agencies and groups have produced comprehensive emergency preparedness programs that assure the adequate protection of the public in the event of emergencies.

6. Why is planning so important?

It is everyone's responsibility to be prepared for emergencies. Initially, emergency services will be consumed with responding to the disaster. It is up to each of us to prepare. Planning in advance will help you, your family and friends manage an emergency in a calm and effective way, which will help keep you safe.