Brookline Shares Tips For Emergency Preparedness Month

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Office of Emergency Management has released a list of tips to help residents during Emergency Preparedness Month, which is in place through the end of September.

"Gov. Charlie Baker declared September Emergency Preparedness Month, and residents are urged to utilize resources from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to ensure they are ready," said the town in a news release Monday.

The following is a list of recommendations to help residents protect themselves, their families, and their properties in case of an emergency.

Be Informed

Brookline residents are encouraged to AlertBrookline, a notification system that allows residents to receive emergency updates via text, email, or phone call. To enroll online, click here. To enroll on a mobile device, text alertbrookline to 99411.

To create an account, users will be asked to log in via Google, Facebook, or Twitter or create a separate account. On the next page, users will be asked to enter their name, address, phone number, mobile provider, email address, and which types of alerts they would like to receive.

More information about state and federal emergency notification systems can be found here.

Build an Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit can ensure you have necessary items at a moment's notice. An emergency kit should contain the following:

• Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days and water purification tablets
• Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that do not need cooking
• Tools and Supplies: Manual can opener, radio, flashlight or lantern, batteries, cell phone with charger, and basic tools.
• Personal Items: A two-week supply of prescription medications, personal hygiene items, eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, change of clothes, and sturdy shoes
• Pets: Collar, leash, harness, crate, food, bowls, current photo, license, and medical information
• Documents: Insurance policies, bank account records, identification cards, medical information, and copies of important documents
• Money: Extra cash and traveler’s checks
• Other Items: First-aid kit, emergency whistle, waterproof matches or lighter, local area maps, and baby supplies if needed

An emergency kit checklist with more suggestions can be found here.

Consider Vulnerable Populations

Residents with family or household members who may require special care should consider their needs before an emergency. This may include the following groups:

• People with disabilities
• People who live in institutionalized settings
• Elderly
• Children
• People from diverse cultures
• People with limited English proficiency/non-English speakers
• People who are transportation-disadvantaged

Caregivers for these individuals should consider additional items they might need, such as the following:

• Extra eyeglasses and hearing aids
• Battery chargers
• Medicine
• Oxygen
• Insulin
• Other medical supplies
• Copies of important documents, including prescriptions, doctor's orders, and insurance information

More information about preparing for emergencies can be found here.