Concerned about H1N1 flu (swine flu)?

Local public health departments, emergency management agencies, hospitals and many others are closely monitoring the current public health situation related to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, also known as swine flu. Public officials have plans in place to treat patients and distribute medications should the situation worsen. But right now, there are several key steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick, do not go to work or school. Limit contact with other people to keep from infecting them.
If you don’t have one yet, develop a family emergency plan. This should include storing a supply of extra food, medicines and other essential supplies.

For more information > www.preparemetrokc.org/h1n1flu

You can help detect and prevent terrorism.

Terrorist operations begin with extensive planning. You can help prevent and detect terrorism — and other types of crime — by watching out for suspicious activities and reporting them to the proper authorities.

Watch for the Seven Signs of Terrorism:

Surveillance
Seeking Information
Testing Security
Acquiring Supplies
Suspicious Behavior
Trial Runs
Getting into Position

Many of these activities, in and of themselves, may not indicate criminal activity. Taken together, however, they may be a cause for concern. If you see people acting suspiciously, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement -- it's better to be safe than sorry. Learn more>

Weather Radios Save Lives

Unlike outdoor sirens, all-hazards radios save lives by alerting people who are indoors when severe weather approaches. They can also alert people in homes, schools and businesses to other types of emergencies. These radios provide constant, useful and up-to-date weather information. They are equipped with a special alarm tone that will sound an alert and give immediate information in a life-threatening situation.

Project Community Alert (PCA) is a community-wide effort to distribute weather alert radios. The Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee (MEMC) has partnered with Price Chopper grocery stores to sell the radios at a special price, $29.95. To locate a store near you, visit www.mypricechopper.com and click on "Store Locator."

Do you have an emergency plan?

Are you and your family prepared for an emergency? If phone lines were down, if cell phones didn't work, if you couldn't get to the grocery store for a few days -- what would you do? If you had to evacuate -- where would you go?

Create an emergency plan online >

Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. When disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. The time to plan for a disaster is now, before it happens.

Create a Supply Kit: Keep enough basics on hand for your family-- water, food, first aid supplies, etc. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container, such as a large, covered trash container, a backpack or a duffle bag. Learn more>
Have a Plan: Meet with your family and talk about why you need a disaster plan. Decide on a meeting place and identify emergency contacts. Learn more>
Stay Informed: Know what the risks are in your area and how to prepare for each. Learn more>

Need more information? Contact your emergency manager>>

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Concerned about H1N1 flu (swine flu)?

You can help detect and prevent terrorism.

Weather Radios Save Lives

Do you have an emergency plan?