Emergency & Disaster Preparedness
Disaster Preparedness Guidelines
The likelihood of you and your family surviving a house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an exit strategy, as on a well-trained fire department. The same is true for surviving a disaster or other emergency. According to the Department of Homeland Security, disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects - people are seriously injured, some are killed, and property damage runs into the billions of dollars.
If a disaster occurs, the Village of La Grange Park, Cook County, the State of Illinois and the Federal government along with various other disaster-relief organizations will try to help you. Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere.
Being prepared and understanding what to do to can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters. Communities, families and individuals should know what to do in a fire, tornado, terrorist attack or other disaster. They should be ready to evacuate their homes, take refuge in public shelters and know how to take care of their basic medical needs.
You should know how to respond to severe weather or any other type of disaster - earthquake, extreme cold or flooding. You should also be ready to be self sufficient for at least three days. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for responding to national disasters and for helping state and local governments and Individuals prepare for emergencies. The Village of La Grange Park has its own Emergency Management Plan and is responsible for adhering to certain state and federal guidelines.
In an emergency or disaster, in addition to the physical hazards, there are also emotional effects. The death or injury to loved ones, or loss of a home, pet or treasured possession are all potential stressors. In many cases, people under stress become irritable, fatigued, hyperactive, angry and withdrawn. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to post-disaster psychological effects. Being prepared for a disaster can significantly decrease the likelihood of physical and emotional effects after a disaster.
For more information about the Village of La Grange Park's emergency planning or to find out what else you can do to be better prepared, please contact the Village's Emergency Management Agency Coordinator.