Bruce Mandelblit
Tuesday, May 14, 2002

A new booklet recently published by the National Crime Prevention Council gives some superb and practical preparedness tips.

In this column, I will review some parts of this fascinating pamphlet.

First, here are some outstanding "general emergency preparedness" ideas you and your family can utilize when facing a multitude of situations – everything from a hurricane to a terrorist incident.

1. Make a list of important local numbers. Write down important local numbers, such as the non-emergency numbers for the police department, fire department and the FBI field office. Keep these numbers by the phone and make copies for yourself and your family to keep in their wallets.

2. Write down phone numbers and contact information for your family. Keep one copy by the phone and provide others to family and friends.

3. Make a neighborhood directory and plan. Include emergency contact information and plans for children and seniors who may be home alone during emergency situations. Identify neighbors who need additional help, such as young children, seniors and those with disabilities, and develop a plan to assist them in an emergency.

4. Make your house easy to find. Make sure your street address is large and well lighted so that emergency personnel can find your home quickly.

5. Organize an emergency preparedness kit. Check batteries, change the stored water and rotate the food supplies every six months. Your kit should contain the following supplies:

• A three- to five-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day).

• Food that will not spoil and requires no cooking.

• A first-aid kit and needed medicines (consult your physician or pharmacist about storing medications and keep copies of your prescriptions).

• Emergency tools like a battery-powered radio, cell phones, flashlight and extra batteries.

• Personal items like toilet paper and plastic garbage bags.

• A portable emergency generator if possible.

Also, the publication suggests the following evacuation plans:

1. Develop a home evacuation plan and practice it with your family and neighbors. Know what to do if you are instructed to evacuate your home or community.

• Every child or other member of your family should know exactly how to get out of your home in case of a fire or other emergency.

• Find at least two ways out of each room in your home if possible.

• If you live in an apartment building, know the evacuation plan.

• Agree on a place near by to meet once everyone gets out of the house or apartment.

3. Learn how to shut off utilities such as gas, electricity and water.

I am frequently asked, "Under what circumstances should I call 911 to report an emergency?"

This new booklet gives some valuable suggestions about this essential, yet often misunderstood, issue.

Any threat or real risk that puts lives in immediate danger is an emergency and should be reported by calling 911. You can help save lives by calling 911 when:

1. You see or hear about someone carrying a weapon in an unlawful manner, using verbal threats, or suspiciously exiting a secured, non-public area near a train or bus depot, airport, tunnel, bridge, government building or tourist attraction.

2. You see or hear someone use or threaten to use a gun or other weapon, place a bomb, or release a poisonous substance into the air, water or food supply.

3. You see fire, smell smoke or gas, or hear an explosion.

4. You see someone forcibly taken or being held by someone holding a weapon or threatening violence.

5. You see a suspicious package abandoned in a crowed public place like an office building, airport, school or shopping center.

6. You see a suspicious letter or package in your mailbox. Stay away from the letter or package and don't shake, bump or sniff it. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

7. You believe a life or property is in immediate danger.

Be prepared to provide the 911 operator with the following information:

• Exact location of the threat or danger you observed.

• As much detail as you can provide about the emergency. Try to stay calm and take note of the circumstances of the event, including physical descriptions of the perpetrators, license plate numbers, and directions of travel.

• If a person is injured, tell the dispatcher as much as possible about how the injury happened and the person's condition.

Please contact the National Crime Prevention Council at www.weprevent.org for details.

A final thought: I urge all Americans to please do their part in helping to make our country as safe and secure as possible. A great place to start in this important effort is through our overall increased awareness and preparedness.

"Staying Safe with Bruce Mandelblit" is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com magazine. Bruce welcomes your safety, security and crime prevention questions. He will answer questions of general interest in his column.

Bruce's e-mail address is: CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com.

Bruce is a nationally known security specialist as well as a highly decorated reserve law enforcement officer. He also writes a column for the trade publication Security magazine.

Bruce was recently commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel – the state's highest honor – by Gov. Paul E. Patton for his public service.

Bruce is also an active screenwriter. A synopsis of his latest completed script is available to bone fide agents and producers upon request.

This column is provided for general information purposes only. For information specific to you and your jurisdiction, please contact your local law enforcement agency.