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Are You Ready?
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A Preparedness Newsletter for Residents of Montgomery County, MD
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Four Steps to Prepare for Winter Storms

Winter is right around the corner. Even though we may enjoy watching the snow fall
from the comfort of our homes, it's important to take steps to make sure we're ready
for potential winter storms.

1. Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with water, non-perishable food, a radio,
a flashlight, and extra batteries.


* If you      take prescription medication, include a few extra doses in case you
are      unable to leave your house to refill your prescription.

2. Heavy, wet snow has the potential to bring down tree limbs and power lines.


* Have      extra blankets and adequate clothing to keep you warm in case of a power
     outage.
* If you      need to go to a shelter, visit the county's website through a mobile
     browser or call 3-1-1 to get shelter locations.

3. Stay inside during the storm.


* After      the storm, travel only if absolutely necessary. Make sure someone else
     knows where you are going, and keep an emergency kit in the car.
* If you      walk, go slowly and watch for ice.
* If you      shovel your sidewalk or driveway, don't overexert yourself. Take your
     time, and dress in layers to ensure you stay warm.

4. Check on neighbors who may need extra assistance.

For more information on winter preparedness, visit the OEMHS winter preparedness
 page [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=hpnoejlab.0.0.gmgqe6jab.0&id=preview&ts=S0844&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww6.montgomerycountymd.gov%2Foemtmpl.asp%3Furl%3D%2Fcontent%2Fhomelandsecurity%2FHazards%2Fnatural%2Fwinstorm.asp].
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Take Advantage
of Family Time Together to Prepare

December is a time when many families get together to enjoy each other's company.
What better opportunity to ensure your family is prepared for an emergency?

Here are some things you can do as a family to prepare:


* Discuss      potential hazards (such as tornadoes or floods) and how your family
should      respond to those hazards
* Talk      about places to meet. Choose a place outside your home in case you need
to      evacuate. Also, choose a place outside of your neighborhood in case you 
     cannot return home.
* Make a      list of items that should be in your emergency kit, and work together
to      assemble the kit. Make sure family members know where the kit is stored 
     and who is responsible for checking the kit for expired food, water, and   
   batteries.

The more a family works together to prepare, the better it will respond when a disaster
strikes.
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December's Preparedness Tip T
Know how to respond if you're caught in your car during a winter storm

If you are caught in your car during a winter storm, stay in your vehicle. Run the
motor for 10 minutes every hour for heat. Make sure your exhaust pipe is not blocked
by the snow, and crack the window slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

To make yourself visible to rescuers, turn on your dome light when you run your 
heat. Tie a colored piece of cloth to your antenna or door to attract attention.
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About Montgomery County OEMHS
The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS)
coordinates disaster response activities, offers preparedness education for residents,
develops and maintains response plans, coordinates exercises and mitigation activities,
and runs the hazardous materials permitting program.
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Learn about Hazards and Preparedness

Visit MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/OEMHS [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=hpnoejlab.0.0.gmgqe6jab.0&id=preview&ts=S0844&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.montgomerycountymd.gov%2Foemhs]
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Montgomery County, MD Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=hpnoejlab.0.0.gmgqe6jab.0&id=preview&ts=S0844&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FMontgomery-County-MD-Office-of-Emergency-Management-Homeland-Security%2F106493569384317]
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