Brief News Items for Your Local Newspapers

Placement Tip

Provide these news fillers to your local news editors now, so they’ll have them on hand to run when they have an unexpected opening later. These help you keep your department and your priority safety messages top of mind in your community.

Customize them by filling in the blanks with your local information, add your contact information at the top and send them on to the news editor.

For more information, contact: (Your PIO’s Name and Phone Number) Summer Safety News Items

What’s in Your Disaster Supplies Kit?

The (Your Fire Department) is reminding residents of (Your Town/City) to stock up now on bottled water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, necessary medicines and other essentials. According to the Home Safety Council, flashlights, a radio and batteries top the list of items every family should keep on hand to prepare for a severe weather emergency or any other unexpected disaster. Others include toiletries, baby supplies, pet food, tools, clothes and blankets. Preparation is the key to survival in any emergency. For a free emergency supply checklist, visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.

Emergency Planning Basics

According to the nonprofit Home Safety Council, planning ahead can save your life in an emergency. The (Your Fire Department) is asking (Your Town/City) residents to make a home emergency plan now, following the Home Safety Council’s advice:

• Anticipate difficulties and take steps now to minimize them
• Determine your evacuation plan and know the route you’ll take away from danger.
• Decide where family members will meet if separated.
• Memorize extended family numbers and know ahead of time how to communicate if systems fail.
• Keep your auto’s gasoline tank at least half-full and keep a battery-operated radio and fresh batteries on hand.
• Make a disaster supplies kit.
• Remember to include your pets in your emergency preparedness plans.

Free detailed information on planning for an emergency is available on the Home Safety Council Web site: www.homesafetycouncil.org.

Hurricane Season – We’re not out of the woods yet!

Hurricanes remain a serious threat in (Your Town/City) through the end of November. This year, national weather experts are predicting an above-normal season. The (Your Fire Department) says that residents who haven’t made an emergency plan are rolling the dice. According to the Home Safety Council, preparation is the best protection against hurricanes. The nonprofit group urges families living in hurricane zones to plan now, before a hurricane hits. Prepare your home to reduce damage from wind and flooding; put together a disaster supplies kit; know where to go and how to get there if advised to evacuate your home; and make a plan for caring for animals and pets. Download free emergency planning and disaster kit guides on the Home Safety Council’s Web site: www.homesafetycouncil.org.