Emergency Preparedness

National Preparedness Month

The Bartlett Fire Department wants to remind everyone that September is National Preparedness Month.

Be Prepared

In the event of a disaster or significant emergency event, Fire, Police and EMS resources can be taxed well beyond normal limits. Individuals, families, and communities should be prepared to be self sustaining for a minimum of 72 hours. The City of Bartlett wants to encourage citizens to take time to get informed and prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. Citizens are urged to take steps to prepare for the various natural or man made disasters that could potentially occur.

Emergency Supply Kit

We suggest that you equip your home with an emergency supply kit. This kit should include but not be limited to items such as:

  • Drinking water (one gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable food
  • A battery powered radio with NOAA band and extra batteries
  • A flashlight with extra batteries
  • A first-aid kit
  • Dust masks
  • Sanitary and hygienic items
  • A wrench and pliers
  • A can opener
  • Prescription medications
  • Cash or travelers checks
  • A small fire extinguisher
  • Paper and pencil
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Special items for children or the aged
  • Items for special needs individuals

Plan for Emergencies

Disasters often strike with little or no warning. We want to urge you to make a plan for emergencies in advance. Have contingency plans for different situations. There are important differences among potential emergencies that will factor in to the decisions you make and the actions you will need to take. You should be sure and have plans to contact each other and to reunite. We suggest that you have out of town contacts and pre-paid phone cards. Tune in to emergency radio and television for important broadcasts. Listen for activation of emergency warning sirens.

CERT Training

One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency is to receive training through the CERT program. CERT is an acronym for Community Emergency Response Team. This program prepares the individual to help the community, home, and themselves in the event of a disaster.

Participants in CERT training learn how to:

  • Identify hazards
  • Reduce fire hazards
  • Extinguish small fires
  • Assist emergency service personnel
  • Conduct light search and rescue
  • Apply basic first aid
  • Help deal with survivor stress

CERT trained persons will be part of a network of responders that will be of great value to the community during and after a disaster. For more information contact Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security. We also invite you to visit the Department of Homeland Security and the Ready websites to find out more about disaster preparedness.