The tragic event at the Boston Marathon serves as a reminder that we should always be prepared to safeguard our family and home during an emergency. The best way to prepare for any emergency is to prepare an emergency supply kit, have a family emergency plan, and keep informed.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) shares the following compilation of preparedness and safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and American Red Cross.
1. Create a household disaster kit. Since electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working during an emergency, you should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least one week. This kit should hold at least a one-week supply of the following items:
NOTE: Replace perishable items like water, food, medications, and batteries on a yearly basis.
2. Have a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance.
3. Keep Informed. Subscribe to an alert service. AlertSCC is a free and easy way for anyone who lives or works in Santa Clara County to get emergency warnings sent directly to their cell phone, mobile device, email, or landline.Page Content To receive alerts, register with the system at http://www.alertscc.com/.
For more information on emergency preparedness and prevention tips, visit
http://www.ready.gov/today or http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.