Full Notification

Daylight Saving Time is a Good Opportunity to Make Sure Your Families Are Prepared for Emergencies

With Daylight Saving Time coming to an end, the Catasauqua Emergency Management Agency and the Catasauqua Fire Department are encouraging families to take advantage of the November 7 time change as a reminder to make sure their families are prepared for a possible emergency. A few simple steps like checking smoke alarms, developing a family communications plan, and putting an emergency kit together can go a long way toward keeping families safe.

Information on preparing for emergencies can be found at www.catasauquaema.org. Steps include developing a communications plan to ensure family members know how to get in touch with each other during an emergency, putting together an emergency kit, and staying informed of potential risks. It's important to remember that an emergency could be a large-scale catastrophic disaster, or a smaller-scale event like a car accident or house fire.

In addition we are encouraging families to ensure their homes are equipped with working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire so it's important to test alarms regularly and keep them properly maintained. This includes checking the manufacture/expiration date on the label, replacing the batteries, and cleaning dust away from the slots so that smoke can enter freely.

You are also encouraged to:

Update your list of emergency contact phone numbers.

Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors and their batteries.

Maintain home and auto fire extinguishers.

Check the expiration date of items in your emergency preparedness kit.

Be sure your preparedness kit includes seasonally appropriate clothing.

Have your heating systems checked for operability and safety.

Be sure your vehicle is maintained and equipped for winter travel.

Remember preparedness is important all year long, not just during Emergency Preparedness Month (September) and Fire Prevention Month (October).