There are actions that should be taken before, during and after an event that are unique to each hazard. Identify the hazards that have happened or could happen in your area and plan for the unique actions for each. Share the hazard-specific information with family members and include pertinent materials in your family disaster plan.
Make sure you understand how you will be notified for each kind of disaster, both natural and man-made. You should also inquire about alert and warning systems for workplace, schools and other locations. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. Richland County Emergency Management relies upon WRCO (100.9FM) and Nixle to reach community members, as well as tornado warning sirens or in very rare circumstances, volunteers and emergency workers may go door-to-door.
Depending upon the nature of the emergency and your circumstances, one of the first important decisions is whether to stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Learn more about Evacuation & Sheltering In Place.