Smart911 Supports National Preparedness Month with Tips and Materials for Successfully Handling Emergencies

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Every September since 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) has sponsored National Preparedness Month, a campaign encouraging citizens to take necessary steps to prepare for emergencies of every kind in their homes, offices, schools and communities. Regardless of location, anyone can be impacted by man-made and natural disasters. To support FEMA's efforts, the experts from Rave Mobile Safety, creators of Smart911, are offering tips and materials to help individuals and families successfully handle emergencies.

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Rave Mobile Safety has created the "Ultimate Preparedness Guide" available at http://www.smart911.com/preparedness to provide families across the country with the proper actions to take before, during and after a disaster. In addition to a preparedness checklist, citizens will find helpful tips and techniques including:

• Be Ready – Plan Ahead: It's important to plan ahead because you and your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. Complete the Ready.gov "Family Emergency Plan," review it with your family and keep a copy in a disaster supply kit. Determine how everyone will get to a safe place, contact one another and reunite. Also assess and make sure your family is aware of potential points of risk ahead of time.
• Be Supplied – Build a Kit: Creating a disaster supply kit may seem intimidating, but having everyday items you'll need is essential. Include food, water and other necessities in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Since basic services such as electricity, gas, water and sewage treatment may be unavailable, your kit should contain items to overcome such outages.
• Be Informed: How can you know if a hazardous event is coming? First, familiarize yourself with the signs of impending disaster at www.ready.gov/natural-disasters. Also, sign up for local alerts which you can receive whether you're at home, school or work. Another great way to receive up-to-date information is by following local public safety agencies on Facebook and Twitter.
• During an Emergency: Listen to local sources on your radio and other information channels. Remember, "shelter-in-place" means take immediate shelter wherever you may be. If you decide to leave or are ordered to evacuate, do so promptly to avoid being trapped by severe weather. Follow recommended evacuation routes; shortcuts may be blocked. Bring your disaster supply kit and take pets, though understand only service animals may be permitted in public shelters.
• After an Emergency: Watch out for washed out roads, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged buildings and electrical wiring. If you spot chemical spills, downed power lines or smoldering insulation, inform local authorities immediately. Inspect your home before entering, checking for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have doubts, do not enter and have your residence inspected by a building inspector or structural engineer. Finally, be sure to update your disaster plan and replenish kit supplies.
• Be Smart: Create a Smart911 Safety Profile to give 9-1-1 additional information that can expedite emergency response and save invaluable time. Smart911 allows citizens to create a free Safety Profile for their household with details they want 9-1-1 and responders to have during an emergency. When a citizen makes an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information.

Smart911 also encourages citizens to interact on Facebook and Twitter with their #ActsofPreparedness campaign, asking citizens to share their own tips to be featured as the "Most Prepared Fan of the Week."

"Like FEMA, we believe the key to dealing with any emergency situation and encouraging the best possible outcome is preparation," said Tom Axbey, CEO of Rave Mobile Safety. "During potentially life-threatening situations, knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency can make all the difference when seconds count. Also, help emergency responders to better help you and loved ones by taking just a few moments to create a Smart911 Safety Profile."

Introduced nearly three years ago by Rave Mobile Safety, the trusted software partner for campus and public safety, Smart911 has been adopted in 32 states and more than 400 municipalities. It has been credited with positively impacting emergency situations across the U.S., including a missing child case in Arkansas, and saving lives, such as a heart attack victim in Nashville.

About Rave Mobile Safety 

Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading institutes of higher education and state and local agencies, the award-winning portfolio of Rave SafeCampus, Rave Alert, Rave Guardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information, please visit http://www.ravemobilesafety.com.

Contact:
Marty Querzoli
Davies Murphy Group
Public Relations for Rave Mobile Safety
[email protected]
(781) 418-2433

SOURCE Rave Mobile Safety