Leisure World is comprised of many different types of housing, making responses to an emergency vary from Mutual to Mutual. Various types of emergencies also require different responses.  We therefore advise the following:

To prepare for any emergency, there are four major things to remember --

1. Keep calm - avoid panic and trust the advice of crisis planners.

2. Shelter in place - don't leave your home unless specifically told to do so.

3. Keep in touch - County, Security and Community personnel will be on hand to advise you, depending on the situation.  Radio, TV, Web sites and internal communications will be there for you.  Follow the recommendations of public officials.

4. Plan ahead - if you are required to stay in your home for a few days, don't be caught without adequate supplies.  If you are required to leave your home, know what to take with you.

    

Specific things (to cover most situations) that you can do to assure your safety will be detailed in this brochure.  Keep it handy and remember that your wellbeing depends on following the directions given to you by the people in charge and avoiding the urge to take matters into your own hands.

Things You Should Know

Emergency phone numbers (security gate, relatives, doctor, neighbor, poison center, PEPCO, etc.) (Check the Leisure World phone book and Web site)

• How to turn off the main water supply to your home.
  
  
• How to turn off the main electrical supply to your home.
  
  
• The best way to exit your home (don't go onto balconies in case of fire).
  
  
• Emergency information Web sites (www.E-Montgomery,  www.co.mo.md.us, www.mcfrs.org, www.fema.org, www.cdc.gov, www.lwmc.com, www.ready.gov )
  
  
• Best radio and TV stations for emergency information.
  
  
• Location of all your important papers (passports, driver's license, insurance papers, etc.) These are best kept in a fire proof safe, preferably away from your home.
  
  
• Names and doses of all your medications.
  
  
• Name and phone number of your doctor, dentist, pharmacy, etc.
  
  
• Basic first aid and, if possible, CPR.
  
  
• How to work a household fire extinguisher
  
  
• To keep food from spoiling, keep it below 40 degrees or over 140 degrees.
  
  
• Use perishable food from the refrigerator first and from the freezer second.
  
  
• Every home should have at least one corded phone.
  
  
• Check smoke detectors and replace any that are over 10 years old.
  
  
• An A/B switch on the TV allows you to get local stations when cable is out.

   

Things You Should Have on Hand

• Battery operated radio
  
  
• At least 2 flash lights
  
  
• Extra supply of fresh batteries
  
  
• First Aid Kit
  
  
• Extra medications, eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries
  
  
• Copies of all prescriptions, including eyeglasses
  
  
• Enough nonperishable food (canned, dry, powdered or freeze dried) to last for 3 to 5 days.  Do not depend on fresh or frozen foods. (Rotate Supply)
  
  
• 3-5 gallons of bottled water for each person. ( Rotate every 6 months)
  
  
• Manual can opener
  
  
• Household fire extinguisher for use on small localized fires only (check each month for expiration)
  
  
• NOAA emergency alert radio
  
  
• Carbon monoxide detector
  
  
• Pet supplies for 3-5 days for each animal you have
  
  
• Keep your car fuel tank at least 3/4 full at all times
  
  
• Keep a blanket, flashlight, tools, a shovel, first aid kit, water and nonperishable food in your car
  
  
• File of Life on your refrigerator door and update it regularly
  
  
• Medical insurance and Medicare cards
  
  
• Personal hygiene supplies and clean clothing to last 3-5 days

   

   

What To Do If Ordered to Shelter in Place

• Close and stay away from all windows (seal if possible)
  
  
• Turn off fans, heating and air conditioners
  
  
• Close all fireplace dampers and vents
  
  
• Seal door frames (if possible)
  
  
• Do not leave your unit until you are told that it is safe to do so
  
  
• Be prepared to stay in your home for 3 to 5 days (check above for things you should have on hand)

   

   

What To Do If Ordered To Evacuate

• Listen for specific instructions before leaving your home. If instructed to go to a specific place, go directly there. If told not to use your car or car-pool follow instructions
  
  
• Take enough medication to last 3-5 days
  
  
• Take copies of all your prescriptions
  
  
• Take cash, charge cards, driver's license, medical insurance and Medicare cards
  
  
• Take extra eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries
  
  
• Take your first aid kit
  
  
• Take clean clothing, comfortable shoes and personal hygiene supplies
  
  
• Lock your doors

Things You Should Do Ahead Of Time

• Shut off water to appliances when going on vacation
  
  
• Unplug appliances when not in use (microwave, toaster etc.)
  
  
• Don't start appliances before you leave the house
  
  
• Always close the bedroom door when going to sleep
  
  
• Be aware of anyone who may need help in an emergency
  
  
• Arrange for someone to check up on you regularly
  
  
• Secure a Lifeline system if you are living alone (LW Lifeline 301-598-1000)
  
  
• Secure a File of Life if you do not have one already (available free of charge at the Medical Center)
  
  
• Teach anyone who may be assisting you how to operate any necessary equipment
  
  
• Keep emergency and relative contact numbers next to your telephone

   

   

Telephone Numbers To Keep On Hand

This brochure does not attempt to cover every possible emergency.  It is meant to provide Leisure World residents with basic preparedness outlines, which when combined with any specific instruction given by your mutual and/or professional personnel, should make you more secure in a crisis situation.