Emergency Preparedness

Thanks to the City of Aurora for publishing the Citizen's All-Hazard Emergency Preparedness Guide which can be picked up at the Aurora Municipal Center and to State and FederalEmergency Response Resources.

Phone Numbers to Know:


911 Emergency

Dial 911 if

• serious medical problem
• to report crime in progress
• to report suspicious activity
  

Tips

• Teach children their full name and address
• Post other important numbers near the phone
• Post your address and phone number near the phone
• Be prepared to provide location of emergency
• Be prepared to provide the type of emergency
• Be prepared to provide your name, address, phone number
• Keep your answers brief
• Remain calm
• Speak Clearly
• If calling from a cell phone they do not know your location

Home Security

• Put deadbolt with 1" throw on every external door plus strike plate with 2 1/2" screws
• Secure sliding glass doors with door-track stops
• Do not hide keys in mailboxes, planters or under doormats
• Make sure all exterior doors are solid wood or metal
• Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors
• Prune shrubbery that hides doors or windows
• Cut back tree limbs that could help thief climb in windows
• Keep porches, entrances and yards well lit
• Consider timers or motion detectors for outdoor lighting
• Display your house number so police, emergency can find your home
• Vacation preparations should including stopping all deliveries
• Put lights, TV, radio on timing devices when on vacation
• Close your garage door
• Lock your house and car doors
• Close and lock your windows
• Know your neighbors
• Join Neighborhood Watch
  

Personal Safety

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Have your keys ready in your hand -- use as weapon if necessary
• Do not wear headphones when walking
• Be aware of vehicles, people in close proximity
• Carry your cell phone
• Carry purse or wallet close to your body -- Let go if grabbed
• Do not hitchhike; refuse rides from stranges
• Never allow a stranger to enter your home
• Request identification for service calls before entering
• Never say a family member is not home
• Never tell anyone you are alone in your residence
• Do not display your name on the exterior of your residence
• Use an unlisted / unpublished number
• Make sure your car is unoccupied before entering
• Do not leave car unattended with engine running
• Use a locking gas cap
• Keep your vehicle maintained and gas tank full
• Lock your vehicle at all times

Identity Theft

• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox
• Deposit outgoing mail at local post office or post office collection box
• Never give personal information over the telephone (i.e. SSN, DOB, Mother's Maiden Name, credit card number, or PIN) unless you initiated the call.
• Shred pre-approved credit card applications, credit card receipts, bills and other financial information before discarding
  
• Empty wallet of extra cards and IDs.  Cancel cards you do not use.
• Order your credit report once a year to check for fraudulent activity
• 'Never leave receipts at bank machines, gas stations, bank counters
• Memorize your Social Security number & passwords
• Sign all new credit cards on receipt
• Track credit card receipts and match them to your bills
• Report all lost or stolen credit cards immediately
• Beware of soliciations disguised as promotion offering instant prizes or awards to obtain your personal information
• If a victim of identity theft:
  • file report with lcoal police department
  • obtain a copy of the report
  • notify your bank and credit card companies ASAP
  • report a missing driver's license to the Dept Motor Vehicles
  • call Fed Trad Commission Identity Theft Hotline 1.877.438.4338
  • call Equifax 1.800.525.6285
  • call Trans Union 1.800.680.7289
  • call Experian 1.888.397.3742
  • Request that a "Fraud Alert" be placed on your credit
    

Early Warning / Information Systems

Outdoor Warning Sirens:  City of Aurora has an all-hazard siren system with 42 outdoor sirens.  In the event the sirens are actiivated, citiizens will hear a 3 minute wailing tone and will need to seek shelter.  Citizens should tune into radio or television and listen for official announcements or information concerning the emergency.  At the end of the treat, the sirens will sound with a 30 second whoop tone to signify the All-Clear.  The City of Aurora tests twice yearly -- once in the Spring and in the Fall.

Emergency Alert System (EAS):  The EAS transmits National, State, and local warning messages and is used to notify you of emergency situations.  It interrupts TV and radio programming to provide guidance for your specific area.  This system is used for severe weather or flash flood warnings, radiological emergency or hazardous material spill, evacuation notice or civil emergency message, AMBER alert.

Reverse 9-1-1:  Reverse 911 provides emergency notification to residents of impending dangers through your telephone.  This can be activated by mapping out area in danger and calling all numbers in that area.  It can handle up to 2,000 calls per minute.  It will not call a cell phone.  It will leave a message if the answering machine picks up.

Weather Radios:  NOAA Weather Radio is used to broadcast National Weather  Service forecasts and severe storm watches and warnings by way o f low frequency radio wave.

Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors:  Are devices you can and should use and purchase for your homes and businesses.  Check your batteries, install them on every floor, test your alarms once a month, replace your alarms after 10 years.

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