Be Ready in 2011: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks

Daylight Saving Time begins on March 13 and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management reminds the public to refresh their emergency supplies when changing their clocks with its “Get Ready: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks” campaign.rnrn“Make sure you have emergency kits for your home with all of the necessary supplies, and check the expiration dates on food, water as well as radio and flashlight batteries,” said Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management Liam O’Keefe. “If you haven’t put together a family preparedness kit or a Go Bag of emergency supplies for use in an emergency or evacuation of your home, do so now. The time to start planning for an emergency is not in the middle of one.”rnrnBe sure that you have at least a three-day supply of bottled water, non-perishable foods and essential medications set aside for each member of your family. Remember your pets are part of the family too, so include some emergency supplies for them. And as always, don’t forget to check the batteries in your smoke alarms! As we prepare for the arrival of spring rains, which carry the potential for flooding, make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for emergencies.rnrnIt’s also a good idea to sign up for ReadyNotifyPA, the region’s emergency text and email alert system, by logging on to www.readynotifypa.org.rnrnFor more information on emergency preparedness, ReadyNotifyPA, or for a list of emergency supplies for a family preparedness kit and Go Bag, visit www.phila.gov/ready or call 3-1-1.