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What are the four phases of emergency management?

What hazards affect Hennepin County? 

What is the difference between a watch and a warning? 

How do I make a family emergency plan? 

What should I put in my emergency kit? 

Where can I buy a NOAA weather radio? 

How much does a NOAA radio cost? 

What is the first thing I should do in a disaster? 

How does Hennepin County interact with cities? 

What are the four phases of emergency management?

  • The Mitigation phase refers to actions taken to prevent disasters or lesson the harmful effects of unavoidable disaster;
  • The Preparedness phase refers to the planning and training process for potential disaster and emergencies;
  • The Response phase includes all actions taken to lessen the impact of an actual emergency; and
  • The Recovery phase involved actions taken to return communities and their citizens to their pre-disaster state. The recovery phase can be both short and long-lived, depending upon the disaster and its impact.

What hazards affect Hennepin County?

Hennepin County is susceptible to a number of natural and man-made hazards. The following is a list of some of the hazards monitored by Hennepin County Emergency Management:

  • Dams
  • Extreme heat
  • Fires
  • Flooding
  • Hazardous materials
  • Infectious diseases
  • Thunderstorms
  • Tornadoes
  • Winter weather

What is the difference between a watch and a warning?

  • A Watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather in and close to the watch area. People located in and around the watch area should keep an eye to the sky and listen to their NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio or tune to the local broadcast media for further weather information. Typically, watches last six hours and cover a relatively large area.
  • A Warning means either a severe thunderstorm or tornado is occurring and/or has been detected by the National Weather Service Doppler Radar or confirmed by a reliable report. Persons in the warned area should take immediate action to protect their lives, lives of others, and their property. Warnings are issued for smaller, more specific locations and generally last for an hour or less.

How do I make a family emergency plan?

You and your family can create an emergency plan with very little effort. An emergency plan can be vital as you may not be together when a disaster strikes. It is important to plan in advance how to get to a safe place, how you will meet up together, and how your family will react based on the situation. Some resources to get you and your family started are:

What should I put in my emergency kit?

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic household items you may need in the event of an emergency. Try to assemble your kit well in advance as you may need to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. The following is a list of recommended basic supplies for your kit:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • A copy of your family emergency plan
  • Copies of family documents (i.e., birth certificates, passports)

Where can I buy a NOAA weather radio?

You can buy receivers at many retail outlets, including electronics, department, sporting goods, and boat and marine accessory stores and their catalogs. They can also be purchased via the Internet from online retailers or directly from manufacturers.

How much does a NOAA radio cost?

There are many choices of receivers from a number of manufacturers with prices ranging $20 to $100. The price will depend upon its use, handheld or desktop, and its capabilities allowing residents to pick the receiver they find fit best.

What is the first thing I should do in a disaster?

Turn on your NOAA Weather Radio and/or if available television (TV) for information. Follow instructions when advised to evacuate or shelter-in-place. If informed to shelter-in-place stay inside and close all windows and doors. Also, activate your personal/family emergency plan and locate your emergency kit.

How does Hennepin County Emergency Management interact with city emergency management teams?

Hennepin County’s role is a partnership with each city in the county. Every city has an Emergency Operation Plan that meets state and federal requirements. Hennepin County Emergency Management responds to emergencies when the City Emergency Manager, Mayor or other city official requests County resources. All emergencies happen locally and response is initially handled locally.