Your Basic Steps for Home Security

Precautionary guidelines issued by the federal Homeland Security Department this week are common sense steps every home should take to prepare for a disaster, whether it be a snow storm, flood or biological or chemical attack, the state Office of Emergency Management said.

It recommends having the following emergency supplies on hand:

• Several days' worth of food and water.
• Battery-powered radio.
• Hard-wired telephone. Cordless phones will not work if power is lost. Cell phones can be a problem during emergencies because the system can be overwhelmed when too many are in use at the same time.
• Flash light.
• Batteries.

The Homeland Security Department also recommended people buy duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal a home in case of chemical or biological attack.

More information may be found on the following Web sites: www.nhoem.state.nh.us; www.fema.gov; and www.redcross.org.

Copyright 2003 Union Leader Corp. The Union Leader (Manchester NH) February 13, 2003 Thursday STATE EDITION