Personal Preparedness
Be Informed
Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared. Understand some of the hazards that South Florida is vulnerable to:
Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared. Understand some of the hazards that South Florida is vulnerable to:
- Extreme Weather
- Floods
- Hazardous Material
- Hurricanes
- Pandemic
- Radiological
- Terrorism
- Utility Failure
Some of the basic protective actions are similar for multiple hazards, and now is the best time to learn more about the effects of these hazards and how you should respond.
Make a Plan
Develop a family emergency plan. Use the emergency planning templates at www.miami.edu/prepare to outline how you will get to a safe place, contact one another, get back together, and what you will do in different situations.
Build a Kit
Build a kit with these essential disaster items to ensure your basic needs are met during the first 48-72 hours after a disaster:
- Water - one gallon per person per day for at least three to seven days
- Non-Perishable Food - at least a three to seven day supply
- Flashlight - with extra batteries
- Emergency Radio - battery-powered or hand crank
- First Aid Kit - including medication and prescription drugs for at least 2-weeks
- Fire Extinguisher
- Whistle
- Sanitizer - moist towelette or liquid
- Multi-Tool / Tool Kit
- Tarp or plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Plastic garbage bags
- Important Documents - in a weatherproof container
- Cash
- Special items-for infants, children, elderly, persons with functional needs, and pets
Get Involved
Get involved before a disaster strikes! Here are a few ways you can help make the community more resilient to disasters:
- Volunteer to support disaster efforts. Be a part of the whole community planning process.
- Join the Canes Emergency Response Team (CERT) or
- Join the Miami Dade Medical Reserve Corps University of Miami Response Team (MDMRS-UMRT)
Crime Prevention
Property Safety Tips
- Never leave property unattended: The majority of crime on campus involves the theft of unattended or unsecured property; you can't be a victim if you don't create the opportunity.
- Always lock everything: Lock your property in a secure area, lock your door, your car, your bicycle,and anything else you have with a lock on it.
- Never leave anything visible inside your vehicle: If somebody walking by your car can see property inside, they may break the lock or a window and take it.
- Record serial numbers: Keep a record of serial numbers, models, brand names, and a description of all of valuables in case they are ever lost or stolen.
- Report, report, report: Report all thefts and all suspicious activity to campus Police/Security/safety officials; the problem is unknown unless you report it!
Personal Safety Tips
- Use common sense: If something doesn't look or feel right, it probably isn't.
- Always be aware of your surroundings: Continually look and listen to what's going on around you.
- Show that you're confident: Walk with a sense of purpose, keep your head up, and make eye contact.
- React to potential problems before they can develop: Don't wait for an uncertain or uncomfortable situation to go wrong; leave, call police, or take other protective actions.
- Educate yourself: Take time to review personal safety information from an accurate and trustworthy source; consider a self-defense class. Visit www.miami.edu/selfdefense for more information.