For many workers the "office" is actually a vehicle.  Everyone plays a role in maintaining a safe work zone area during roadway construction.  Be patient and drive safely through road construction sites.  Follow these tips to play your part:

 

• Pay attention to the orange diamond-shaped warning signs or electronic message boards posted in advance of a road construction project.
• Stay alert.  Minimize distractions within your car such as changing the radio station.  Dedicate your full attention to driving.
• Pay close attention and heed directions on work zone warning signs.  Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
• Expect the unexpected.  Anticipate potential dangers.
• Keep an eye out for construction workers, their equipment and vehicles, as well as the vehicles around you.
• Watch for orange cones deliniating travel lanes or lane diversions.

 

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The Department of Homeland Security provides an Are You Ready Guide to the citizens of this nation to help be prepared against all types of hazards.  Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters.  Communities, families and individuals should know what to do, where to seek shelter, be prepared to evacuate their home and know how to care for their basic medical needs.

 

As an Individual -  You have a responsibility to protect yourself and your family by knowing what to do before, during and after an event.  Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately.  You could get help in hours, or it might take days.  Disaster supply kits should be prepared for your home, work and vehicles.  Your supply kit should contain essential food, water and supplies for at least three days.   

 

As a Community - Most emergencies are handled at the local level, which puts a tremendous responsibility on the community for taking care of its citizens.  The local level team is made up of paid employees and volunteers from the private and public sectors.  During a disaster, the City Public Works Department becomes the backup Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  The City Public Safety Complex is the primary facility.  The EOC is a central command and control facility established to identify damage and hazards, assess potential risk to the community, identify needs, provide shelter, etc.

To view FEMA publications on disaster preparedness, visit the Community and Family Preparedness webpage.