Preparing for Emergency

Fire

About Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Every Day
On a normal day, Emergency Preparedness is evaluated and we work to prepare city departments, businesses and residents for emergencies and disaster events through planning, preparedness initiatives, hazard mitigation activities, and by building response capabilities.

Emergency Preparedness in Disasters
Emergencies happen every day in the City of Kentwood. These incidents are usually handled with the first five minutes by the Kentwood Police and Fire Departments. In addition, our Department of Public Works can also respond to specific emergencies in the city with specialized equipment that may be needed for an unusual event.

When an emergency event grows beyond the ability of one agency to take care of it, or when additional resources are needed on a large scale event, the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be opened to coordinate the response. In the EOC, representatives from all of the agencies involved in the response make decisions and work to provide the resources needed on the scene. The EOC becomes the seat of government during a disaster. Decisions about City operations and services are made there, as are decisions about how the community will begin to return to normal.

How can I be prepared?
Be prepared in the event an emergency causes you to be self-reliant for three days without utilities and electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or local services, or maybe even without response from police, fire or rescue.

Preparing can start with four important steps:

  1. Be informed about emergencies that could happen such as tornados, snowstorms, power outages, and more. The City of Kentwood will work hard to provide information as soon as its available to residents and businesses.
  2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency. Work with your family to make a plan, and make sure you have a meeting place in case of a natural disaster. 
  3. Build an emergency supply kit – supplies to last at least three days.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it takes a whole community. Make sure you have a plan, and your family is prepared. 

For more information, visit www.ready.gov