There is risk in life everyday, but if you prepare for it you can handle it better. That is what Bamberg County Emergency 911 Director Sharon Hammond told senior citizens at the Office on Aging in Bamberg Thursday.

“Hazards will disrupt your daily living. It is your responsibility to evaluate your needs for your personal emergency plan. Always have a plan, write it down, prepare an emergency kit and have it in an accessible and safe place,” said Hammond.

Hammond says hurricanes will be tracked by their department and mandatory shelters will be set up at the high schools first. She said someone will pick you up and take you to the shelter, but you should plan and prepare for three days for each person in the family.

Your kit should consists of basic supplies for survival:

Water, food, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, dust mask, moist towelettes, wrench or pliers, local maps, water, food and cash money. Include your medications and medical supplies and your emergency documents and any other important documents. If you have a pet, consider its supplies. Most shelters do not allow pets.

• You should have a plan for what you will do in an emergency. Create a personal network-make a written list of family, friends and others who will be a part of your plan and share your plan with them.

• Develop a family communication plan and depending on your circumstances and the nature of your emergency, decide whether you will stay or go. Sometimes it will be best if you shelter in place and avoid any uncertainty outside. Again, that depends on the type of emergency or disaster that has occurred.

• In the event there is a fire, plan on exiting two ways out of every room.

• Be informed. It is important to stay informed about what might happen and know what type emergencies are likely to affect your area.

“Above all else, stay calm, be patient and think before you act and follow the instruction from emergency personnel on the scene. Be ready, be prepared. Your life is more important than anything else,” said Hammond.

For more information visit www.ready.gov for specific types of emergencies.