Editor's Note: After this article on preparing for an emergency, we will do a series of articles concerning health and safety in your home.

First, understand that no-one thinks a serious accident or illness will happen to them, so like almost everyone, we do not prepare for one. EMT personnel are well trained for emergencies and can help get the person to the medical facility. Do not try to take a seriously ill or injured family member to the hospital call 911. When I took training to become a CPR instructor, they told us that one of the most important things was to have a note right by your phone. The following information should be on it; the phone number you are calling from, the address of the location, the name of the resident living there. Surprisingly under stress, you can forget your name when you are calling in an emergency. They said it happens often. They told of a young woman, who forgot her name, forgot her address, didn't know the phone number, and forgot the name of the injured man who was her grandfather that had been hurt on the family ranch. She had to hang up and run to get someone else to call it in. To prevent lapses in memory due to stress, have all vital information on a card that the 911 dispatcher may need.

Dusty Alderdice, EMT Service Director, also had the following recommendations. "Make sure that your house number is clearly marked and visible from the roadway, and not hidden behind bushes or trees. If you have a driveway entrance to your house, make sure you have it clearly marked from the main roadway. Display your house number or name on each side of your mailbox."

Consider how your house will be accessible for the EMT, especially if you live alone. How are they going to get into your house? Do you have a hidden key or keypad combination to your home? Think about letting the ambulance crew or sheriff's office know this information. They can keep it in a secure file.

She continued, "If you have any advanced medical directives, such as a POLST (Physician's Orders for

Life-Sustaining Treatment), keep it visible for arriving EMTs to see."

"Keep a list handy of all current medications including "over the counter" drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements. A list of known allergies should be included as well. Wear a medical identification tag is you have a chronic condition."

"Also, you will need to keep a list of phone numbers that includes your closest family members, doctors, and anyone else you want to be alerted in the case of an emergency."

Lastly, Dusty said, "If it is possible, try to have all pets secured, even the friendliest dog may have a protective reaction when EMS arrives, or they may escape in the process."

Try to keep all hallways and driveways clear of clutter so they can get you to the hospital as quickly as possible.