Threats of domestic terrorism are on the minds of many Americans. In Vancouver and Clark County Fire District 5, residents have been asked to help emergency response agencies, including your fire department, by following these general recommendations issued by our local 911 center, the Washington State Emergency Management Department, and Capt. Dan Monaghan, hazardous materials coordinator for the Vancouver Fire Department.

• Create and review your own Disaster Plan with all family members including children
• Stock your Disaster Supplies Kit
• Make an emergency communications plan with a friend or relative out of the area
• Establish a meeting place away from your neighborhood in case you can't return
• Know your children's school emergency plan
• Have shelter-in-place materials on hand
• Check on neighbors who are elderly or have special needs to ensure they are OK
• Make a plan for your pets shelters will only allow Service Animals for the disabled
• Exercise caution when traveling
• Be alert to your surroundings
• Avoid leaving unattended packages, backpacks, brief cases, in public areas
• Monitor news media during the heightened state of alert
• Contact law enforcement to report any suspicious activities in or around critical facilities, and provide information such as descriptions, license plates, activities, time, location, etc.