Office of Emergency Management

The Village of Depew is committed to providing a safe community for its residents, businesses and those traveling through our village. The Depew Office of Emergency Management was established under the authority of new york state executive law and is the central coordinating point for all-hazards emergency preparedness, response and recovery for the village. 

Staffed by volunteers from the community, the primary functions of the Depew Office Emergency Management are to:

• Identify, assess and prioritize local vulnerabilities to emergencies or disasters and the resources available to prevent or mitigate, respond to, and recover from them.
• Outline short, medium and long range measures to improve the Village's capability to manage hazards.
• Provide that Village government will take appropriate actions to prevent or mitigate effects of hazards and be prepared to respond to and recover from them when an emergency or disaster occurs and provide for the efficient utilization of all available resources during an emergency.
• To provide for the utilization and coordination of Village, County, State and federal programs to assist disaster victims, and to prioritize the response to the needs of the elderly, disabled, low income, and other groups which may be inordinately affected.
• Provide for the utilization and coordination of Village state and federal programs for recovery from a disaster with attention to the development of mitigative programs.

Prepare Yourself

Disasters are never a planned event and always come at the most inconvenient time so why not plan now? Below is a simple checklist you may follow to better prepare yourself to deal with an unforeseen emergency such as a winter storm, tornado or man-made emergency.

Planning

Prepare an Emergency Plan that will serve as a simple reminder, such as:

• Meet with household members. Discuss with children the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
• Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
• Learn how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main switches.
• Post emergency telephone numbers near phones.
• Teach children how and when to call 911, police, and fire.
• Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated by disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).
• Keep family records in a water and fireproof container.
• Download a copy of an Emergency Planning Sheet.
• Prepare a Supply Kit to be available in the event you are affected by an emergency

Preparation

Supplies you should keep on hand in your home in case of emergency:

• A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
• A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• A first aid kit and prescription medications.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• Credit cards and cash.
• An extra set of car keys.
• A list of family physicians/medications.
• A list of important family information, e.g. the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

Response

If You Need to Evacuate:

• Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of emergency shelters.
• Follow instructions of local officials.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Lock your house.
• Use travel routes specified by local officials.

Additional Information

For more detailed planning and preparedness information visit Ready.gov.