(This is the first in a series of Disaster Preparedness Helpful Hints, brought to you by the Timberton Disaster Preparation Committee)

There is a proper way to use the HELP (red) and OK (green) window signs – they are only to be used in an emergency event, not displayed all the time in your front window. An “emergency event” can be an extended power outage, earthquake, windstorm, or other large-scale disaster. It is not an individual emergency, such as a medical problem. The emergency responders during these events could include your neighborhood emergency response team, other neighbors, or emergency personnel like firefighters or medical responders.

During an emergency event, the signs mean:

• OK = it is an emergency situation, but all is well with you (you do not need any rescue help)
• HELP = it is an emergency situation, and you need the responders to help.

Any other time, the signs should not be displayed.

The signs are not used for individual emergencies, like a medical event or other issue that needs a 911 call. Those responders will not pay attention to the signs.

Here’s some hints:

• Only put up the sign during an emergency event.
• Do not leave the sign in the window during other times.
• When emergency responders see the OK sign during an emergency event, it means that they don’t need to help you, so they will continue to the next home.
• Only display the OK sign during an emergency if all is OK with you. If things are not OK, display the HELP sign so that the responders will come to your door.
• If you need a sign, they will be available from Tom Carter at the TVHA Annual Meeting in June. Block Captains also have a supply for new homeowners.

If you have any questions, comment below, or send a message to the Board.