Emergencies happen.

Being prepared is key to getting you and your loved ones through those emergencies.You pack a bag of essentials and make a plan with your family members in the event you are forced from your home, without power or caught in your car. But are you fully prepared?What happens if your son has a seizure disorder?What happens if your daughter is nonverbal?What if your mom, who uses a wheelchair, lives in your century-old home?What if you are on blood thinners and have a heart condition?First responders may not know these key facts that will help save you if an emergency strikes.That's why there are two programs - Yellow Dot and House Watch - that aim to help people help first responders by taking the guesswork out of saving your life.Yellow DotPennsylvania's Yellow Dot program "assists citizens in the 'golden hour' of emergency care following a traffic accident when they may not be able to communicate their needs themselves," the state website states.The program, which is operated through the state Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Aging, state police and Turnpike Commission, works simply by filling out a request for a Yellow Dot kit.The kit includes a yellow dot sticker that should be placed on the rear window of your vehicle or the vehicle you travel in frequently; as well as an informational packet that the applicant can fill out, including a photo of themselves in the case there is more than one participant who uses the same vehicle, emergency contacts, hospital preference, medical conditions and recent surgeries, allergies, medications taken and physician information.The decal alerts first responders during an emergency that they should check a person's glove compartment for important information about a person.Diana Smaglik, marketing director and special projects supervisor for the Anthracite Center for Regions Center for Independent Living, said that it doesn't matter the person's age to participate in Yellow Dot."If you have a condition, it helps first responders quickly know that there is more information that can help them help you," she said.For more information on the Yellow Dot program or to fill out a participation form and request a kit, visit

www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Pages/Yellow-Dot.aspx.Those interested in registering for the program can also call the PennDOT Sales Store at 717-787-6746.House WatchAnother program for Carbon County seniors and those who have special needs is House Watch, operated through the Carbon County 911 Communications Center.Mark Nalesnik, county Emergency Management Agency coordinator, told seniors recently that the program aims to help residents who need assistance getting out of their home during an emergency.The program is simple.Residents in need of assistance during an emergency, whether they are in a wheelchair, are deaf or have a heart condition, just need to fill out a one-page form that lists their name, phone number, address, their conditions, next of kin contact information, emergency contacts, other special conditions and any other relevant information.Nalesnik said forms are given to Gary Williams, director of the 911 center, who then inputs the information into the dispatch system.If an emergency strikes at the person's home, dispatchers are alerted in the system that extra help is needed to get the person out of their home."Have as much information filled out as much as possible. It could mean life or death in an emergency situation," Francine Hogan, community assistant organizer for ARCIL, said.To obtain a House Watch form, people can contact the EMA at 570-325-3097 or visit their local municipal office.Completed forms must be mailed back to Carbon County Communications, attention: Gary Williams, 911 director, 1264 Emergency Lane, Nesquehoning, PA 18240.