Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services like water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere, at work, school or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe?
Families can, and do, cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow the steps listed here. Knowing what to do is your responsibility and your best protection.
You must be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after a disaster
Family
Disaster Plan
Emergency Supplies Kit
Home Hazard Hunt
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
If Disaster Strikes
Find out what could happen to you and your family during a disaster. Contact your local Emergency Management or Red Cross Chapter and ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen.
Learn about the programs available in your community to educate and provide support.
Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.
Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and other hazards to children.
Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
Pick two places to meet following a disaster.
Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact".
Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
Plan how to take care of your pets
Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency help.
Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Conduct a home hazard hunt.
Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
Take a first aid and CPR class.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
Quiz your kids every six month so they remember what to do.
Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
Replace stored water and food every six months.
Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.
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After a disaster, local officials and relief workers may not be able to reach you right away. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?
Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. If you have gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.
Review the following checklist.
Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.
Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These will be listed with an asterisk (*).
There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items.
A large, covered trash container
A camping backpack
A duffel bag
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
Store one gallon of water per person per day.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation)
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include selection of the following foods in your Kit: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A First aid kit should include:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap
Latex gloves (2 pairs)
Sunscreen
2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
Triangular bandages (3)
2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue blades (2)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting if advised by Poison Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by Poison Control Center)
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils *
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries *
Flashlight and extra batteries *
Cash or traveler's checks and change *
Non-electric can opener, utility knife *
Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
Tube tent
Pliers
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper and pencil
Needles and thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench (to turn off household gas and water)
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Toilet paper, towelettes *
Soap, liquid detergent *
Feminine supplies *
Personal hygiene items *
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person *
Sturdy shoes or work boots *
Rain gear *
Blankets or sleeping bags *
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses
Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powered milk
Medications
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Games and books
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, social security cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and companies
Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supply Kit in the trunk of your car.
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Here are a few things you can do to help protect your home before a disaster occurs.
Inspect your home at least once a year for hazards.
Check chimneys, roofs and wall foundations for stability.
Make sure your home is bolted to its foundation and anchor the roof to the main frame. Call a licensed contractor if you have any questions.
Secure your water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utility lines.
Keep breakable and heavy picture objects on lower shelves.
Secure hanging plants and heavy picture frames or mirrors.
Tie down freestanding fireplaces.
Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them closed during shaking.
Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays, or cleaning products in latched cupboards or secured on lower shelves.
Fix any other potential hazards or possible dangers that you find.
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Your neighbors probably will be the first to offer assistance after a disaster.
Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives.
If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity.
Knowing your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.
Make plans for childcare in case parents can't get home.
If disaster strikes, remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action. Remember these points:
Check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions.
Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Check for damage in your home.
Use flashlights. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
Shut off any other damaged utilities.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.
Confine or secure your pets.
Call your family contact. Do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
Stay away from downed power lines.
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