You need to keep information on hand that will help you in time of disaster. And, remember to plan at least two places for your family to meet in case your home is not availble. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy. Choose an out-of-state friend or relative to call after disaster with your whereabouts and conditions. Here below is a way to get started being practically prepared. You can go to "Disaster Websites" such as the Salvation Army's or Citizen Corps to find more details concerning various disasters and terrorists attacks. It is always good to at least have the information at hand to refer to when needed. Otherwise, you will not be confident with what to do immediately and maybe even panic.
Preparing for Home and Natural Disaster
Prepare for at least 3 - 7 days supply of things at home.
Prepare a “to go” supply bag for evacuation/check list below for items.
Supply Check List:
Organized bag: copies of legal papers/photos/discs/emergency numbers/family numbers/out of state contact number for family/ CASH/ copies of medical papers & insurance/emergency numbers/copies of passports – a place to put jewelry at the time of emergency
1 gallon of water per person per day
More for children, nursing mothers, sick people, warmer climate
Store water tightly in clean plastic containers, off cement, in cool place
Non-perishable foods, no need for refrigeration, no cooking, need little to no water.
Protein bars, canned meats, fruits and vegetables, dry cereal, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts
Crackers, can juices, powder milk, vitamins, food for infants and babies
Camping Gear – ice chests, lanterns, butane, stove,
Manual can opener
Eating Utensils
Diapers and wipes
Hygiene items
Flashlight – all camping gear is great
Nose and mouth protection (in case of terrorist attack) cotton cloth/good air flow
Duct tape
Plastic sheeting
Scissors
Plastic garbage bags – LOTS – can be used to cover vents and openings to outside
Generator
Portable air purifier
Blankets/Quilts in containers for evacuation
Batteries (for hearing aids if needed)
Flares
Compass
Whistle
Candles/lighters
Tools – wrench/pliers
Reading glasses/eye needs misc.
Disabled members/special needs – think of their needs for supplying
Pet needs
Radio
Games/Cards/Tablets of paper/pencils/pens
Cell Phone chargers
Rain Gear
Sturdy shoes/boots/thick socks
Heavy Coats/hats
Sweaters/pants/t-shirts/underwear
Extra sets of keys – car, house, RV, work
Extinguisher – shake every month to keep it ready to go. Check date for use.
First Aid Kit:
�� disposable gloves
�� sterile dressings to stop bleeding
�� cleansing agent or soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
�� antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
�� burn ointment to prevent infection
�� adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
�� eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as a general decontaminant
�� a non-mercury thermometer
�� prescription medications you take every day
�� prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
�� scissors
�� tweezers
�� aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
�� anti-diarrhea medication
�� antacid (for upset stomach)
�� laxative
�� activated charcoal, for use if advised by the Poison Control Center
Organize a separate “to go kit.”
Determine items that you would need if you were asked or ordered to evacuate
your home. Store these items in easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks
or duffle bags. A ”go kit” may contain extra clothing, cash, credit
cards, prescriptions, eyeglasses and personal items. You do not need to
include water or food-related items (unless you have special dietary needs).
Emergency evacuation plans
�� Develop a home evacuation plan and practice the steps you will follow.
Know what to do if you are instructed to evacuate your home or community.
Every child and other member of your family should know at least two ways
(if possible) to escape your home in case of fire or other emergency. If you
live in an apartment, know the building’s evacuation plan. Agree on a place
nearby to meet once everyone gets out.
�� Plan how to take care of your pets. Remember that with the exception of
guide dogs, shelters usually do not allow pets (see the segment titled “If you
have pets” on page 6).
�� Learn how to shut off utilities — electricity, water and gas (see the segments
titled “How to shut off gas supply” and “How to shut off electricity” in the side
column on page 16 in the Emergency Alert System section). You will find the
main water shutoff valve outdoors where the main pipe enters your dwelling.
Police patrol
In event of evacuation, local law enforcement officers will continue to patrol your neighborhood. Local authorities will ask you to leave your home only with good reason, so heed their advice immediately. Listen to your radio or television for additional
instructions. You will be directed to a specific location. Follow these useful tips:
�� Prepare to relocate your pets (see the segment on page 6 for more information).
�� Turn off electricity, water and propane gas service.
�� Leave natural gas on (unless instructed otherwise).
��Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes.
�� Take your disaster “go kit" (see page 4 for more information).
�� Coordinate with your child-care provider.
�� Secure your valuables.
�� Lock your home.
�� Use travel routes specified by local authorities; do not use shortcuts, which may be impassible.
�� Carpool when possible.
�� Stay away from downed power lines.
OTHER WARNINGS:
AFTER A STORM
�� Do not turn gas back on yourself. Rely on utility crews.
�� Do not use fresh foods or canned goods that have come in contact with flood
waters.
�� Follow local instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If you are in
doubt, boil or purify water before drinking it. Have wells pumped out and
the water tested before drinking.
�� Avoid disaster areas; your presence could hamper rescue and other emergency
operations, and you may be in danger.
�� Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If pieces of electrical
equipment or appliances have been in contact with water, have them
checked before use.
�� Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them immediately to
the electric or gas company, police or fire department.
�� Use flashlights — not lanterns, matches or candles — to examine buildings;
flammable materials may be inside.
�� Stay tuned to radio or television for information and instructions from local
authorities.
�� Call your out-of-area emergency contact after a storm so others can learn of
your condition and location. Your contact should be a family member or friend who lives outside the area, whom you previously asked to serve as your family’s central point of contact in case you get separated.
Create an evacuation plan:
Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
Keep a half tank of gas in your car at all times.
Be familiar with alternate routes.
Take emergency supply kit – unless contaminated.
Call or email the “out-of-state” contact in your family communications plan. Your state may have lines down. Tell them where you are going.
If your home has damage, shut off water, gas and electric.
Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
Take pets – plan ahead of how to take care of your pets.
Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
Lock the door of your home as you leave.
PERSONAL NUMBERS:
Add your own information in the blank spaces.
Medical:
Adult Physician ______________________________
Child Physician ______________________________
Veterinarian _________________________________
Emergency Contacts:
Out of State__________________________________
Family ______________________________________
Neighbor____________________________________
Other________________________________________
Evacuation & Reunion__________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Home_______________________________________
School ______________________________________
Father’s work _________________________________
Mother’s work_________________________________
Baby sitter ___________________________________
