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, such as water, gas, electricity or telephones, were cut off?
Families cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow these steps to create your family's disaster plan.
Emergency Supplies
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers. Include:
A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
Sanitation supplies.
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
An extra pair of glasses.
Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.
Utilities
Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or it you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
Create a Disaster Plan
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire and severe weather to children.
Pick two places to meet:
Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
Complete This Checklist:
Ask an out-of-state friend to be your family contact.
Post emergency telephone numbers by phone (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number for emergency help.
Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
