Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. It could be a house or wild fire, it might be a weather-related emergency such as a flood, tornado, or hurricane, or winter storm. It could even be a terrorist attack. This disaster could force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you inside your home, depending on the circumstances of the disaster. Think what would you do if basic services water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off? Local officials will be on the scene of your emergency as soon as possible, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Here are some tips to get prepared because it may be your best protection and among your greatest responsibilities.
Create a Plan
Meet with household members to discuss hazards and the dangers associated with them and how to respond.
Take basic first aid and CPR classes.
Find the safe spots in your home and work for each type of emergency.
Mark two escape routes from each room.
Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
Draw a floor plan of your home.
Show family members how to turn off electricity, water, and gas at main switches.
Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
Teach children how and when to call 911 or other appropriate phone numbers for police, fire, and EMS agencies.
Turn on radios to local radio stations for emergency information
Have everyone know where the flashlight, batteries and battery operated radio is located.
Pick out of state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster
Teach children your out of state contact's phone number.
Pick two emergency meeting places a. A place near your home, in case of fire b. A place outside your home in case you cannot return home.
Check on elderly or disabled relatives, friends and neighbors who may need assistance.
Keep essential family records in a water and fire-proof container or even in a safe deposit box at your local bank.
Contact your local Emergency Management or Red Cross for additional assistance in emergency planning.
Practice Your Plan
All plans cannot work without practice. So please quiz your family members every six months to ensure that they remember what to do. Also conduct annual family drills on evacuation, sheltering in place, fire and other emergency situations. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher according to the manufacture's instructions. Finally, remember to test your smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.
Again contact your local Emergency Management and Red (Cross Chapter for additional information on emergency planning and how to get involved as a volunteer before a disaster strikes your area.
Evacuation Kits
Extra Clothing, personal hygiene items
Medical supplies such as eyeglasses, dentures, prescription drugs.
Canned food or bottle water.
Portable battery operated radio and flashlight.
Checkbook, credit cards and cash.
Sleeping bags/extra blankets.
Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
