Disasters can strike at any time and without any warning. By the time
an emergency occurs, it is often too late to begin preparing. After a
disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but
they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or
it might take days. Everyone should be prepared to cope with the emergency
until help arrives. It is recommended that everyone have an individual
and/or family disaster plan and a disaster supply kit with enough supplies
for 72-96 hours.
Create a Disaster Plan
Review your personal circumstances to create your plan and/or
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.
Explain the dangers of fire, flooding and severe weather 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:
Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a
fire.
Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone
must know the address and phone number
.Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact."
After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family
members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone
must know your contact's phone number.
Discuss what to do in an evacuation including planning for pets.
Keep your plan current and family, loved ones
and friends informed of your plan!
Items for a Disaster Supply Kit:
Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day (two
quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation).
Food: Store non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration, no
preparation or cooking and little or no water.
First aid kit: Assemble a first aid kit for your home and automobile.
Tools and supplies: Store items such as flashlights, battery-powered
radio, manual can opener, mess kit and cash.
Clothing and bedding: Include at least one complete change of clothing
and footwear per person.
Special Items: Remember family members with special needs (such as
infants or elderly) and store items such as baby formula, low sodium
products and prescription medication.