Family Disaster Plan
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--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.
Families can--and
do--cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together
as a team. Follow the steps listed in this brochure to create your
family's disaster plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection
and your responsibility.
Where will your
family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere--at work,
at school or in the car.
How will you
find each other? Will you know if your children are safe?
4 Steps to Safety
1. Find Out
What Could Happen to You
Contact your
local emergency management or civil defense office and American
Red Cross chapter--be prepared to take notes:
- Ask what
types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information
on how to prepare for each.
- Learn about
your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what
you should do when you hear them.
- 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.
2. Create a Disaster
Plan
Meet with your
family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain
the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children.
Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
3. Complete This
Checklist
- Post emergency
telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
- Teach children
how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services
number 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
Red Cross 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.
4. Practice and
Maintain Your Plan
- Quiz your
kids every six months so they remember what to do.
- Conduct
fire and emergency evacuation drills.
- Replace
stored water every three months and stored 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 once
a year.
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.
- An extra
set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
- 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 if
you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will
need a professional to turn it back on.
NEIGHBORS HELPING
NEIGHBORS
Working with
neighbors can save lives and property. 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. Know 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 child care in case parents can't get home.
HOME HAZARD
HUNT
During a disaster,
ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything
that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home hazard. For
example, a hot water heater or a bookshelf can fall. Inspect your
home at least once a year and fix potential hazards.
Contact your
local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
EVACUATION
Evacuate immediately
if told to do so:
- Listen
to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of
local emergency officials.
- Wear protective
clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Take your
family disaster supplies kit
- Lock your
home.
- Use travel
routes specified by local authorities--don't use shortcuts because
certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
If you're sure
you have time:
- Shut off
water, gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to
do so.
- Post a
note telling others when you left and where you are going.
- Make arrangements
for your pets.
IF DISASTER STRIKES
If disaster
strikes
Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
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.
Remember to...
- 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.
The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified professional before starting any new treatment. No health information on LadyPP's Heart of the Home, including information about herbal therapies and other dietary supplements, is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.
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