Emergency Preparedness for 2002-DISASTER

The following are various measures of preparedness that will assist you and your loved ones in cases of emergency.

 

In the event of a disaster, prepare to be self-sufficient. During the first few hours or days following a disaster, essential services may not be available. Minimally, you should have a 72-hour preparedness kit at home, at work, and even a few items in your car.

·         Identify the most severe threats likely to affect you (e.g., earthquake, tornado, flood) and prepare accordingly.

·         Make a disaster plan with your family. Have a fire escape procedure and practice it.

·         Establish a designated meeting place and/or a phone number to call for family members to reunite after a disaster. Assign duties of each family member. Provide instructions for first aid and the turning off of gas, water, and electricity.

·         Specifically, each member of the family should have a personal survival kit (see next page for examples). This can be accomplished by preparing a backpack for every member.

·         Inspect your home for damage to electrical, water and gas lines. Use your telephone only in case of emergency.

·         Use your Neighborhood Watch program network to check on and help each other.

                                               

 

                                                                                               

Your 72-hour Kit

Your 72-hour family preparedness kit may include:

 

·         3 gallons of water per person

·         Ready-to-eat food for three days, including high energy foods such as peanut butter, trail mix, etc.

·         A manual (non-electric) can opener.

·         Special medicine needs for members of your family.

·         A First Aid Kit.

·         A battery- or solar-operated radio along with extra batteries.

·         A fire extinguisher, ABC type.

·         A portable butane or charcoal stove.

·         Matches in a waterproof container.

·         Paper and pencil.

·         A shut-off wrench to turn off utilities.

·         Sanitation items: toilet paper, soap, personal hygiene items, plastic bags, a plastic bucket with a tight lid, disinfectant, liquid chlorine bleach.

·         A tent, camping type, for the family.

Items for a family preparedness kit can be placed possibly in a 30-gallon garbage container with wheels for easy evacuation, if necessary. Medicine, some food, and personal items may be placed in each individual backpack.

Rotate your food supply on a regular basis.

Items that can help for stress management may include soft small toys for children, board games for youth, and books or a musical instrument for anyone including adults. Be sure to pack food items that are favorites of members of the family.

Your vehicle should have survival items such as: a comfortable set of clothes, a set of sturdy walking shoes, an emergency blanket, warm clothing, a flashlight, batteries and water.