EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 2
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 2
When a disaster strikes it is usually sudden and swift. The key to survival is preparation. There are steps you can take to protect yourselves and help cope with disaster if you plan ahead. Using this checklist will assist in the planning and preparation. Use these ideas and prepare a personal emergency plan that is suited to your area. Make the plan visible and known to all family members. If you need additional information contact your local fire department, American Red Cross, or local emergency management offices.
GET EDUCATED AND INFORMED
- Find out which disasters could happen in your area.
- Learn how to prepare for each disaster.
- Learn how the local warning system works for emergencies in your area. If necessary, create your own.
- Learn the escape and evacuation routes in your community.
- Learn the emergency plans of the school districts, day care centers, and your place of employment.
CREATE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
- Meet and discuss with your family the dangers of fire, crime, severe weather, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
- Discuss appropriate action and response to each type of disaster that could occur in your area.
- Teach the children how to dial 911 for the police and fire.
- Make sure emergency numbers are posted near the telephone.
- Make sure to teach children how to make long distance phone calls.
- Select one local and one out of state contact for family members to call if separated by a disaster. Often it is easier to call out of state than locally when a disaster strikes.
- Draw out a floor plan of your house. Mark at least 2 escape routes from each room and make known.
- Learn how to turn off the main switches for electricity, water, and gas.
- All family members should be aware of the local radio station for emergency broadcast information.
- Select two meeting places. One near your home in case of fire and a second place outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
- Learn basic first aid. Take a CPR class and stay current. Include all family members in this.
- Keep important papers and records in a water and fireproof container.
- Check and see if you have enough and adequate insurance coverage. If not, get insured.
PREPARE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
Put together supplies needed in the event of an evacuation and store in an easy-to-carry bag or pack:
- Have a supply of one gallon of water per person per day. Store and change water every three months.
- A supply of nonperishable food and hand can opener.
- A change of clothing, rain gear and some sturdy shoes.
- Sleeping bags, space blanket, and blankets.
- A first aid kit and any prescriptions medications.
- An extra pair of glasses.
- A battery or solar powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Cash, coin, credit cards and an extra set of car keys.
- A list for family doctors, important information, serial numbers of important property.
- Special items for infants, elderly of disabled family members