Disaster Preparedness

Make Your Disaster Plan

Creating a disaster plan is one of the most important steps you can take in preparing for the potential disasters that could occur in our community.  It is vital that every member of the household knows how to handle each emergency with special consideration given to children, the elderly, and the disabled.  Each household should designate two family meeting places; one in the immediate vicinity of the home and one outside the neighborhood in case you cannot return home.  Also, a relative outside of the area should be designated as a contact person in case communication is difficult within the disaster area.  Every family should take the time to make a floor plan of their home designating two escape routes from each room and marking the location of all utility shut offs.  It is also wise to be trained in basic first aid and CPR.  Additionally, families should take certain precautions to reduce their economic impact of the disaster on their property and financial well-being.  These precautions include making sure insurance policies are adequate and up-to-date, know how to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities, have some cash stored in a safe place at home, and have a reserve of medications and needed health equipment.

Disaster Supply Kits

As a major disaster will quickly overwhelm local resources citizens might need to survive on their own for several days.  Your disaster kit should include the following:

• Drinking water, at least 1 gallon per person per day
• Food supplies including dry, canned, or other staples (examples: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned juice, milk, and soup; peanut butter, crackers, or granola bars)
• Can opener
• First aid kit including prescription and non-prescription medications
• Tools and emergency supplies (portable, battery powered radio, flashlight and exta batteries, mathces/lighters, miscellaneous small hand tools, duct tape and plastic sheeting, whistle, fire extinguisher)
• Liquid bleach for disinfection puposes and to treat drinking water
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Personal identification and important papers; such as: birth certificates, social security cards, marriage license, inventory of household items, insurance papers
• Change of clothing for each member of the family
• small entertainment items for children

Specific information on how to prepare your disaster supply kit can be found at http://www.fema.gov/preparedness/ or http://www.ready.gov/