PREPARING FOR DISASTER
Four Steps to Safety:
1. Find out What Could Happen to
You
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Contact the Red Cross chapter or
emergency management office before a disaster occurs.
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Ask what types of disasters are most
likely to happen.
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Learn about the community's warning
signals.
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Ask about animal care after a disaster
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Find out how to help elderly or disabled
persons
2. Create a Disaster Plan
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Meet with your family and discuss why
you need to prepare for disaster.
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Discuss the most likely disasters and
what to do in each case.
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Pick two places to meet.
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As an out-of-state friend to be the
family contact after a disaster.
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Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
3. Complete This Checklist
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Post emergency telephone numbers by
phones.
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Teach children how and when to call 911.
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Show each family member how and when to
turn off utilities at the main switches.
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Check your insurance coverage.
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Get training on how to use the fire
extinguisher.
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Install smoke detectors on each level of
your home.
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Stock emergency supplies and assemble a
Disaster Supplies Kit
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Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR
class.
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Determine the best escape routes from
your home.
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Find the safe places in your home for
each type of disaster.
4. Practice and Maintain Your Plan
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Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
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Replace stored water and food every six
months
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Test and recharge fire extinguishers
according to instructions.
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Test smoke detectors monthly and change
the batteries at least once a year.
(Taken in part from
"Preparing for Disaster (A4600) (FEMA 475) American Red Cross website 10/28/06)
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
Learn how to protect yourself and cope with
disaster by planning ahead. This checklist will help you get started.
1. Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit
Including:
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A supply of water (one gallon per person
per day). Store in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the
storage date and replace every six months.
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A supply of non-perishable packaged or
canned food and a non-electric can opener.
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A change of clothing, rain gear and
sturdy shoes.
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Blankets or sleeping bags.
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A first aid kit and prescription
medications.
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An extra pair of glasses.
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A battery-powered radio, flashlight and
extra batteries.
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Credit cards and cash.
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An extra set of car keys.
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A list of family physicians.
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A list of important family information;
the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
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Special items for infants, elderly or
disabled family members.
2. Prepare an Emergency Car Kit
Including:
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Battery powered radio and extra
batteries.
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Flashlight and extra batteries.
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Blanket.
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Booster cables.
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Fire Extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
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First Aid kit and manual.
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Bottled water and non-perishable high
energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
(Taken, in part, from
"Emergency Preparedness Checklist" provided by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross. Write to FEMA, ask for "Are You
Ready?", H-34, Item #8-0908, P.O. Box 70274, Washington, D.C. 20024)
