In Case of a Natural Disaster

What would you do if your home was leveled by a tornado, or if you were told to evacuate because your community was in the direct path of a hurricane? The Federal Emergency Management Agency has compiled an Emergency Preparedness Checklist for situations such as these. You can also contact your local American Red Cross Chapter or your local emergency management office for more information. It is easier to prepare if you know which disasters are most likely to occur in your area, although nature can be unpredictable. Those offices can let you know more about your community's evacuation routes, as well as special assistance for the elderly or disabled. You should also know the emergency plans of your workplace and your child's school or day care center.

To Prepare:

• Meet with the members of your household to discuss the dangers of severe weather, fires, and other natural disaster emergencies.
• Plan an escape route from your home. Include two exits for each room. Make sure that each family member knows where to meet, both near your home in case of a fire, and outside the neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
• Learn how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main switches.
• Teach children how to call 911, and make sure that all emergency numbers are posted near the telephone.
• Know which local radio stations broadcast emergency information for your area.
• Consider taking a First Aid/CPR class.
• Store family records and other important documents in a water and fire-proof container.
• Prepare a "Disaster Supplies Kit," and a "Emergency Car Kit."

Include:

• Water stored in sealed, unbreakable containers. (One gallon per person, per day)
• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
• A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• A first aid kit and prescription medications.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• Credit cards and cash.
• An extra set of car keys.
• A list of family physicians.
• A list of important family information; including the style and serial number of medical devices, such as pacemakers.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

Emergency Car Kit

Include:

• Battery powered radio and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Blanket.
• Booster cables.
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
• First aid kit and manual.
• Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins, and peanut butter.
• Maps.
• Shovel.
• Tire repair kit and pump.
• Flares.

Conduct a Home Hazard Hunt

In a disaster, many items found in your home can cause injury and damage to you and your property. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

• Fasten shelves securely.
• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
• Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Secure water heater by strapping it to the wall studs.
• Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from sources of heat.
• Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
• Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.

If You Need To Evacuate:

• Always follow the instructions of local officials, know where the emergency shelters are located, and follow the travel routes that the officials have specified.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Lock your home when you leave.

If You Have Time…

• Shut off water, gas, and electricity if you have been instructed to do so.
• Let someone in a "safe" area know when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for pets. Animals are not usually allowed in public shelters.