Emergency Supplies for Your Family Disaster Plan
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may
need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers.
This kit should include:
- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
- Sanitation supplies.
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
- An extra pair of glasses.
- Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.
Additional Safety Measures
UTILITIES
Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these
utilities off. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves. Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the
lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could
work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch
group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how
you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care in case parents can't get
home.
HOME HAZARD HUNT
During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall,
break or cause a fire is a home hazard. For example, a hot water heater or a bookshelf can fall. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix
potential hazards. Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
EVACUATION
- Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Take your family disaster supplies kit
- Lock your home.
- Use travel routes specified by local authorities--don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be
impassable or dangerous.
- Shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
- Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
IF DISASTER STRIKES
- Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
- Check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
- Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions
- Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Check for damage in your home.
- Use flashlights--do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
- Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
- Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas
valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
- Shut off any other damaged utilities.
- Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.
- Remember to...
- Confine or secure your pets.
- Call your family contact--do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
- Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
- Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
