Prepare for Emergencies

Preparedness An everyday task for everyday life Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in your community. Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services -- water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. We encourage you to: - Get a Kit - Make a Plan - Be Informed BE PREPARED AT:

In the midst of rushing through everyday life, it's important to take a minute or two to prepare for emergencies. Being prepared helps you and your family minimize the impact of a disaster such as a hurricane or an emergency such as a broken leg. The best way to make your family and your home safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. Make a Plan Make a family communications plan (see below) that includes an evacuation plan (see below) and coordinates with your school, work and community communication plans. Practice this plan with your entire family. Get a Kit Build a disaster supplies kit (see below) that includes enough supplies for each family member for three days. Remember to check your kit every six months. Be Informed Know what may happen and how you can help Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play and how they can affect you, your family and community Identify how authorities will notify you and how you will get important information Ask our office about first aid, CPR and disaster training Share what you have learned Prepare your Family for Disasters - Family Communications Plan Families can – and do – cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Create a family disaster plan including a communication plan, disaster supplies kit and an evacuation plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection AND your responsibility. Find out what could happen to you Make a plan Complete the checklist Practice your plan Find out what could happen to you Contact your American Red Cross chapter or local emergency management or civil defense office — be prepared to take notes: Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each. Learn about your community’s warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them. Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations. Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed. Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time. Make a plan Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. Pick two places to meet: 1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. 2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number. Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number. Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets. Write down all of these contact numbers and information on the family emergency contact card. Download here. Complete this checklist Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.). Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help. Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches. Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it’s kept. Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Conduct a home hazard hunt. Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class. Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room. Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. Practice your plan Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do. Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills. Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Evacuation Plan Local government officials, not the Red Cross, issue evacuation orders when disaster threatens. Listen to local radio and television reports when disaster threatens. If local officials ask you to leave, do so immediately; they have a good reason for making this request. Coordinate your evacuation plan in advance when creating your family's disaster plan. Ensure that you've tested the evacuation routes and that you have planned several in the instance of closed roads and routes. Remember these simples tips: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible. Take your disaster supplies kit. Take your pets with you; do not leave them behind. Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative's or friend's home, or find a "pet-friendly" hotel. Lock your home. Use travel routes specified by local authorities — don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous. Stay away from downed power lines. If you have only moments before leaving, grab these things and go! Medical supplies: prescription medications and dentures. Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend's or relative's home) If local officials haven't advised an immediate evacuation If there's a chance the weather may get worse or flooding may happen, take steps now to protect your home and belongings. Do this only if local officials have not asked you to leave. Protect your home Bring things indoors. Lawn furniture, trash cans, children's toys, garden equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants, and any other objects that may fly around and damage property should be brought indoors. Leave trees and shrubs alone. If you did not cut away dead or diseased branches or limbs from trees and shrubs, leave them alone. Local rubbish collection services will not have time before the storm to pick anything up. Look for potential hazards. Look for coconuts, unripened fruit, and other objects in trees around your property that could blow or break off and fly around in high winds. Cut them off and store them indoors until the storm is over. Turn off electricity and water. Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker, and turn off water at the main valve. Leave natural gas on. Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave natural gas on because you will need it for heating and cooking when you return home. If you turn gas off, a licensed professional is required to turn it back on, and it may take weeks for a professional to respond. Turn off propane gas service. Propane tanks often become dislodged in disasters. If high winds are expected, cover the outside of all windows of your home. Use shutters that are rated to provide significant protection from windblown debris, or fit plywood coverings over all windows. If flooding is expected, consider using sand bags to keep water away from your home. It takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100 sandbags, giving you a wall one foot high and 20 feet long. Make sure you have enough sand, burlap or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers, and time to place them properly. Remember. Houses do not explode due to air pressure differences. Damage happens when wind gets inside a home through a broken window, door, or damaged roof. Cover the outside of windows with shutters or plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. All tape does is prevent windows from shattering. Using tape on windows is not recommended. Protect your valuables Move objects that may get damaged by wind or water to safer areas of your home. Move television sets, computers, stereo and electronic equipment, and easily moveable appliances like a microwave oven to higher levels of your home and away from windows. Wrap them in sheets, blankets, or burlap. Make a visual or written record of all of your household possessions. Record model and serial numbers. This list could help you prove the value of what you owned if those possessions are damaged or destroyed, and can assist you to claim deductions on taxes. Do this for all items in your home, including expensive items such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds, chests, wall units, and any other furniture too heavy to move. Store a copy of the record somewhere away from home, such as in a safe deposit box. If it's possible that your home may be significantly damaged by impending disaster, consider storing your household furnishings temporarily elsewhere. Gather essential supplies and papers You will need the following supplies when you leave your home; put them all together in a duffle bag or other large container in advance. This is your disaster supplies kit. Flashlight with plenty of extra batteries Battery-powered radio with extra batteries First aid kit Prescription medications in their original bottle, plus copies of the prescriptions Eyeglasses (with a copy of the prescription) Water (at least one gallon per person is recommended; more is better) Foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking Items that infants and elderly household members may require Medical equipment and devices, such as dentures, crutches, prostheses, etc. Change of clothes for each household member Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member Checkbook, cash, and credit cards Map of the area Important papers to take with you Driver's license or personal identification Social Security card Proof of residence (deed or lease) Insurance policies Birth and marriage certificates Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns Prepare for Disasters Before they Strike: Build A Disaster Supplies Kit There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions. We discuss each of these six basics below. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Below is a comprehensive list of what should be included in your kit – recommended items are marked with an asterisk(). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag. Water* Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).* Additional Information Water sources during an emergency (see below) Food Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables Canned juices Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.) High energy foods Vitamins Food for infants Comfort/stress foods Additional Information Food supplies during an emergency (see below) First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes. (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing. (1) conforming roller gauze bandage. (2) triangular bandages. (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads. (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads. (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage. (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (6) antiseptic wipes. (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves. Adhesive tape, 2" width. Anti-bacterial ointment. Cold pack. Scissors (small, personal). Tweezers. CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield. Non-Prescription Drugs Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid (for stomach upset) Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center) Laxative Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) Tools and Supplies Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils* Emergency preparedness manual* Battery-operated radio and extra batteries* Flashlight and extra batteries* Cash or traveler's checks, change* Non-electric can opener, utility knife* Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type Tube tent Pliers Tape Compass Matches in a waterproof container Aluminum foil Plastic storage containers Signal flare Paper, pencil Needles, thread Medicine dropper Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water Whistle Plastic sheeting Map of the area (for locating shelters) Sanitation Toilet paper, towelettes* Soap, liquid detergent* Feminine supplies* Personal hygiene items* Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant Household chlorine bleach Clothing and Bedding Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes or work boots Rain gear* Blankets or sleeping bags* Hat and gloves Thermal underwear Sunglasses Special Items Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons For Baby* Formula Diapers Bottles Powdered milk Medications For Adults* Heart and high blood pressure medication Insulin Prescription drugs Denture needs Contact lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses Entertainment (based on the ages of family members) Games (cards) and books Portable music device Important Family Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, social security cards, immunization records Bank account numbers Credit card account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Food and Water in an Emergency (A5055) (FEMA 477) If an earthquake, hurricane, winter storm or other disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. By taking some time now to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide for your entire family. This brochure was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day. You should store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family. If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool. Water Sources How to Store Water Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every six months. Emergency Outdoor Water Sources If you need to find water outside your home, you can use these sources. Be sure to treat the water according to the instructions on page 3 before drinking it. Rainwater Streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water Ponds and lakes Natural springs Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it first. You should not drink flood water. Hidden Water Sources in Your Home If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl). Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines. To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house. To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty. Three Ways to Treat Water In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. You should treat all water of uncertain purity before using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene. There are many ways to treat water. None is perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of methods. Two easy treatment methods are outlined below. These measures will kill most microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Before treating, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towel or clean cloth. Boiling: Boiling is the safest method of treating water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water. Disinfection: You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes. The only agent used to treat water should be household liquid bleach. Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used. While the two methods described above will kill most microbes in water, distillation will remove microbes that resist these methods, and heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Distillation: Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled. Food Supplies When Food Supplies Are Low If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women. If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don't stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content. You don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar foods are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won't require cooking, water or special preparation. Following are recommended short-term food storage plans. Special Considerations As you stock food, take into account your family's unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking are best. Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people. Make sure you have a manual can opener and disposable utensils. And don't forget nonperishable foods for your pets. Food Storage Tips Keep food in a dry, cool spot - a dark area if possible. Keep food covered at all times. Open food boxes or cans care-fully so that you can close them tightly after each use. Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight containers. Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests. Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use. Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front. Nutrition Tips During and right after a disaster, it will be vital that you maintain your strength. So remember: Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day. Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two quarts a day). Take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work. Include vitamin, mineral and protein supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition. Shelf-life of Foods for Storage Here are some general guidelines for rotating common emergency foods. Use within six months: Powdered milk (boxed) Dried fruit (in metal container) Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container) Potatoes Use within one year: Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers) Peanut butter Jelly Hard candy and canned nuts Vitamin C May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions): Wheat Vegetable oils Dried corn Baking powder Soybeans Instant coffee, tea and cocoa Salt Noncarbonated soft drinks White rice Bouillon products Dry pasta Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans) If you're a teacher, a parent or a student, make sure you know what to do if an emergency occurs at or on the way to school. Educator Information Masters of Disasters First aid and CPR training Children and Disasters Whether you are a business owner, a manager or an employee, make sure you know what to do in the case of an emergency. If you commute to work, make sure you know alternative routes and carry appropriate supplies such as a disaster supplies kit in your car and a compact kit on public transportation. The best way to make sure you and your place of business is safe is to be prepared before disaster strikes. Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could plan for a disaster. 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. Help your community Get trained in first aid, CPR and other courses Read the Community Disaster Education materials Volunteer Give Blood
Talk with your family about disasters that can happen where you live. Talk with your family about why you need to prepare for these events. Calmly explain the potential dangers, and plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Make sure every family member knows their particular responsibilities. Designate an alternate in case a person is not there at the time.