PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES

 

ASK QUESTIONS. Your Emergency Management Office or the local Red Cross can assist you with this information.  There is also a possibility that some of the information can be found in the website for the town you are in. 

One thing not mentioned is if possible have a cell phone available.  You may want to even purchase  a cheap prepaid phone  just for emergencies.  Just make sure to keep it active.  You may also want to place a extra  charged phone battery in your disaster supply kit.

• What kind of disasters can occur in my area and how do I prepare for them? Be sure to include  responses for chemical, nuclear and biological attack.  Acquisition of this information  may be easier by visiting the local office of the agency rather than speaking to them over the telephone, although an initial call can be best which will possibly give them a chance to prepare the necessary information for you.

• How will I be warned of an emergency?  Again, this information may be available on the city web site with a description of the siren tones and maybe even a audio sample.

• If special assistance may be  required because of a disability be sure to ask the Emergency Management Office or the fire department. Some communities ask that people with disabilities register so there can be a quick response in case emergency help is needed.

• At work ask your supervisor about emergency plans in the workplace.  Just because you are at work don't mean you are immune to disaster.

• Ask the teachers  about emergency plans for the school. School administration may be a better source.

CREATE A PLAN!

• Meet with household members.  Discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earth quakes and other  emergencies that may occur in your community.

• Check this link for more information on forming an Emergency Plan.

• Determine what you need to do for each type of emergency.

• Handicapped persons should make sure that shelters are wheel chair accessible. It may also be advisable to have at least one alternate shelter and map out for your family how to get there.

Emergency Checklist

• Post emergency phone numbers near the telephone and make sure your family members know how and when to call for help

• Keep family records in a watertight, fireproof container.

• Plan and practice how to escape from your home in an emergency.  See  Emergency Plan.

• Find out  where the evacuation routes for the community are.  You may also want to make simple maps or mark maps.

• Apartment dwellers should talk to management about  emergency routes.

• You may wish to consider purchasing a medical alert system to call in case you are immobilized in an emergency.  This would be a real benefit for the handicapped or aged.

• Learn what to do in case of power outages or personal injuries.

• learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main valves or switches.  Doing so COULD save your home from additional damage.

      Preparing a Disaster Supplies Kit     

It is advisable to prepare a Disaster supply kit.   The items need to be stored in a easy to carry container like a backpack or a duffel bag.

Your kit should include:

• A battery powered radio.  (you may also wish to acquire one from Radio Shack  that monitors the weather band.)

• At least one flashlight 

• extra batteries for radios and flashlight.  (change batteries out every 6 months just to be on the safe side.  Replace with backup batteries, and rotate new batteries in to replace the backup batteries.  Use the batteries you removed in something other than the equipment in your emergency kit, or leave them there (in a separate plastic bag for instance, as additional batteries.) You may wish to include  those "ranger" type 2-way radios you can pick up pretty cheap at  places like Wal-Mart.  They have a limited range but  may be good to issue to each family member in case you are separated

• Prescription medicines.  

• Extra pair of prescription glasses.  Also, get you one of those  eyeglass repair kits that sell for around a buck at many stores.

• A First Aid kit.

• Water is a must.  You will need 1 gallon per person per day.  The water should be stored in sealed unbreakable containers  with the storage date marked on them and replaced every 6 months.

• You will also need a supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener. plus any required special foods.   You may want to purchase MRE's from an military surplus store or buy them new from the manufacturer. MRE's aren't the best food to eat in the world but you will not starve to death.  Actually some of them are good. I would really suggest this because the kits also contain things like toilet paper,  coffee, creamer, gum, matches, salt, pepper, & Sugar.  For the can opener I suggest that you purchase  3 or 4 P-38's for about $.50 each.  I  always carry one on my key chain.

• If you have a baby you must be sure to include extra diapers and other infant care items.

• Be sure to include at least one change of clothing for each person, shoes, rain gear, a jacket, blankets or a sleeping bag

• Extra set of car keys.

• A  contact list. See  Emergency Plan

• if you use a electric wheel chair, also include a backup battery.

• Store backup equipment at a neighbors home or other accessible place.

In a disaster almost anything can become a potential hazard.  if it can move, fall, break, or cause a fire it can be a hazard.

• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat products.

• Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations, brace light fixtures

• strap our water heater to the wall to secure it.

• Check gas connections, repair defective wiring

• make sure shelves are securely fastened to walls and that heavier items are on the bottom steps.

• Hang pictures and mirrors away form beds,  bolt larger pictures and  mirrors to the wall.

If you need  to evacuate you should:

• Listen to battery powered radio for location of emergency shelters.

• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

• Be sure to take your Disaster Supplies Kit.

• Be sure that your house is locked

• use the travel routes  specified by the local officials if appropriate.

• If it is needed, shut off utilities

• Be sure to let others know where you are going if possible,  Tell them when you are leaving, where you are going and the route you plan to take.  

• Don't forget to make arrangements for pets.  They may not be allowed in public shelters.

You should also have a Car Kit:

• Maps

• Battery powered radio

• flashlight and extra batteries

• maps. (you can probably get maps from the chamber of commerce)

• blanket

• first aid kit

• shovel ( I like the  military folding shovel)

• Booster cables

• tire repair kit

• tire pump

• flares

• fire extinguisher

• bottled water and non perishable foods (trail mix, granola bars, raisins, cookies, MRE's.

FIRE SAFETY

As mentioned in an earlier document try to plan 2 escape routes out of each room.  NEVER use elevators!

If you haven't done so, install smoke detectors. Change the batteries at least once a year and check and clean  detectors once a month.

You may wish to consider installing home sprinklers.

In case of fire do not try to fight the fire, just get out fast.  Do not stop for pets or possessions, call the fire department after you are outside.  Never go back into a burning building.

Feel the bottom of a door with your hand before opening it, If it is hot you need to find another way out.