Preparing
Preparing for Disaster
- What your family should do now to prepare for each disaster risk you've identified.
- How your family members should respond if a disaster risk becomes a reality.
Your city or state, children's school(s), and workplace(s) may have their own disaster plans. If so, you can incorporate their policies into your family emergency plan.
Emergency Supplies
During a major disaster, your family may have to survive on its own for several days before relief workers arrive. You may have to wait even longer before your electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephone service is restored. To manage during this time, you'll need a sufficient supply of batteries, flashlights, and a battery-operated emergency radio. Make sure your family members know how to turn off your water, gas, and electricity at the main switches if it becomes necessary.
Because a disaster may require you to leave home, it's a good idea to pack some of your emergency items in backpacks or wheeled luggage you can take with you. You'll also need supplies to provide shelter (such as a tube tent, sleeping bags or emergency blankets, tarps, nylon rope, and duct tape), pocket knives, and a fire starter. Don't forget to include sanitation supplies.
Special Considerations
If you family includes children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, or pets, you'll need to incorporate their special needs into your family's emergency plan.
Children
It's important for children to know what to do if a disaster occurs. Explain that disaster preparedness is similar to wearing a seatbelt or a bicycle helmet. You hope that an accident or disaster won't occur, but if one does, you need to be prepared.
Describe the types of disasters that may occur in your home or neighborhood, and explain what your children should to do in each situation. Make sure your children know what to do if they're not with you when a disaster occurs (how to get help, find shelter, and contact you either directly or through an emergency contact). If your child's school has an emergency plan, you can incorporate the school's policies into your family emergency plan.
It's a good idea to review your family's emergency plan a few times a year, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
- You can have a family member, neighbor, or friend check that you're okay and assist you during an emergency–such as, helping with medication dosages, operating specialized equipment, and providing mobility assistance.
- If you have a Personal Care Assistant, you can plan in advance how to communicate with each other during an emergency.
- If you have a medical alert system, you can use it to call for help if you are immobilized in an emergency. You can also use a backup device (such as a cell phone or a pager) if the landlines are disrupted. Remember to keep your conversations short.
- Individuals with disabilities can register with their local Police Department and ask if they'll keep a record of the assistance you may need during an emergency.
Pets
Don't forget to include your pets in your family emergency plan. Stock pet food and pet gear in your emergency supply kit. Because pets are often excluded from shelters, it's a good idea ask your veterinarian for the names of local kennels where you may be able to board your pet if you have to leave home.