Family Preparedness

Step 1 - Find out what could happen

  Contact your local emergency management office of the American Red Cross.

• What types of action should be taken for flash floods, tornadoes, hazardous material spills etc?
• How would you help the elderly and disabled?
• Find out if there is a disaster plan at your workplace and / or your child's school or daycare.
• Think about the care of your pets
• Determine where your local shelters are and the best access to them.

Step 2 - Prepare a disaster plan

  Discuss with your family the importance of preparing a disaster plan. Share responsibilities and work together as a team

• Talk about the different types of disasters that are most likely to happen and what to do for each one.
• Regularly conduct drills and practice your plan.
• Establish meeting places in case of separation right outside the home and outside of your neighborhood if you are unable to return home.
• Have an out-of-state "family contact". Every family member should call this person and tell them where they are. Make sure everyone knows the contact's phone number.
• Make a plan with neighbors on how the neighborhood could work together if a disaster would strike. Also, make arrangements with neighbors for child care in case parents cannot make it home.

Step 3 - Complete this checklist

1. Keep a list of important telephone numbers by the phone.
2. Be sure children know how and when to dial 9-1-1.
3. Learn how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity.
4. Check to see if you have adequate insurance coverage.
5. Teach family members how to use a fire extinguisher and where it is kept.
6. Install a carbon monoxide detector and routinely replace the batteries.
7. Find the best escape route from your home and determine your evacuation route.
8. Practice your plan.
9. Prepare an Emergency Supply kit.
10. If a generator is used, you will need proper electrical circuits and sufficient ventilation.

Emergency Supplies

• Three days supply of water, one gallon per person
• Non-perishable food that does not require cooking
• Eating utensils, manual can opener
• Change of clothing and footwear per person
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• First-aid kit, including prescription medicine
• Extra pair of eyeglasses
• Battery powered radio and flashlight, plus plenty of extra batteries
• Extra set of car keys, cash, and credit cards
• Sanitation supplies
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
• Fire extinguisher
• Important family documents
• Proper identification
• Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, hammer, nails, plus rope and gas shut off wrench)