Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Store the supplies in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack, duffel bag or covered trash container.
What to include:
* A three-day supply of water, or enough to provide each person in the household one gallon each day.
* Food that won’t spoil.
* One change of clothing and footwear for each person and one blanket or sleeping bag for each person.
* A first-aid kit including any prescription medicines used by family members.
* Emergency tools, including a battery-powered radio, flashlights and plenty of extra batteries.
* An extra set of car keys, a credit card, plus cash or traveler’s checks.
* Sanitation supplies (toilet paper, soap).
* Any special supplies for infants, elderly family members or disabled family members.
* An extra pair of glasses and contact lenses.
Disaster plan
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* Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
* Pick two places to meet: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and another 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 telephone number.
* Discuss what to do in case of an evacuation.
* Plan how to take care of your pets. * Create a card with all of this information and give it to each family member to keep with them.
* Quiz your kids every six months on the disaster plan.
* Conduct fire and emergency drills
* Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
* Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
Keep your important family documents in a waterproof container.
Keep a similar, smaller kit in the trunk of your car.
Disaster preparedness kits are available from the American Red Cross.
Sporting goods stores and marine supply stores also sell items that can be combined into a kit.
The kits are equipped with such items as a thermal blanket, poncho, light stick, water pouches, sanitation supplies and first-aid supplies. More extensive ones can include food bars with a five-year shelf life, battery-operated radio and playing cards. They range in price from about $15 to more than $250.
* Post emergency telephone numbers by each phone for fire, police and ambulance services.
* Teach children how and when to call 911.
* 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 in 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.
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 bookshelf can fall. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards. Utilities
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Know where the main electric fuse or circuit breaker panel is in your home. Also know where your home’s water main and gas main controls are and learn how to shut these off. Teach other family members, also. Keep any necessary tools near the 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.
* Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
* Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
* Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
* If you’re sure you have time, shut off the water, gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
* Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
* Make arrangements for your pets.
* Take your 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.
Herald staff, Internet resources
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