No one wants to think about disaster, but if one should occur, would you be prepared? Would you know what to do if you suddenly had no water, gas, electricity or phone service?
Take time to plan for a disaster so you'll be ready if the unexpected happens, advises the American Red Cross (ARC).
The first step is to find out what kinds of disaster might occur in your area. Contact your local Red Cross chapter or local emergency preparedness office for information on how to deal with potential disasters. Learn what your community's emergency warning signals are.
The next step is to develop a disaster plan: What would you do in case of fire? Flood? Once you've drawn up a plan, practice it with your family so you'll be ready.
You should draw up a list of emergency supplies to keep on hand and take the following precautions, according to the ARC:
- Teach your children when to call 911 to report an emergency.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows how to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
- Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and check them regularly.
- Take a first aid and CPR class.
- Figure out the best escape routes from your home and practice using them.
Disaster kit
Items that should be included in an emergency disaster kit include:
- Three-day supply of water for each person (one gallon of water per person each day), stored in plastic containers
- Three-day supply of food, such as canned fruits, vegetables, juices, granola bars and other compact items
- Kitchen items, including a manual can opener, a mess kit, all-purpose knife, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and resealing plastic bags
- First-aid kit, including spare pairs of eyeglasses and prescription medicines
- Fire extinguisher
- Portable radio and batteries
- Crow bar
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Wrench to shut off gas or water at home
- Flashlight and batteries
- Cash
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Duct tape and scissors; plastic sheeting
- Paper, pens and pencils
- Battery-powered travel alarm clock
- Personal hygiene items
- Change of clothing and shoes for each family member
- Blanket or sleeping bag, plus pillow for each family member
Don't forget food and water for pets, as well.
The items in your kit should be stored in airtight plastic bags. The entire kit can be stored in an unused trashcan, a backpack or a duffle bag and should be placed in an easy-to-reach area, such as outside the house, in a shed or near a doorway. You should also carry a smaller kit in your car. The car kit would include flares and jumper cables; in the winter, add salt or sand, a shovel and extra winter clothing.
You should change the stored water and food supplies every six months to keep them fresh, according to federal disaster officials. Prescription medications also may need to be changed. To remind yourself, write the date you store the items on all the containers. Every year, re-evaluate your emergency needs and update your kit.
