Disaster Preparedness Tips

•Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days by putting together an emergency kit, including:  non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a portable, battery-operated radio or television, batteries, medicines, anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel, first aid kit, money, seasonal clothing, and sanitation supplies.

•Conduct practice drills so you and your family know the safe locations in your home for each type of emergency.  Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated.

•Choose a friend or relative in other places whom separated family members can call to report their whereabouts and conditions.

•Learn first aid and CPR from your local Red Cross chapter or other community organizations.

•Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged.

•Compile an inventory of home contents. Take pictures or video, and store in a safe place.

•Check chimneys, roofs, walls and foundations for stability. Make sure your house is bolted to its foundation.

•Secure your water heater and major appliances, as well as tall, heavy furniture, hanging plants, picture frames and mirrors (especially those over beds).

•Make arrangements for pets.

•Organize your neighborhood to be self-sufficient after a disaster.

During a disaster, if you are evacuated:

•Follow directions of local officials. Carry your disaster supplies kit with you.

•Unplug appliances; turn off electricity, gas, and main water valve. 

•If time permits, elevate or move furniture to upper floors.

•Tell someone outside of storm area where you are going.

•Lock your home before you leave.

Marking an escape route:

•Draw a floor plan of your home. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from each room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Post a copy of the drawings at eye level in each child’s room.

If it’s okay to stay at home:

•Listen constantly to a battery-powered radio or television.

•Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.

•If power is lost, turn off major appliances and keep refrigerators and freezers closed.

 After a disaster:

 •Unless there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, do not attempt to use the telephone.

Be sure to: 

•Stay calm. Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled.

•Turn on your portable radio or television for instructions and news reports.  For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials and instructions.

•Use a flashlight to cautiously check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines.  If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source. Immediately report gas leaks to your utility company. Check for downed power lines; warn others to stay away.

•Check your home for cracks and damage, including the roof, chimneys and foundation.

•Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. If you must drive, watch for downed power lines, flooded streets and highways and undermined roads.

•Take pictures of the damage, both house and contents, for insurance claims.

•When electricity is lost for several hours or days, frozen and refrigerated food may not be safe to eat. Do not re-freeze thawed food. Throw away all food that has been under flood waters, except canned food, but wash and sanitize the cans before opening. 

•Conserve water if your septic system is flooded. If the water system lost pressure, boil water for three minutes before consuming.

•Empty water out of birdbaths, tires, flower pots and other containers to limit mosquito larvae growth.(www.ors.od.nih.gov)