Family Disaster Plan
Disaster can strike
quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you
to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or
telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a
disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
Families can--and
do--cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow the
steps listed in this brochure to create your family's disaster plan. Knowing what to do is
your best protection and your responsibility.
Where will your family
be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere--at work, at school or in the car.
How will you find each
other? Will you know if your children are safe?
4 Steps to Safety
1. Find Out What Could
Happen to You
Contact your local
emergency management or civil defense office and American Red Cross chapter--be prepared
to take notes:
Ask what types of
disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
Learn about your
community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear
them.
Ask about animal care
after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health
regulations.
Find out how to help
elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
Next, find out about
the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other
places where your family spends time.
2. Create a Disaster Plan
Meet with your family
and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe
weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a
team.
Discuss the types of
disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
Pick two places to
meet:
1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
2. 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, its 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 phone number.
Discuss what to do in
an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.
3. Complete This Checklist
Post emergency
telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
Teach children how
and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
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 of 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.
4. Practice and Maintain Your Plan
Quiz your kids every
six months so they remember what to do.
Conduct fire and
emergency evacuation drills.
Replace stored water
every three months and stored food every six months.
Test and recharge
your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Test your smoke
detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Keep enough supplies in
your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
with items you may need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry
containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers.
Include:
A three-day supply of
water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
One change of
clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
A first aid kit that
includes your family's prescription medications.
Emergency tools
including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
An extra set of car
keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
Sanitation supplies.
Special items for
infant, elderly or disabled family members.
An extra pair of
glasses.
Keep important family
documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.
UTILITIES
Locate the main
electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn
these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near 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.
NEIGHBORS HELPING
NEIGHBORS
Working with neighbors
can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could
work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a member of a neighborhood
organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster
preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical,
technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as
disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home.
HOME HAZARD HUNT
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 a bookshelf can
fall. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards.
Contact your local
fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
EVACUATION
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.
Take your family
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.
If you're sure you have time:
Shut off 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.
IF DISASTER STRIKES
If disaster strikes
Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
Check for injuries
Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
Listen to your battery
powered radio for news and instructions
Evacuate, if advised to
do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Check for damage in
your home...
Use flashlights--do
not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
Check for fires, fire
hazards and other household hazards.
Sniff for gas leaks,
starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas
valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
Shut off any other
damaged utilities.
Clean up spilled
medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.
Remember to...
Confine or secure
your pets.
Call your family
contact--do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Check on your
neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
Make sure you have an
adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
Stay away from downed
power lines.
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FYI