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Five Actions for Emergency Preparedness
In today’s climate, it’s more important than ever that all of us be prepared for possible emergencies. Natural or other disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere. But there are five actions everyone can take that can help make a
difference…
- Make a Plan
- Build a Kit
- Get Trained
- Volunteer
- Give Blood
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1. MAKE A PLAN
Planning ahead is the first step to a calmer and more assured disaster response.
- Talk. Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen
where you live. Establish responsibilities for each member of
your household and plan to work together as a team. Designate
alternates in case someone is absent.
- Plan. Choose two places to meet after a disaster: Right
outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency such as a
fire, or outside, in your neighborhood, in case you cannot return
home or are asked to evacuate your neighborhood.
- Learn. Each adult in your household should learn how and
when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas. Ask
someone at the fire department to show you how to use the fire
extinguisher you store in your home.
- Check Supplies. Review your disaster supplies and replace
water and food every six months. (More information on disaster
supplies appears in the following section.)
- Tell. Let everyone in the household know where emergency
contact information is kept. Make copies for everyone to carry
with them. Be sure to include an out-of-town contact. It may be
easier to call out of the area if local phone lines are overloaded
or out of service. Keep the information updated.
- Practice. Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive
your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a
map in case main roads are impassable or grid locked. Practice
earthquake, tornado and fire drills at home, school and work.
2. BUILD A KIT
What you have on hand when a disaster happens can make a big difference. Plan to store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least three days.
- Water. Have at least one gallon per person per day.
- Food. Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
- Flashlight. Include extra batteries.
- First aid kit. Pack a reference guide.
- Medications. Don’t forget prescription and non-prescription items.
- Battery-operated radio. Include extra batteries. Tools. Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
- Clothing. Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
- Personal items. Remember eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution; copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc., and comfort items such as toys and books.
- Sanitary supplies. You’ll want toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
- Money. Have cash. (ATM’s and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.)
- Contact information. Carry a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.
- Pet supplies. Include food, water, leash, litter box, or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.
- Map. Consider marking an evacuation route on it from your local area.
Include any necessary items for infants, seniors and people with disabilities in your kit. Store your disaster supplies in a sturdy but easy-to-carry container. A large covered trash container, overnight backpack or duffel bag will work. Keep a smaller
version of the kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded or are
not able to return home, having some items with you will help
you be more comfortable until help arrives.
3. GET TRAINED
Learning simple first aid techniques can give you the skills and
confidence to help anyone in your home, your neighborhood
and at work.
When a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant. Loved ones can be hurt and emergency response can be delayed. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and in how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The three steps below can help you to react well in an emergency:
- Check the scene for safety and the victim for life-threatening conditions.
- Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and request professional assistance.
- Care for the victim if you can reach the person safely. Community Disaster Education presentations can provide you with more information on how to prepare for disasters.
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