Family Disaster Plan
Create a family disaster plan: Discuss with your family the need to prepare for a disaster. Develop a plan to share responsibilities and how to work together as a team
Establish a meeting place inside and outside your home as well as outside the neighborhood. Make sure everyone knows when and how to contact each other if separated. Establish a family contact out of town (friend or relative).
Disaster Supply Kit:
Water- 1 gallon of water per day per family member, children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more. A 3 day supply of water should be stored for every family member. Seal containers tightly, label them and store in a cool dark place
· Food- Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Store ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Canned juices, milk, powdered milk and soup. Staples such as sugar, salt and pepper. High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, salt free crackers, granola bars and trail mix. Specialty foods such as infant foods and special diet foods. Comfort/ stress foods such as cookies, hard candy, instant coffee and tea bags.
· First Aid kit- Assemble a first aid kit for the home and one for each vehicle. All family members should be familiar with basic first aid and CPR. Items in the kit should include sterile and adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, triangular bandages, sterile roller bandages, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic, sunscreen, thermometer, soap, hand sanitizer and safety pins. Non-prescription drugs should include aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti diarrhea medication and antacids. Purchase a filter/surgical mask from the drugstore; consult the pharmacist for assistance with your choice.
· Tools and supplies- battery operated radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, non electric can opener, utility knife, map of the area (for locating shelters), cash, fire extinguisher, pliers, duct tape, matches in a waterproof container, aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, signal flare, paper and pencil, whistle, shut off wrench, to turn off household gas and water, plastic sheeting and a kit with plastic or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils.
· Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster
Use an easy to carry container for the supplies you would most likely need for an evacuation. Possible containers include; a large trash container, a camping backpack, a duffel bag or a cargo container that will fit on the roof of your vehicle.
· Important Family Documents:
Important documents should include insurance papers, family health records, and inventory of valuable household goods, insurance policies, stocks and deeds. Current record of bank account numbers, important telephone numbers and cash
Keep the important records in a watertight container, or a fire resistant portable container
· Clothing and bedding- sturdy shoes, raingear, blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.
Listen to the battery powered radio. Follow the instructions of local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so
Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes
Take your disaster supply kit with you
Lock your home
Use known travel routes to evacuate your area; keep in mind shortcuts may be blocked.
· Plan how to take care of your pets if you have to evacuate, it is best to take your pets with you. Some shelters do not allow pets, another safe location will be set up for pets
· Plan on a 72 hour separation from your pet; have a crate, identification, collar, leash and proof of vaccinations and a current photo.
