Research

Find out which disasters could occur in your area.

Ask how to prepare for each disaster.

Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.

Learn your community's evacuation routes.

Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons.

Ask your workplace about emergency plans.

Learn about emergency plans for your children?s school or day care center.

Create an Emergency Plan

Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies.

Explain how to respond to emergencies.

Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.

Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two escape routes from each room.

Show family members where to shut off the water, power, and gas and have placed the tools at each location.

Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.

Know the location of the nearest police, fire station, and hospital.

Your children know how to get help from neighbors and 911.

Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.

Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster.

Teach children your out-of-state contact's phone numbers.

Pick two emergency meeting places: A place near your home in case of a fire and a place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.

Take a basic first aid and CPR class.

Keep family records in a water and fire-proof container.

Items to include in a Disaster Supplies Kit

Drinking water (3-6 day supply).

Food (3-6 day supply, requires no cooking, high energy).

Manual can opener

Flashlight (check batteries regularly).

Portable radio (check batteries regularly).

Spare batteries.

First aid kit and prescription medications.

A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

Blankets or sleeping bags.

Light sticks (safer than candles).

An extra pair of glasses.

Credit cards and cash.

An extra set of car keys.

A list of family physicians.

A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.

Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Plan Ahead

Look around your house for potential hazards.

Secure heavy pictures and mirrors onto walls away from beds.

Place heavy objects on lower shelves.

Strap water heaters to wall studs.

Keep chimneys and vents free from dirt and debris.

Store flammable products away from potential heat sources.

Emergency Plan Checklist

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