Emergency Preparedness
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. Would you know what to do if you suddenly had no electricity, gas, water or telephone service? Take time now to plan for an emergency, so you’ll be ready if the unexpected happens.
TIP: Create a new phone number in your cell phone book with the codeword “ICE”. Enter the phone number of the person you want contacted in an emergency. Emergency workers commonly look for ICE when attempting to find a contact person to call for you when you are unable to tell them on your own.
Make A Kit
Be prepared by keeping the following disaster supply kits on hand. Supplies should be kept in easy-to-carry, water resistant containers. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the kits are kept.
Keep your emergency kit in a backpack or sturdy bag and keep enough supplies for three days. Keep 1 gallon of water and 1200 calories of ready to eat food per person, per day. Check on and refresh your supplies every six months or before any expiration dates.
- First Aid Kit - should include: adhesive bandages, sterile dressing, conforming roller gauze pads, triangular bandages, sterile gauze pads, 3” cohesive bandage, Needle, Germicidal hand wipes, Antiseptic wipes, Several pair large medical grade nonlatex gloves, 2” Adhesive tape, Cold Pack, Scissors (small, personal), CPR breathing barrier, Tweezers
Non prescription drugs including: Laxative, Antibiotic Ointment, Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid (for upset stomach), Aspirin or non aspirin pain reliever, Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) - Tool kit - should include: Manual can opener, Utility knife, Shutoff wrench, Pencil, papet, Duct tape, Pliers, Tape, Compass, Shovel, Fire Extinguisher: ABC type
- Supplies - Mess kits or paper cups, plates and utensils, battery operated or crank radio, flashlight, extra batteries, cash, travelers checks, change, medicine dropper, analog phone not requiring AC power, aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, signal flare, plastic sheeting/tarp, whistle, map of area, matches in waterproof container
- Sanitation - toilet paper, soap, liquid detergent, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, plastic bucket with tight lid, plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
- Clothing and Bedding - Rain gear, sunglasses, hat and gloves, thermal underwear, blankets or sleeping bags, sturdy closed toe shoes or work boots (include at least one change of clothing and footwear per person)
- Special Items - Denture needs, extra eye glasses, prescription medications, contact lenses and supplies, remember family member with special needs such as infants and elderly or disabled persons, entertainment based on ages of family members (games, books, cards, puzzles)
- Baby Kit - Baby food, powdered milk, medications, pacifiers, wipes, toys, blankets, diapers Pets - Pet supplies, pet ID, pet carrier and/or leash, vet records (Please note that pets may not be allowed in shelters. You may want to research which local hotels/motels accept pets)
- Car Kit - First Aid Kit, water and emergency food, tow roap, jumper cables, window washer fluid, matches and candle in a metal container, flashlight (check batteries), road flares, screw driver, wrench, emergency contact and map
- Important family documents - Passports, social security cards, immunization records, will, insurance policies, deeds, bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and company phone numbers, family records
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Make A Plan
Having a plan, and making sure everyone in your family knows what to do, is vital. Following is a list of key plans.
- Family communication plan (medical information, contact numbers and an emergency meeting place for your family during a disaster)
- Shelter-in-place plan (how your family will cope if required to stay in your home during a disaster. Short term and long term plans)
- Evacuation plan (how your family will prepare to leave your home on short notice). Designate two places to meet, one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home
- School and work plan (places your family can meet during a disaster if you cannot meet at home)
- Neighborhood / apartment plan (talking with your neighbors in advance of a disaster and sharing plans))
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Be Informed
How will you stay informed? The following guidelines will help protect you and your family during a disaster.
- Know trusted resources for information - stay up to date on current events before and during a disaster
- Remain calm
- Follow directions given by Responders
- Know how to turn off your utilities
- Take a first aid and CPR class
- Learn how to use a fire extinguisher
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Additional Resources
For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, utilize these additional resources.
- The American Red Cross | www.redcross.org
- Federal Emergency Management Agency | www.fema.gov
- Department of Homeland Security - Ready America | www.ready.gov
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