Family Emergency Preparedness Guide

In Case of Emergency (ICE)

Emergency personnel advise people to carry a card with a note about who to call in case of an emergency. Keep this card with your identification information (such as your driver's license).

Additionally, put an entry under ICE in cell phones to indicate the contact information for individual(s) to inform in an emergency.

These precautions often help emergency service workers contact a parent in case their child is unconscious or needs emergency care.

Checklist

Here is a quick checklist of important topics and precautions to incorporate into your disaster conversation with your family:

1. Talk to your family and have a plan. Make sure everyone knows:

• How to get out of your home in two different ways.
• Who to call during an emergency and what to tell them.
• Where the water, gas and electricity gets turned off.
• How to call 911 (and practice calling!).

2. Make a list of emergency phone numbers to keep in backpacks, at home and in the car.

3. Have disaster supplies at home and in cars. Include the following:

• Flashlight
• Food (enough for three days)
• Water (a gallon of water per person per day, for three days)
• First-aid kit

Possible extra supplies include:

• Blankets
• Clothing
• Pocket knife
• Cash
• Radio and batteries

Talking to Your Kids

First, no matter how old your children are, talk with them about the potential disasters that can happen and why it's necessary to prepare. Be clear about where supplies are, how to use a fire extinguisher, what should happen in case of an emergency where you will meet and who they should call for news and to tell where they are (usually someone outside the state to avoid busy telephone lines).

Home Plan

• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Identify and test two escape routes.
• Teach each member of your family how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Create an emergency card with phone numbers and plans. Post it on the wall.

Food

When a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days – or even weeks. Store enough emergency food to provide for your family for at least three days. Make sure to change it every six months to a year. (We take ours camping each summer and replace it.)

Make sure you:

• Avoid foods that require a lot of water, refrigeration, or cooking.
• Choose foods your family will eat.
• Don't forget a manual can opener and utensils.

Recommended foods include:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk and soup
• High-energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix
• Comfort foods, such as hard candy, sweetened cereals, candy bars and cookies
• Dried foods (select carefully as some have a high salt content)
• Instant meals that don't require cooking or water

Water

In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at least three days. If you must use tap water, boil it first for at least five minutes.

First Aid

In any emergency, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep the following basic first-aid supplies so you are prepared to help when someone is hurt.

• Two pairs of disposable gloves
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
• Cleansing agent or soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
• Scissors
• Over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative and anti-diarrhea medication
• Prescription medications you take every day, such as insulin, heart medicine or an asthma inhaler
• Prescribed medical supplies, such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors

Earthquake

Know what to do when the shaking begins:

• Drop to the floor.
• Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or next to an interior wall. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows.
• Hold on to a sturdy piece of furniture and be prepared to move with it.
• Stay where you are (if you are indoors) until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Use caution when exiting buildings.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines.

For more complete instructions, visit 72hours.org. 

Reviewed by: Amanda Quevedo

Last reviewed: November 2019