Planning ahead for a disaster such as an earthquake, fire or flood can mean the difference between coping with the event and falling victim to it.
“It’s not a question of if; it’s a question of when,” says Dale White, emergency preparedness manager for Sutter Care at Home. “Sooner or later you’re going to be near an event, large or small, so you need to be prepared.”
White offers these disaster-preparation tips to help protect you and your family.
In the event of a disaster, you might not get help immediately or you might have to shelter in place. Create a disaster kit that enables you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
Build up your kit over time, White suggests. Start by picking up an extra nonperishable food item or a water bottle on your weekly grocery trip. “Before you know it, you’re going to have a decent amount of food and water, and then you can start branching off to lighting, power and shelter,” he says.
Include the following items for the entire family in your kit:
If you have pets, don’t forget to include food, extra water, medications and carriers for them. For small children, tuck in a favorite toy or book to help them feel more secure.
White suggests stashing most of these items in “grab and go” bags you can access quickly in an emergency. Store bulk supplies of food and water in labeled, easy-to-carry containers. Don’t forget to check expiration dates and rotate your supplies.
A disaster plan ensures that you and your family know what to do, where to go and how to communicate in an emergency. “Preparing your family makes everybody a lot calmer,” White says.
If you or a family member has a medical condition or special needs, be sure to plan accordingly. Ready.gov offers helpful suggestions.
Identify a Meeting Place
Agree on a safe meeting place outside your home where family members will gather if you become separated. Choose a second meeting place outside your neighborhood in case family members cannot return home. Teach younger children to stay with teachers or adults they know until a family member can come for them.
Choose a Contact Person
Designate a family member or friend outside the area to receive and relay information among family members. Give each family member a card that lists essential contacts and your emergency meeting places.
Be Informed
Learn about hazards and emergencies that may affect your area. Do you live near a tsunami zone or landslide-prone area? Is there a chemical plant or railroad tracks nearby? Contact your local Red Cross for more information; it also offers emergency and disaster alerts for mobile devices.
You and your family will be able to respond more quickly in an emergency if you practice what to do.
Make your vehicle part of your disaster planning. “Chances are if you’re not at home, your car is going to be nearby,” White says. Or you might need to evacuate quickly.
Learn more about making an emergency plan at Ready.gov; information is also available in Spanish.
Are You Ready for the Next Earthquake? provides tips on securing your home and other steps to prepare for earthquakes.
Make Your Home Fire-Safe offers more fire-safety tips.