Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere --at work -- at school -- or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe?
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services -- water, gas, electricity or telephones -- were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
Families can-and do- cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow the steps listed here to create your family disaster plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
Discuss the types of disaster that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
Pick two places to meet:
1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
Ask an out-of-state friend to be your family contact. After disaster, it is often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact phone number.
Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as back-packs, duffle bags or covered trash containers. Include:
Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Lesarn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you are a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activitiy. Know your neighbors special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care in case parents cannot get home.
During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home hazard. For example, a hot water heater or a bookshelf can fall. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards.
Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
Lock your home.
Use travel routes specified by local authorities -- do not use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
If you are sure you have time:
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