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Prepare for an Emergency
by Nelson Thibodeaux
Updated
04/12/08 05:16:35 PM
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April 13, 2008,
Roanoke, Texas
Recent Storms
serve as a reminder
Emergency Preparedness Guide
Thanks to Addison Fire Department
General Information
Why Prepare for Disaster?
Disaster can strike without warning, forcing you to
go for days without basic necessities or to evacuate
your home. Relief workers will be on the scene
following a disaster, but may not be able to reach
you immediately.
You need to be prepared. Knowing the steps to take
during a disaster can greatly reduce the danger &
distress your family may face. Contact your local
emergency management office or American Red Cross
chapter to learn which disasters could strike your
community. Use their information, along with this
guide, to help you prepare for & reduce the risks
you face.
Creating a Basic Emergency Plan
Having a plan is one of the most important steps you
can take in disaster preparedness. Knowing what to
do & how to do it can help your family manage
disasters with less worry, fear & uncertainty.
Decide what you & your family would do in each
potential emergency situation.
Draw a floor plan of your home showing escape
routes.
Choose a place away from your neighborhood where
family members can meet in case you are separated &
cannot return home due to a disaster.
Identify a friend or relative who lives out of the
area for family members to contact if you are
separated.
Post emergency numbers by every phone & teach
children how & when to dial 911.
Know how to shut off the water, gas & electricity
at the main switches in your home.
Plan how to help elderly or disabled neighbors in a
disaster.
Check that your insurance policies are up-to-date
& provide good coverage.
Preparing a Disaster Supply Kit
Having a disaster supply kit ready to take with you
at a moments notice ensures that you will have
necessary supplies no matter how fast you may need
to evacuate. Pack supplies in duffel bags or
backpacks & keep them in a designated place. This
list will help ensure that your kit includes all the
essentials.
Water
Pack at least 1 gallon per person per day for at
least 3 days.
Store water in tightly sealed, non-breakable
plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal
containers.
Change your water every 6 months.
Food
Pack enough food to last each family member at
least 3 days.
Include canned & boxed foods because they require
little preparation & stay good for long periods of
time. Remember to bring a manual can opener or to
buy food in self-opening cans.
Pack foods in sealed metal or plastic containers.
Replace food every 6 months.
Include foods for infants & family members with
special diets.
Tools & Equipment
Battery-powered radio
Flashlights
Spare batteries
Resealable plastic bags
Washcloths & towels
Paper cups & plates & plastic utensils
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, &
other toiletries
Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags
Change of clothing & an extra pair of shoes &
socks for each person
Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person
Personal Items
Personal identification
Copies of birth & marriage certificates, inventory
of household goods, bank account numbers & other
important documents
Maps
Extra car & house keys
Prescription medications
First Aid Kit Essentials
Adhesive bandages
Antacid
Antibiotic ointment
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antiseptic
Aspirin & non-aspirin pain reliever
Cleansing agents (isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen
peroxide, soap, germicide)
Cotton balls
First aid manual
Gauze pads & roll
Latex gloves
Laxative
Moist towelettes
Needle & safety pins
Petroleum jelly
Scissors
Sunscreen
Thermometer
Tongue depressors
Triangular bandages
Tweezers
When Authorities Tell You to Evacuate
Bring your disaster supply kit.
Wear sturdy shoes & clothing.
Unplug home electronics
Lock the doors & windows.
Turn off the main switches & valves for gas,
water, electricity, if instructed.
Inform a friend or relative of your route.
Follow recommended evacuation routes. Watch for
washed-out bridges, flooded areas & downed power
lines.
Pets
Should not be left behind during a disaster, but
do not risk your own safety attempting to find them
if you must evacuate quickly.
Attach ID tags to your pet with your name &
address.
Remember that most emergency shelters do not allow
pets (except service animals).
Make a list of pet shelters & of hotels that
permit animals in the area you would evacuate to.
Put together an emergency supply kit for your pet.
Include things like a first aid kit, food dishes, a
litter box, a leash or pet carrier, medication,
food, veterinary records & water.
For More Information
The following agencies can help you prepare even
more thoroughly for emergencies & disasters that
could strike your community.
Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov
U.S. Fire Administration
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