Emergency
& First Aid articles - page index
Family
Disaster Plan
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 in this brochure to create your family's
disaster plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.
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?
4 Steps to Safety
1. Find Out
What Could Happen to You
Contact your
local emergency management or civil defense office and American Red Cross
chapter--be prepared to take notes:
-
Ask what types
of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare
for each.
-
Learn about your
community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do
when you hear them.
-
Ask about animal
care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters
due to health regulations.
-
Find out how to
help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
-
Next, find out
about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare
center and other places where your family spends time.
2. Create a Disaster
Plan
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.
3. Complete This
Checklist
-
Post emergency
telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
-
Teach children
how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number
for emergency help.
-
Show each family
member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main
switches.
-
Check if you have
adequate insurance coverage.
-
Teach each family
member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where
it's kept.
-
Install smoke detectors
on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
-
Conduct a home
hazard hunt.
-
Stock emergency
supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
-
Take a Red Cross
first aid and CPR class.
-
Determine the best
escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
-
Find the safe spots
in your home for each type of disaster.
4. Practice and
Maintain Your Plan
-
Quiz your kids
every six months so they remember what to do.
-
Conduct fire and
emergency evacuation drills.
-
Replace stored
water every three months and stored food every six months.
-
Test and recharge
your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
-
Test your smoke
detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
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 backpacks, duffle
bags or covered trash containers.
Include:
-
A three-day supply
of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
-
One change of clothing
and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
-
A first aid kit
that includes your family's prescription medications.
-
Emergency tools
including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
-
An extra set of
car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
-
Sanitation supplies.
-
Special items for
infant, elderly or disabled family members.
-
An extra pair of
glasses.
-
Keep important
family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk
of your car.
UTILITIES
Locate the main
electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn 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.
NEIGHBORS HELPING
NEIGHBORS
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're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association
or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity.
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 can't get home.
HOME HAZARD
HUNT
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.
EVACUATION
Evacuate immediately
if told to do so:
-
Listen to your
battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
-
Wear protective
clothing and sturdy shoes.
-
Take your family
disaster supplies kit
-
Lock your home.
-
Use travel routes
specified by local authorities--don't use shortcuts because certain areas
may be impassable or dangerous.
If you're sure
you have time:
-
Shut off water,
gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
-
Post a note telling
others when you left and where you are going.
-
Make arrangements
for your pets.
IF DISASTER STRIKES
If disaster
strikes
Remain calm
and patient. Put your plan into action.
Check for injuries
Give first
aid and get help for seriously injured people.
Listen to your
battery powered radio for news and instructions
Evacuate, if
advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Check for damage
in your home...
-
Use flashlights--do
not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
-
Check for fires,
fire hazards and other household hazards.
-
Sniff for gas leaks,
starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn
off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
-
Shut off any other
damaged utilities.
-
Clean up spilled
medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.
Remember to...
-
Confine or secure
your pets.
-
Call your family
contact--do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening
emergency.
-
Check on your neighbors,
especially elderly or disabled persons.
-
Make sure you have
an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
Stay away from
downed power lines.
First
Aid Only Outdoor First Aid Kit, Softpack, 98 Piece - 1 ea
Your
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
After a disaster,
local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot
reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take
days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help
arrives?
Your family
will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to
prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you
won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered
supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.
To prepare your
kit
Review the checklists
in this document.
Gather the supplies
that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.
Place the supplies
you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).
Disasters happen
anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much
time to respond.
A highway spill
of hazardous material could mean instant evacuation.
A winter storm
could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado or any
other disaster could cut off basic services--gas, water, electricity and
telephones--for days.
Water
Store water
in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers
that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A
normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each
day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount.
Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
-
Store one gallon
of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food
preparation/sanitation)*
-
Keep at least a
three-day supply of water for each person in your household.
Food
Store at least
a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no
refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must
heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and
lightweight.
*Include a selection
of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
-
Ready-to-eat canned
meats, fruits and vegetables
-
Canned juices,
milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
-
Staples--sugar,
salt, pepper
-
High energy foods--peanut
butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
-
Vitamins
-
Foods for infants,
elderly persons or persons on special diets
-
Comfort/stress
foods--cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee,
tea bags
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first
aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:
-
Sterile adhesive
bandages in assorted sizes
-
2-inch sterile
gauze pads (4-6)
-
4-inch sterile
gauze pads (4-6)
-
Hypoallergenic
adhesive tape
-
Triangular bandages
(3)
-
2-inch sterile
roller bandages (3 rolls)
-
3-inch sterile
roller bandages (3 rolls)
-
Scissors
-
Tweezers
-
Needle
-
Moistened towelettes
-
Antiseptic
-
Thermometer
-
Tongue blades (2)
-
Tube of petroleum
jelly or other lubricant
-
Assorted sizes
of safety pins
-
Cleansing agent/soap
-
Latex gloves (2
pair)
-
Sunscreen
Non-prescription
drugs
-
Aspirin or nonaspirin
pain reliever
-
Anti-diarrhea medication
-
Antacid (for stomach
upset)
-
Syrup of Ipecac
(use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
-
Laxative
-
Activated charcoal
(use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Contact your local
American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual.
SUPPLIES
There are six
basics you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid supplies,
clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Keep
the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry
container--suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers
include a large, covered trash container; a camping backpack; or a duffle
bag.
Tools and Supplies
-
Mess kits, or paper
cups, plates and plastic utensils*
-
Emergency preparedness
manual*
-
Battery-operated
radio and extra batteries*
-
Flashlight and
extra batteries*
-
Cash or traveler's
checks, change*
-
Nonelectric can
opener, utility knife*
-
Fire extinguisher:
small canister, ABC type
-
Tube tent
-
Pliers
-
Tape
-
Compass
-
Matches in a waterproof
container
-
Aluminum foil
-
Plastic storage
containers
-
Signal flare
-
Paper, pencil
-
Needles, thread
-
Medicine dropper
-
Shut-off wrench,
to turn off household gas and water
-
Whistle
-
Plastic sheeting
-
Map of the area
(for locating shelters)
Sanitation
-
Toilet paper, towelettes*
-
Soap, liquid detergent*
-
Feminine supplies*
-
Personal hygiene
items*
-
Plastic garbage
bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
-
Plastic bucket
with tight lid
-
Disinfectant
-
Household chlorine
bleach
Clothing and Bedding
*Include at
least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
-
Sturdy shoes or
work boots*
-
Hat and gloves
-
Rain gear*
-
Thermal underwear
-
Blankets or sleeping
bags*
-
Sunglasses
Special Items
Remember family
members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
-
For Baby*
-
Formula
-
Diapers
-
Bottles
-
Powdered milk
-
Medications
-
For Adults*
-
Heart and high
blood pressure medication
-
Insulin
-
Prescription drugs
-
Denture needs
-
Contact lenses
and supplies
-
Extra eye glasses
-
Entertainment--games
and books.
-
Important Family
Documents
Keep these
records in a waterproof, portable container.
-
Will, insurance
policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
-
Passports, social
security cards, immunization records
-
Bank account numbers
-
Credit card account
numbers and companies
-
Inventory of valuable
household goods, important telephone numbers
-
Family records
(birth, marriage, death certificates)
SUGGESTIONS
AND REMINDERS
-
Store your kit
in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version
of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
-
Keep items in air-tight
plastic bags.
-
Change your stored
water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
-
Rotate your stored
food every six months.
-
Re-think your kit
and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes,
etc.
-
Ask your physician
or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
CREATE A FAMILY
DISASTER PLAN
To get started...
Contact your
local emergency management or civil defense office and your local American
Red Cross chapter.
-
Find out which
disasters are most likely to happen in your community.
-
Ask how you would
be warned.
-
Find out how to
prepare for each.
Meet with your
family.
-
Discuss the types
of disasters that could occur.
-
Explain how to
prepare and respond.
-
Discuss what to
do if advised to evacuate.
-
Practice what you
have discussed.
Plan how your family
will stay in contact if separated by disaster.
-
Pick two meeting
places:
1) a location
a safe distance from your home in case of fire.
2) a place
outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
-
Choose an out-of-state
friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.
Complete these
steps.
-
Post emergency
telephone numbers by every phone.
-
Show responsible
family members how and when to shut off water, gas and electricity at main
switches.
-
Install a smoke
detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly
and change the batteries two times each year.
-
Contact your local
fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
-
Learn first aid
and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information
and training.
Meet with your
neighbors.
Plan how the
neighborhood could work together after a disaster. Know your neighbors'
skills (medical, technical). Consider how you could help neighbors who
have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans for
child care in case parents can't get home.
Remember to
practice and maintain your plan.
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First Aid Auto Emergency Response Road Kit - 46 Pieces
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