In light of recent flooding and devastation, we would like to help our community with having the knowledge of how to prepare for disasters. It is important for each family to develop a disaster plan. It has been proven, and we’ve learned from experience, that it takes an average of 72 hours before resources begin to flow into our communities. Basically, we need to prepare ourselves and families for the first 3 days.
Families can cope with a disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Begin by creating a disaster plan that includes a communication plan, disaster supplies kit, and an evacuation plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and it’s your responsibility.
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and any other scenario that may apply. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types of disaster that are likely to happen and explain what to do in each case. Designate two places to meet if a disaster does occur. Right outside your home in case of sudden emergency, like a fire, is a great option. Arrange for an alternate meeting location outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Ensure everyone knows the address and phone number.
Complete this check list to help become better prepared:
• Post emergency telephone numbers by all phones. Include number such as fire, police, ambulance, etc.
• Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency help.
• 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.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity at any main switches.
• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher, and show them where it’s kept.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors
• Conduct a home hazard hunt
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.
• Take a first aid and CPR class.
Practice your plan:
• Test your smoke detectors monthly, and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Quiz your family 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 extinguishers according to manufacturer’s instructions.
If a natural or human-caused disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water, and electricity for a while. By taking steps now to store emergency food and water supplies, along with the disaster supplies kit, you can reduce the effect of any such disaster on your family.
Assemble the following items to create a kit:
• Water – one gallon per person per day (at least 3days worth)
• Food – nonperishable, easy to prepare items (at least 3 days worth)
• Flashlights
• Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA weather radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medication (7 days) and medical items
• Medical supplies (heating aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Multipurpose tool
• Sanitation and hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, dead/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Blankets
• Map of the area
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Two way radios
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Manual can opener
• Whistle
• N95 or surgical masks
• Matches
• Rain gear
• Towels
• Work gloves
• Extra clothing
• Moist towelettes
• Trash bags
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Household liquid bleach
• Fire extinguisher
• Entertainment items
• Feminine supplies
• Paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils.
• Paper and pencils
Store food and water is a cool, dark place. Water is preferably in a store-bought, factory- sealed water container. Wrap perishable foods, such as cookies and crackers, in plastic bags and keep them in sealed containers. Avoid canned foods that have become swollen, dented, or corroded. Keep your hands clean, it is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick. Inspect all food for spoilage before use. If there is a power outage, eat food in the refrigerator first, the freezer next, and finally your stored supplies. Replace your stored food and water on a regular basis.
It is important to maintain a healthy state of mind during a disaster. Everyone has their own way of dealing with stressful situations. Any who experiences a disaster is affected by it, whether directly or indirectly through location, family or friends, or exposure to media coverage of the event. Disaster brings fear, confusion, and uncertainty into daily life. Strong and varied emotional reactions to such an event is natural. Given the uncontrollable nature of disasters, some people question whether they can take steps to plan for catastrophic events. People who are prepared for a disaster thrive much better than those who are not.
Check out these websites for more information on preparedness: www.emergency.cdc.gov and www.ready.gov
