General Preparedness Info

General Disaster Preparation
Keep a disaster instruction book handy
Always have an emergency first aid kit ready
Know the location of the nearest disaster shelter
Plan an exact meeting place for family and friends in case you are separated
Know the location of your gas, electric, and water valves in case they need to be turned off in an emergency
Purchase disaster insurance

Standard Disaster Supplies
Bottled water, several gallons for each person
Food storage, including canned food, dry mild and any other long lasting food items
Blankets and sleeping pads
Battery powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlights, a propane lantern, candles, and matches
Child needs including a supply of diapers, formula, clothing and medicine

A First Aid Kit Should Include
Thermometer
Band-Aids
Gauze
Latex Gloves
Razor Blades
Rubbing Alcohol
Scissors
Tweezers
Tourniquet
Splints

Flood Preparation
Have supplies ready including sand bags, a water pump and life jackets
Know the location of the nearest local disaster shelter
Purchase flood insurance

During a Flood
Listen to the radio or TV for flood information
Be careful when driving, don’t drive through puddles unless you can tell how deep they are
Remove household items and furniture if you have time
Evacuate if necessary

After a Flood
Check for injuries
Continue to listen to the radio or TV for further instructions
Contact your insurance agent


Before an Earthquake
Plan an escape route from your house
Keep flashlights and a battery-powered radio ready for use
Have canned foods and bottled water prepared
Stabilize household items, secure pictures and breakable items

During an Earthquake
Remain calm
If inside, get under a desk or stand in a doorway and watch for falling and moving objects
If outside, avoid tall buildings, power poles and windows
If in a car, stop as soon as you can but stay in the vehicle

After an Earthquake
Check for injuries
Turn on the TV or the radio and listen for further instructions and information
Check for damage inside and outside of your house
Quickly clean up broken glass and spilled chemicals
Be prepared for aftershocks


Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan
Call a family meeting to discuss an evacuation plan in case of a fire
Use a drawn diagram of your house to plan an escape route from each room
Pay special attention to escape routes from the bedrooms
Make sure all household members are familiar with the fire evacuation plan
Have an exact meeting place outside the house
Practice the fire drill

Fire Safety Rules and Supplies
Stay calm and follow your escape plan
Use a wet towel to cover your mouth to avoid inhaling smoke
Stay low to the floor while escaping because smoke rises
If clothing catches on fire, DON’T RUN--stop, drop and roll
Make sure there are several fire extinguishers around the house and know how to use them
Frequently check to make sure all your fire detectors work