Disaster Preparedness

Is Your Family Prepared for the Next Disaster?

Disasters can strike at a moment's notice so being prepared before they occur is an important step in ensuring the safety of you and your family.

Create a household disaster plan.
Prepare first aid kits for the home and for each vehicle.
Create an emergency supply kit or grab-and-go bag.
Keep important papers in a fire-resistant carrying case and bring it with you in case of an emergency.
Create a roadside emergency kit for each automobile (breaking down while evacuating could leave you and your family in worse shape than if you had simply done nothing).

Household Disaster Plan

As a family, decide on two places to meet in case an emergency occurs in or near your home (one should be near your home; the other, outside of the neighborhood).
Pick two out-of-town contacts (family, family friends) for the family to contact in case you become separated.
Prepare a checklist of important phone numbers, addresses, and contacts.
Develop a 'shelter in place" strategy in the event that evacuation is not an option.
Prepare an evacuation strategy for different types of disasters that may occur in your area. Practice each strategy with your family several times a year.
Train all able-bodied family members in the use of CPR, fire extinguishers, and common first-aid procedures.
Ensure your yard is prepared for a disaster by trimming branches, replacing gravel or rock landscaping with light-weight mulch, and checking for fire hazards.
Purchase a battery-operated radio or NOAA weather radio in case power is lost during a disaster.

Recommended Supplies for First Aid Kit

A first aid manual
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Cleansing agents such as isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, soap, antibiotic ointments
Several pairs of latex gloves
Petroleum jelly
Cotton Balls
Tweezers, needles, scissors
Moistened towelettes or baby wipes
Sunscreen
Thermometer.

Recommended Emergency Kit Supplies

Prescription medications
Cash, traveler's checks, and loose change
A sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow for each family member. Keep additional blankets handy if you live in a cold-weather climate
At least one additional change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, durable shoes, and gloves
A bottle of chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper can be used to create a disinfectant, or even drinking water if no other options are available. For a disinfectant, combine nine parts water to one part bleach. To treat water, add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Avoid scented or color-safe bleaches.
A fire extinguisher
Waterproof matches and a lighter
Personal hygiene items
Paper plates, paper cups, plastic utensils, and paper towels
Paper, pens and pencils; books, magazines, videos, games, and puzzles
Batteries of various sizes and types
If you have pets, keep extra food and medicines on-hand. Also, have a travel crate ready for each pet in case you must evacuate your home.
A pocket knife, whistle
Dusk mask
Local maps.

Recommended Food for Emergency Supply Kit

Grab-and-Go Box

Important papers that should be kept in a fireproof, waterproof container include:

Copies of all insurance policies, wills, deeds, tax returns, driver's licenses, credit cards, automobile titles, and bank records
Copies of utility bills which can be used to prove or establish residency
Family records such as Social Security cards, passports, as well as birth and marriage certificates
List of medical contacts, including family physicians, hospitals, and other medical service providers. It is also a good idea to keep a list of medical conditions, allergies, and drug prescriptions.
For pet owners, keep vaccination and veterinary records, along with up-to-date photos of your pet can assist in locating them if you are separated.
An inventory of valuable household goods can be helpful when filing insurance claims.
A list of phone numbers and addresses of relatives and friends.

Recommended Supplies for Roadside Emergency Kit

Disaster Preparedness Lists Compiled by
Edmand Pace, MLIS