Call Your Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross Chapter

Create an Emergency Plan

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit

Home Hazard Hunt

If You Need To Evacuate

Prepare an Emergency Car Kit

Fire Safety

Call Your Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross Chapter

• Find out which disasters could occur in your area.
• Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
• Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.
• Learn your community's evacuation routes.
• Ask about special assistance for eldery or disabled persons.
  Also...
• Ask your workplace about emergency plans.
• Learn about emergency plans for your children's school or day care center.

Create an Emergency Plan

• Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes, and other emergencies. Explain how to respond to each. Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room. Show family members how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main switches when necessary. Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones. Teach children how and when to call 911, police, and fire. Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information. Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster (it is ofter easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area). Teach children your out-of-state contact's phone number. Pick two emergency meeting places:
• A place near your home in case of a fire. A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
• Take a basic first aid and CPR class. Keep family records in a water and fire-proof container.

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  Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit

  Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffle bag.

  Include:
  • A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
  • A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
  • A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
  • Blankets or sleeping bags.
  • A first aid kit and prescription medications.
  • An extra pair of glasses.
  • A battery-powered radio and flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
  • Credit cards and cash.
  • An extra set of car keys.
  • A list of family physicians and their phone numbers.
  • A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

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  Home Hazard Hunt

  In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

  • Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
  • Fasten shelves securely and brace overhead light fixtures.
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
  • Strap water heater to wall studs.
  • Repair cracks in ceilings or foundation.
  • Store week killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat sources.
  • Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
  • Clean and repair chimneysm flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
  
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  If You Need to Evacuate

  • Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of emergency shelters. Follow the instructions of local officials.
  • Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
  • Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
  • Lock your house.
  • Use travel routes specified by local officials.
    If you are sure you have time...
  • Shut off water, gas, and electricity if instructed to do so.
  • Let others know when you left and where you are going.
  • Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in public shelters.
  
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  Prepare an Emergency Car Kit

  Include:

  • Battery powered radio and flashlight, as well as extra batteries.
  • Blanket.
  • Booster cables.
  • Fire extinguisher (5lb A-B-C type).
  • First aid kit an manual.
  • Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods such as granola bars, raisins, and peanut butter.
  • Maps, shovel, and flares.
  • Tire repair kit and pump.
  
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  Fire Safety

  • Plan two escape routes out of each room.
  • Practice fire drills at least twice a year.
  • Teach family members to stay low to the ground when escaping a fire.
  • Teach family members never to open doors that are hot. In a fire, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way out.
  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Clean and test them at least once a month. Change batteries at least once a year.
  • Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household in case of a fire.
  • Check electrical outlets. Do not overload outlets.
  • Purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher (5 LB, A-B-C type).
  • Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your house.
  • Consider installing home sprinklers.
  
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