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.

4 Steps to Safety:

I. Find Out What Could Happen to You:

1. Contact your local
   Red Cross chapter or emergency management office–be prepared to take
   notes.
2. Ask what types
   of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to
   prepare for each.
3. Learn about your
   community’s warning signals: what they sound like and what you should
   do when you hear them.
4. Ask about animal
   care after a disaster. Animals are not allowed inside emergency shelters
   because of health regulations.
5. Find out how to
   help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
6. Find out about
   the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or day
   care center, and other places where your family spends time.

II. Create a Disaster
Plan:

1. Meet with your
   family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the
   dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquake preparedness to children. Plan to
   share responsibilities and work together as a team.
2. Discuss the types
   of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each
   case.
3. Pick two places
   to meet: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like
   a fire, and another location outside your neighborhood in case you can’t
   return home. Remember, everyone must know the address and phone number.
4. Ask an out-of-state
   friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s
   often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call
   this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s
   phone number.
5. Discuss what to
   do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

III.   Complete
This Checklist:

1. Post emergency
   telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
2. Teach children
   how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services
   number for emergency help.
3. Show each family
   member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the
   main switches.
4. Check if you have
   adequate insurance coverage.
5. Get training from
   the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher
   (ABC type), and show them where it’s kept.
6. Install smoke detectors
   on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
7. Conduct a home
   hazard hunt.
8. Stock emergency
   supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
9. Take a Red Cross
   first aid and CPR class.
10. Determine the best
    escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
11. Determine the safest
    places in your home or office for each type of disaster.

IV.   Practice
and Maintain Your Plan:

1. Quiz your family
   every six months or so.
2. Conduct fire and
   emergency evacuation drills.
3. Replace stored
   water every six months and stored food every six months.
4. Test and recharge
   your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Test your smoke
   detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

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. Also, it would be
a good idea to 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 Disaster
  Supplies Kit with you.
• 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.
• Make arrangements
  for your pets.

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 back-packs,
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 version of this 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.

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.
• 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. (You will need a professional to turn gas back on.)
• 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.