Family Preparedness

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Families can cope with disaster by preparing, in advance, and working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

Be Prepared Before A Disaster Occurs:

• Find out what can happen to you. Request information on what types of disasters are likely to happen. Learn about community disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school and other places where your family spends time.
• Develop a home disaster plan. Discuss the types of disaster with your family and explain what to do in each case. Pick two places to meet, right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones and teach your children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency services for help.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
• Show your family members how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches and how to operate a fire extinguisher.
• Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffel 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 television or radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• Credit cards and cash.
• An extra set of car keys.
• A list of family physicians.
• 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.

Prepared by the Northeast States Emergency Consortium.