When disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Communications, transportation, utilities and other essential services could be disrupted by disasters, forcing you to rely initially on your own resources for food, water, first aid, transportation, and shelter. Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers the following guidelines for personal and family emergency preparedness for a variety of natural and man-made disasters and emergencies, such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake or fire. These checklists are not complete but they will help you get started.
BE INFORMED
Your key to surviving any emergency is to be prepared. You can lessen an emergency’s impact by knowing what to do before, during, and after one occurs. Although our community could be vulnerable to a variety of hazards, there are certain basic actions you can take now to help you in any emergency. Call Your Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross Chapter to ask the following:
• What disasters could occur in your area?
• How should you prepare for each disaster?
• How would you be warned of an emergency?
• What are your community’s evacuation routes?
• Is there special assistance for elderly or disabled persons?
• Ask your workplace about emergency plans. Additionally, you should:
• Learn about emergency plans for your children’s school or day care center.
• Take a basic first aid & CPR Class – professional medical assistance may not be immediately available.
• Listen or log onto local radio, TV and/or web sites for forecasts and emergency instructions. Post the dial/channel/website listings of these stations or sites for easy access.
• Post all emergency plans/phone numbers in a prominent place.
• Keep phone lines open to notify local authorities of fires, flash floods, tornado sightings, injuries or damage. Do not use the telephone to obtain emergency information.
TAKE FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Install smoke detectors. Clean and test smoke detectors once a month. Change batteries at least once a year.
• Check electrical outlets. Do not overload outlets.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
• Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your house.
• Consider installing home sprinklers.
• Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household members in case of fire.
• Remember to stay low to the ground when escaping from a fire.
• Teach 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.
Please click here to read more about how to minimize household hazards, creating an emergency plan, having an escape plan, preparing to evacuate, organizing a disaster supply kit, setting up an emergency car kit and what to do after the emergency.