|
Natural and man-made disasters affect the lives of thousands of families every year. Floods, earthquakes, fires, severe storms, and even acts of terrorism. Are you prepared?
Emergency preparedness organizations suggest putting a plan in place in case your family might suffer one of these events. We provide general information below - for websites that provide further details, see Links of Interest.
Remember to make regular backups of your Collectify Home Inventory and store in an offsite location (eg. online). The information contained in your inventory can help you recover in the case of an emergency.
Evaluating Risk
The first step in creating an emergency preparedness plan is to assess the type of disasters that might occur. Are floods common in your area? Is your region prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornados? Have you installed storm shutters in case of a hurricane or seismic retrofitting in case of an earthquake? Knowing your specific risks means that you will be able to better prepare and react.
Preparing a Plan
Every household needs an emergency plan. Prepare it. Practice it. Include a copy in your emergency supply kit.
A general plan includes:
| • | Emergency contact information - doctor, out-of-town contact, family, friends, and neighbors |
| • | Instructions for turning off your utilities |
| • | Emergency exits for your home |
| • | Escape route from your neighborhood |
| • | Neighborhood meeting place |
| • | Plans for specific risks such as earthquakes or floods |
In addition, familiarize yourself with your workplace, school, and community emergency plans.
Making a Kit
It is best to have at least a three-day supply of the following items on hand:
| • | Water - one gallon per person per day |
| • | Food - non-perishable and ready to eat |
| • | Can opener, plates, utensils, etc. |
| • | Battery-powered or hand crank radio |
| • | Flashlight and extra batteries |
| • | Personal hygiene items - moist towelettes, toothbrush and toothpaste, feminine products, etc. |
| • | Special needs items - prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, and pet food and water, etc. |
| • | First aid kit and manual |
| • | Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper for water purification |
| • | Extra clothing - including rain ponchos |
| • | Garbage bags and plastic ties |
| • | Basic tool kit - wrench, pliers, hammer and nails, etc. |
| • | Copies of important documents and phone numbers - insurance polices, credit and identification cards, list of allergies, etc. |
| • | Matches and waterproof container |
| • | Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person |
Make sure to keep the kit in an easy-to-reach spot.
|
