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Emergency Preparedness Checklist - Are you prepared? Confirm with the Emergency Preparedness Checklist.
The next time disaster strikes, you may not have very much time to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency. Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. This checklist will help you get started. Discuss these ideas with your family, and then prepare an emergency plan. Post the plan where everyone will see it - on the refrigerator perhaps. For additional information about how to prepare for hazards in your community, feel free to contact us, or your local 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 elderly or disabled persons.
- Ask your workplace about emergency plans.
- Learn about emergency plans for your children's school or day care center.
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 foundations.
- Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.
- Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal containers.
- Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents.
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 the main switches, when necessary.
- Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
- Teach children how and when to call 911.
- Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
- Pick one out-of-state and one local friend/relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within a disaster-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 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 fireproof container.
Prepare an Emergency Car Kit
- Battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Blanket
- Booster cables
- Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
- First aid kit and manual
- Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
- Maps, Shovel, Flares
- Tire repair kit and pump
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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 backpacks, duffle bags, or covered trash containers.
- 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 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.
If You Need to Evacuate
- Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of emergency shelters. Follow 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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