This information provided by High Ridge Fire District using materials provided by the American Red Cross and The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Your Family Disaster Plan
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 such as water, gas, electric, or telephone service were no longer operational? Local
officials and relief workers will be on the scene after the disaster, but they
cannot reach everyone right away.
Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and
working together as a team. Follow the steps listed here and create your
family’s disaster plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your
responsibility.
There are 4 steps you should follow to protect yourself in case of disaster. In
the next few pages we will outline each step and provide you with a
checklist of the activities involved with each step.
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Step 1 – Find out what could happen to you
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Contact your local emergency management agency or civil defense office
and American Red Cross chapter – be prepared to take notes:
__Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request
information on how to prepare for each.
__Learn about your community’s warning signals: what they sound like
and what you should do when you hear them.
__Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed
inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
__Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
__Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your
children’s school or daycare center and other places where your
family spends time.
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Step 2 – Create a Disaster Plan
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Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.
Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan
to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
__Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain
what to do in each case.
__Pick 2 places to meet:
- Outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like fire. Pick a landmark such as the mailbox or a tree in the front yard.
- Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must
know the address and phone number of the designated meeting place.
__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.
__Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your
pets.
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Step 3 – Complete This Checklist
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__Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police,
ambulance, etc.)
__Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency medical help
__Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas,
and electricity at the main switches.
__Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
__Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC
type), and show them where it is kept.
__Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near
bedrooms.
__Conduct a home hazard hunt.
__Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
__Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
__Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out
of each room. Draw a diagram of your home showing your escape routes.
Be sure to include every Floor (level) of your home.
__Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
In case of evacuation, you should:
__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.
__Lock your home.
__Use travel routes specified by local authorities.
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Step 4 – Practice and Maintain Your Plan
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__Quiz your kids every 6 months so they remember what to do.
__Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
__Replace stored water every 3 months and stored food every 6 months.
__Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to your
manufacturer’s instructions.
__Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least
once a year.
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If Disaster Strikes
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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 you are advised to do so.
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Check you home for damage:
__Use flashlights – do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if
you suspect damage.
__Check for fires, fire hazards, and other household hazards.
__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 out quickly.
__Shut off any other damaged utilities.
__Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable
liquids immediately.
__Confine and secure your pets.
__Call you family contact, then do not use the phone again unless it is an
emergency.
__Try to check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or
disabled.
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