In an emergency situation, advance planning is the key to safety and peace of mind. The following list of tips is to help you and your family improve your preparedness:

1. Learn what kinds of disasters might happen in your community. There are many local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as private organizations, that can help you and your family prepare for an emergency. Start with a nearby chapter of the American Red Cross. Ask these questions:
   • What types of disasters are most common in my neighborhood?
   • What is the best way to prepare for those events?
   • Is there a warning signal in my neighborhood? What does it sound like?
   • Is there a designated community-gathering place in the event of a disaster?
   • Where can I take pets during an evacuation?
   • What's the best way to help elderly or disabled persons?
2. Learn emergency plans for locations you and your family frequent. Learn emergency procedures at your workplace, your children's schools or day care centers, and any other place your family spends time.
3. Make sure your home is insured. Contact your insurance provider and make sure you are adequately covered in the event of an emergency. Ask about disaster coverage for the specific events that might occur in your area.
4. Learn first aid. In the event of an emergency, it may be up to you to care for the injured. Learn the basics of CPR at a number of locations..
5. Prepare your entire family. Create a Family Emergency Plan and make sure each family member knows the basics.
   Prepare your entire family. Create a Family Emergency Plan and make sure every member of your family understands it.
6. Get security lights for every room. These lights plug into any wall outlet and light up automatically if the power goes out. They will continue to operate for four to six hours.
7. Install a smoke detector on every floor in your home. Locate smoke detectors near bedrooms. Test them monthly and replace batteries once a year.
8. Purchase an ABC-type fire extinguisher for your home. These extinguishers can fight all kinds of fires - even electrical ones.
9. Talk to your neighbors. Working with neighbors in an emergency can save lives and property. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, introduce disaster preparedness to the group. Familiarize yourself with your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you can help neighbors with Special Needs. (Make arrangements for childcare in case parents don't get home.)
10. Plan for the worst. Assemble a Three-Day Emergency Supply Checklist. Hopefully, you'll never need to use it, but in the event of an emergency, you'll be glad you took the time to create it.

In case of an emergency, the items on this list will help meet your family's needs for three days. A smaller version of this kit should be stored in the trunk of your car. The items should be kept in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags, or sealable plastic containers (like trash containers or storage bins).

• One gallon of water per person per day (water supplies should be replaced every three months).
• Food that won't spoil (food supplies should be replaced every six months).
• One change of clothing, sturdy shoes, a rain poncho, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications (replace as directed).
• An extra pair of glasses.
• A credit card, cash, and coin change (ATM machines will not work during a power outage).
• An extra set of car keys.
• Paper, pens, and stamps.
• A city map.
• A battery-powered radio.
• A flashlight.
• Extra batteries of all sizes.
• A whistle.
• Heavy gloves.
• A knife or razor blades.
• Light sticks.
• An ABC-type fire extinguisher approved for use on regular and electric fires.
• A water-purification kit or household bleach.
• An ax.
• A shovel.
• A broom.
• A tool kit (including a screwdriver, pliers, a hammer, and an adjustable wrench for turning off the gas main).
• A coil of 1/2" rope.
• Large plastic trash bags.
• Tarps.
• Soap, detergent, and shampoo.
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes.
• Feminine hygiene supplies.
• Toilet paper.
• A non-electric can opener.
• Plastic utensils, paper plates, cups.
• Paper towels.
• A cooking stove, aluminum foil, and at least one small pan.
• Pet supplies: leashes, food, and water.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

Keep important family documents in an easy-to-access waterproof and fireproof container. Put copies of vital records in a safe deposit box. Consider photographing or videotaping all valuables and keeping those records in the safe deposit box as well.

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There isn't much time to think in an emergency. That's why it's important to educate your family about emergency preparedness and create a Family Emergency Plan in advance. Make sure every family member is familiar with the plan and post it in a visible area (e.g., on the refrigerator or by the telephone). Here are some important topics to cover:

• Discuss disasters most likely to occur. Plan what to do in each case, using information provided by your local American Red Cross chapter. Locate the "safe spots" in each room for each type of disaster.
  
  
• Pick two places to meet. One place should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. The other should be outside your neighborhood, in case you can't return home. Every family member must know the address and phone number of your designated meeting place.
  
  
• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, long distance phone service is typically restored before local service. In the event of an emergency, family members should call the "family contact" and indicate where they are.
  
  
• Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Identify two escape routes from every room in your home. Practice evacuating. Plan how to take care of your pets.
  
  
• Show each family member how, where, and when to shut off the water, gas, and electricity for the house. Keep all necessary tools near the gas and water shut-off valves. Remember: turn the utilities off only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if the utility company instructs you to do so. Once you turn off the gas, you'll need a professional to turn it back on.

• Outfit your home with ABC-type fire extinguishers and teach every family member how to use them. This type of extinguisher is approved for use on both regular and electrical fires. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing and recharging each devise.
  
  
• Inspect your home for potential hazards. Secure and/or repair any items that may move, fall, break or cause a fire in an emergency.

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Print and Save - Printable Format


Our Family Emergency Plan

Important phone numbers:


Police: _____________________________


Fire: _______________________________


Ambulance: _________________________


Doctor: _____________________________


Electric Company: ____________________


Gas Company: _______________________


Water Company:     PID   877-4971             

In case of emergency, meet here:
____________________________________
(a place right outside of your house, like "the end of the driveway")


If away from the house and unable to return, meet here:
____________________________________
(a place outside your neighborhood, like "Mom's office" or "Aunt Joan's house")


If you are separated from everyone, call:


Name: _____________________________
(an out-of-state friend or relative who is prepared to be your emergency contact)


Phone: _____________________________

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Storing Water
Disaster Officials suggest that all residents keep a store of drinking water in case of disaster which may impede your water service or quality.

The following will ensure safe drinking water.

Storing water in one gallon containers

• Thoroughly clean the container and add 5 drops common household bleach per gallon

• Fill the container with an approved water source, i.e. district water, as full as possible.

• The chlorine residual will be 2.5 mg/L, adequate to disinfect and maintain an emergency water supply.

• Store water in a cool dark area

• rotate supplies every 3 months

• At the time of use, uncap the container and inspect for any unusual odors or discolored liquid.  If the contents appear suspicious discard the container and its contents. 

• After long periods of storage, disinfect with 2 to 5 drops of bleach per gallon.

Note:  Laboratory tests were conducted using distilled water and fresh household bleach containing 5.25% active sodium hypochlorite.  Bleach solution deteriorate quickly so actual results may vary. 

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