Are you prepared for a Disaster?
Disasters in the US and abroad are on the rise. Climatologists have been predicting this increase in extreme weather and predict that within the next decade there is a greater chance that you will directly encounter a natural disaster. In addition to climate issues, there are many other crisis situations to consider like house fires, gas leaks, pandemics, nuclear disasters, or terror attacks.
Your entire family is rarely together when a disaster strikes. It is important to be prepared to better face the challenges that arise. Have a plan - practice and review it regularly so that you will be prepared to react without fear in an emergency situation. Lack of preparation could result in catastrophe.
Step 1
Choose an EMERGENCY CONTACT
- A relative or friend that lives in a different city/state
- Develop leadership tree for your survival group /phone tree
- Have everyone in your survival group memorize your emergency contact's number.
- Everyone calls this emergency contact and state there where abouts.
- List this Out of Town Emergency Contact on school forms for a worst case scenario
- It is important that your contact live far away because during a crisis local numbers/cell phones mail fail – this person may have better access to the media to give you a detailed report on how your area is affected.
- You may have greater successfully making a long distance call on a hard line/pay phone.
Step 2
- Make a list of everyone that you are responsible for - children - parents - neighbors - pets
- Who is the LEADER responsible for activating the disaster plan? Who is the back up LEADER if #1 is not available?
- Construct survival teams responsible for delegating specific duties
- Determine how long these members will serve in this position
- Who is your emergency contact?
- Where is your family meeting place?
- Alternate location if 1st is not available?
- Site localized maps with police & utility companies
- Sign up for text alerts/email alerts - check your local emergency management office
- Educate yourself on potential disasters (both natural and man-made) that could affect your area and plan accordingly. Several hazards may apply to your area.
Step 3
Get a KIT
- Be sure this kit can sustain you and your family for three or more days.
- Store food in plastic storage containers
- Clothing, towels & blankets should be stored in a 30 gallon garbage can/lid
- Check your kit at least once a year to check expiration dates and replenish necessary supplies.
- Some basic things you will need:
- Food
- Water
- Medication
- Money - Cash
- Photocopies of Passports, drivers licenses, insurance information, other legal papers
- Maps of the area
- Batteries
- Hand-Cranked Radio
- Towels
- Blankets
- Sleeping Bags
- Clothing
- Sanitary supplies - toilet paper, paper towels, wet naps, feminine hygiene supplies
Step 4
PRE-DISASTER PREPARATION
Put a time line to the completion of this task - i.e.: 30 days
Conduct a ONE HOUR INVENTORY
Inside your house:
- Go through your house/office and video tape/take pictures of your valuables
- valuations
- Also take pictures that include these items in the background for further proof of ownership
- Document serial numbers, model numbers on big ticket items for insurance purposes
- Make note of "risk reduction – elimination" – things you don't replace
- Photograph any important paperwork – car titles – house deeds – passports – birth certificates
- Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have the proper coverage – NOTE: most homeowners policies do not include coverage for flood damage.
- SAVE the photos and list on your computer
- SAVE the photos & lists on a flash drive and keep in a safe deposit box
Keep all of your important papers in one location so you can grab and go! This includes the following:
- Copy of social security card, drivers license, passport
- Copies of the last 3 years of your tax returns
Outside: Take pictures of your cars and any out door equipment (lawn mowers –patio furniture - gas grill – etc.)
If all of this seems overwhelming, don't worry Survival House has the tools you need to create a plan and to start preparing. Visit our make a plan section of our site to create and share your plan with your family.
Call us Toll Free at
1.800.714.7963
Get a Kit
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
- Store it in your shelter location
Schools and Daycare
If you are a parent, or guardian of an elderly or disabled adult, make sure schools and daycare providers have emergency response plans.
- Visit Ready Kids for more information. http://www.ready.gov/kids/
- Ask how they will communicate with families during a crisis.
- Ask if they store adequate food, water and other basic supplies.
- Find out if they are prepared to "shelter-in-place" if need be, and where they plan to go if they must get away.
Workplaces
If you are an employer, make sure your workplace has a building evacuation plan that is regularly practiced.
- Take a critical look at your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to determine if it is secure or if it could feasibly be upgraded to better filter potential contaminants, and be sure you know how to turn it off if you need to.
- Think about what to do if your employees can't go home.
- Make sure you have appropriate supplies on hand.