No one can predict when an emergency will occur and therefore it is important that you have a plan. If you are going to be able to help your neighbors, you need to be prepared yourself.  Meet with household members. Discuss with children the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes, and other emergencies.

• Discuss how to respond to each disaster that could occur.
• Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
• Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
• Learn how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main switches.
• Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
• Take a Basic First Aid and CPR Class.
• Pick two meeting places.
• A place near your home in case of a fire.
  • A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
  • Keep family records in a water-and fire-proof container.

PREPARE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT ...

Assemble supplies you might need during the 72 hours or in case of an evacuation.  Store them in easy-to-carry containers, such as a backpacks or duffel bags. Include:

• A supply of water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food for at least three days and a non-electric can opener. (Military rations are not recommended, they are high calorie meals designed for very active personnel). Select items that you would normally eat.
• A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• A first aid kit and prescription medications.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries. (Store spare batteries in the refrigerator sealed in a plastic bag.)
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to construct a shelter
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper ( When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant.  In an emergency drinking water can be treated by using 16 drops of regular liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or special bleaches)
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plasitc utensils, paper towels
• Credit cards, traveler's checks and cash.
• Paper and pencil
• An extra set of car keys.
• A list of family physicians.
• Whistle to signal for help
• A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices, such as pacemakers.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Pet food and extra water for your pet

ESCAPE PLAN ...

• In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate your house, apartment, or mobile home on a moment's notice. You should be ready to get out fast. Develop an escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your residence.
• Using a black or blue pen, show the location of doors, windows, stairways, and large furniture. Indicate the location of emergency supplies (Disaster Supplies Kit), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, collapsible ladders, first aid kits, and utility shut off points.
• Next, use a colored pen to draw a broken line charting at least two escape routes from each room.
• Finally, mark a place outside of the home where household members should meet in case of fire or damaged home. Be sure to include important points outside, such as garages, patios, stairways, elevators, driveways, and porches. If your home has more than two floors, use an additional sheet of paper.
• Practice emergency evacuation drills with all household members at least two times each year.

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. Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves. Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds. Brace overhead light fixtures. Secure water heater. Strap 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 cans. Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.

IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE ...

• You will receive instructions from local authorities for the location of emergency shelters. Provide this information to your neighbors. Information will also be available on the radio.
• Follow instructions of local officials. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes. Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. Lock your home. 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 are not be allowed in public shelters, however the Veterinary Disaster Response Team will provide for your animal’s needs if you are not able to do so.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY CAR KIT...

Include:

• Battery powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blanket
• Booster cables
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
• First aid kit and manual