FEMA Offers Tips For Personal Preparedness
Tue Feb 11, 6:10 PM ET
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (news - web sites) has advice for families who want to be sure that they are ready for any emergency. The agency stresses that you should have a plan in place before an emergency or crisis happens. If you wait, it could be too late.
For more on explaining national security and emergencies to kids, click here.
To visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website, click here.
FEMA's Suggestions For An Emergency Plan
Know your local area: what natural disasters occur (such as hurrianes), what hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area, what emergency resources (shelters, instructions, etc.) are available from the Red Cross and local agencies.
Talk with your employers and school officials about their emergency response plans. Talk with everyone in your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation.
Plan how your household would stay in contact if you were separated. Identify two meeting places: the first should be near your home — in case of fire, perhaps a tree or telephone poll; the second should be away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
Pick a friend or relative who lives out of the area for household members to call to say they are OK.
Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room. Post emergency telephone numbers by telephones. Teach children how and when to call 911.
Make sure everyone in your household knows how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. Consult with your local utilities if you have questions. Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross (news - web sites) chapters can provide information. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides "good Samaritan" law protection for those giving first aid.
Reduce the economic impact of disaster on your property and your household's health and financial well-being.
Review property insurance policies before disaster strikes -- make sure policies are current and be certain they meet your needs (type of coverage, amount of coverage, and hazard covered -- flood, earthquake (news - web sites)).
Protect your household's financial well-being before a disaster strikes -- review life insurance policies and consider saving money in an "emergency" savings account that could be used in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or traveler's checks at home in a safe place where you can quickly gain access to it in case of an evacuation. Be certain that health insurance policies are current and meet the needs of your household. Consider ways to help neighbors who may need special assistance, such as the elderly or disabled.
Make arrangements for pets. Pets are not allowed in public shelters. Service animals for those who depend on them are allowed.
Create A Disaster Supply Kit
These are FEMA's tips to creating disaster supply kits so that you can manage for three or more days on your own:
Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together.
A disaster supply kit with essential food, water and supplies for at least three days should be kept in a designated place and be ready to "grab and go" in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept.
Consider having additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to two weeks. You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container ready to go in case you have to evacuate the building.
You should also have a car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored in your car at all times. This kit would also include flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.
The basic supplies that should be in a disaster supply kit are water, food, first-aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies, clothing and bedding, and specialty items.
You will need to change the stored water and food supplies every six months, so be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
You should also re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your household changes. Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supply kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as an unused trash can, camping backpack or duffel bag.
Here are some important points offered by FEMA to remember as you pack your supplies.
Water:
Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household.
Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass, or enamel-lined metal containers. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
Food:
If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an intended period or without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
It is not necessary to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Be sure to keep canned goods in a cool, dry place.
Food items you may consider including: ready-to-eat-meats, fruits and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; food for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk.
First Aid Supplies:
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and for each vehicle. The kit should include basic first aid supplies, prescription medications (be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label and be mindful of expiration dates), non-prescription medications including aspirin and non-aspirin pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid for stomach upset, syrup of ipecac, laxatives, and vitamins. Also, you may want to include an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses.
Tools and Emergency Supplies:
Basic tools and kitchen items may prove to be useful in times of emergency. Also, remember to pack sanitation and hygiene items. Important household documents and contact numbers should also be included.
Clothes and Bedding:
One complete change of clothing and footwear for each household member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, extra socks, extra underwear, thermal underwear, sunglasses. Also, blankets or a sleeping bag and pillows for each household member should be included.
Speciality Items:
Remember to consider the needs of infants, the elderly, disabled and pets. Also remember to include entertainment and comfort items for children.
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