The most important part of being prepared is planning ahead.  We suggest that you read the information below, gather the recommended supplies, and ensure that each person in your family knows what they must do in the event of an emergency.   In addition, make sure that you have copies of your emergency contact numbers posted by each phone and that each family member has a portable copy of this information (along with emergency meeting places) in their purse, wallet, or backpack.  Even infants and toddlers should have this information, in their diaper bag and on record with their childcare provider, so that caregivers can contact the appropriate person.  As soon as children are old enough to use the information responsibly, teach them how to dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency resources.

Remember too that being prepared for a major natural disaster overlaps with some of the things we must do to be prepared for other types of emergencies.  For example, be sure that your home is equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.  You should have multiple smoke detectors on each level of your home.   CO² detectors are also important, especially if you have gas appliances.  And don't forget to stock up on fire extinguishers, and to test and recharge them regularly according to the manufacturer's directions.  Ensure that all adults and older children know where the fire extinguishers are located and that they understand how to use the fire extinguisher (and when not to do so).

Home Safety Inspection Checklist from the American Red Cross 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

 Teach family members where the locations of the main shut offs for electricity, gas, and water.   Remember too that while it is important to know how to turn off the natural gas to your home -- you should never do so unless it's absolutely necessary.  Once you've shut off the gas, you might have to wait days until your local utility company can send a professional to safely turn it back on.

Another important form of prevention and preparedness is to scout your home for possible hazards.   See the Home Safety Inspection Checklist at right for recommendations from the American Red Cross about what to look for.  For good measure keep an eye out for anything that would harm children or pets if they come in contact with it.  Install those safety latches and put toxic materials up high in a locked cupboard. 

Don't forget to make evacuation plans for getting out of your house during an emergency.  Plan at least two ways of getting out of every room.  Stock escape ladders in upstairs bedrooms.  Designate an outside meeting place -- one outside the home, and one outside the neighborhood, for more extreme situations.  Make sure you also plan for those emergencies which require you to stay put.  Designate a safe spot in the house for each type of emergency (tornado, flood, earthquake, etc.) that applies to your area.  Be sure to practice or drill every six months, and quiz or review each other about  preparedness related information.

Another very important way to get prepared in to make sure you have the right supplies, and a plan for their use, all ready to go -- before an emergency occurs.  Browse the lists below, as well as the advice and recommended reading.  And be sure to check out the additional resources on the next page.

 

• First Aide & Medication

Naturally you will want to have a well-stocked First Aid Kit, complete with bandages, gauze pads, scissors, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for sterilizing, Neosporin, regular Band-Aids, burn ointment, cold pack, tweezers, disposable latex gloves, and a working thermometer.  But you should also have a assortment of over the counter medications and remedies in stock:

 

prescription medications required by self or persons in your care  (or special over the counter medications or equipment such as allergy medications, oxygen tank, etc.)   Be sure too to keep medication refill information handy.

benedryl liquid and tablets (for handling allergic reactions),

acetaminophen  (Tylenol type pain reliever)

ibuprophen (anti-inflammatory for strained muscles and joints),

anti-diarrhea medications

stool softener

anti-nausea, anti-heartburn medication (such as pepto-bismol)

saline nasal wash (removes dust & debris from nasal passages)

eye wash

Vaseline (protects wind-chaffed skin and dust irritated sinus membranes)

clean sports bottle filled with clean, sterile water (for more extended rinsing of eyes)

cold or sinus allergy medications, including: expectorant, cough suppressant, decongestant

lip balm

sunscreen

 

 

Recommended reading:  

Safe Drug Use after a Natural Disaster --- by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.  Deals with the fact that important medications may be damaged or contaminated during a natural disaster, lose vital refrigeration, or be hard to refill in the period of chaos immediately after a disaster.

Insulin Storage & Switching Between Products After An Emergency --  by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.  Helpful strategies for insulin users or their caregivers.

 

 

Order yours  now from Wal-Mart      Heavy-Duty First Aid Kit 50 3/4" x 3" adhesive strips 10 extra large adhesive strips Three 3" x 3" gauze pads 5 yards each of 2" and 4" stretch gauze bandages 5 yards of 1/2" adhesive tape 5 knuckle and 5 fingertip bandages 4 iodine swabs and 2 antiseptic wipes 2 sting relief pads and 7/8 ounce burn cream Instant ice pack Tweezers and scissors Eye pad and 2 gloves First aid guide Sturdy plastic case with weatherproof gasket Keyhole slots allow easy wall mounting

 

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• Bottled Water -- one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and basic hygiene/sanitation.

Be sure that water is stored in clean, preferably sterilized, containers and tightly closed or sealed.  Store bottles where they are unlikely to be jostled and thereby cracked or spilled, and where they will be easily accessible during an emergency.  If you live in twister country, store water in the basement or wherever you will be taking refuge. 

It is also a good idea to store extra water (i.e. more than a 3 day supply) and to divide up this supply in a couple different locations.  For example, if all your water is stored in the kitchen pantry, and an earthquake flattens your house, your water supply is gone.  Consider storing part of your supply in a sturdy outside storage shed or a large, sturdy outside trash can (new/used) with a tight sealing lid. 

Be sure to label your water with the date of purchase/storage.  Remember that most factory-bottled water available at the supermarket is not 100% sterile, and so bacteria will multiply over time.  Thus no water supply is permanent, and must be regularly rotated/replaced.  The American Red Cross suggests you do so every six months.  However some purified water, packaged especially for stockpiling, can keep up to five years.  So know what you are dealing with and plan accordingly.

It is also recommended that you keep water sterilization tabs on hand with your emergency supplies.  In a pinch, household bleach can be used to treat drinking water.

• Food  -- at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person

Good choices are foods with a long shelf-life that are well protected against insects, bacteria, and damp.  Foods high in protein and other nutrients will sustain health best.  Note that high salt foods are good for those in arid desert conditions, but not in most climate situations where they will only increase thirst, bloating, high blood pressure, etc.

Please note that keeping your own food supply is especially critical for persons with special diets, such as diabetics or those with severe allergies.  Be warned that emergency food donations (from Red Cross or local volunteers) may contain inappropriate foods (such as peanuts, a hazard to those with severe allergies to nuts), and so you are better off if you can augment from your own supplies.

Good choices include:

dried fruits and nuts stored in insect-proof containers

high protein snack bars

canned meats and fish

canned fruits and canned applesauce

drink boxes with juice or milk (use soy milk if dairy allergies)

peanut butter and low-salt crackers or "wasa" bread (will keep a long time if sealed)

cookies and other comfort snacks, in moderation

low-salt canned soups (focus on vegetables and high protein)

spaghetti-Os and other "Chef Boyardee" type products (most may be eaten cold)

canned "salad bar" type beans (kidney, garbanzo, etc.)

canned soft drinks (try to avoid caffeine which can help dehydrate you)

 

IMPORTANT FOOD TIPS:  If you are weathering a disaster while at home, don't forget to use up everything in your refrigerator, while it is still fresh, before you start on your dried and canned stores.  Keep your freezer closed so that these stores will stay cold until you've used up your refrigerated foods (or they have begun to turn).  This not only saves money, but it could save your life if you are in for a long siege before services are restored or food donations arrive.  However, if you doubt whether food is still fresh, toss it!  Better to be hungry than to be cut off from medical help with a case of salmonella or worse.  Be especially cautious with food to be consumed by small children, who are at greater risk of severe reaction, and even death, from consuming tainted food.

 

If you are able to cook:

pancake mix (add water to mix in a large ziploc bag, to avoid washing a bowl.  A non-stick skillet can often be wiped clean with just a paper towel after cooking pancakes)

syrup (only types which need no refrigeration

instant oatmeal

instant mashed potatoes (dried)

ramen noodles and Cup O' Soup

dried or canned beans  (note that dried beans require plenty of water for soaking and cooking)

broth cubes (for flavoring soup, rice, noodles)

dried pasta

dried rice

herbal & regular tea bags, instant coffee  (remember caffeine does dehydrate, but you may need the pep)

canned or powdered/dry milk (add protein to soups, pasta -- serve warm with chocolate powder for great beverage)

 

 

Food Prep Supplies:

camp stove and propane canisters (note: when the power is out for more than 24 hours, a Coleman Camp Oven can be a great way to use up entrees and other items from the freezer, before they go bad)

aluminum foil

Ziploc baggies, large -- (for protecting food, electronics, and other supplies from dirt and insects; and to use in place of a bowl for mixing and re-hydrating foods

can opener

paper plates and other disposable picnic ware

light-weight cookware, preferably non-stick as these are easier to clean

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• Lighting, batteries, & reflective tape

  Having adequate lighting is not only reassuring during a disaster but it will allow you to more successfully and safely administer first aid, prepare food, and find and utilize your other supplies.  Adequate lighting will also prevent accidents and make it easier to notice any damage or threats caused by the disaster.  Explain to children and other family members that lights must be used prudently and sparingly however.  For example, individuals should take a light with them when going to use the toileting facilities, and then turn it off upon returning to the already lit room or tent where the group is sheltering.

  In general, we recommend at least one flashlight per person, with a few spares laid aside in addition.  Besides flashlights, you will want to evaluate your stock of the following:

  lanterns

  batteries

  headlamps (to aide you while performing first aid, food prep, repairs, or other work)

  reflective tape (to help you be seen at night, if evacuating on foot or bike)

  Caution:  Use extreme caution when using candles or any other kind of flame source for lighting.  Candles and propane lanterns can be knocked over by quake tremors, children, or pets and cause a major fire.  Even lighting a match can be dangerous if your home, workplace, or car has any kind of gas leakage -- including methane from cracked sewer pipes.

   

  Coleman 8D Packaway Lantern This model uses a 15-watt fluorescent spiral "U" tube for brighter, whiter light that automatically shuts off when the lantern's collapsed. Collapsible design saves space when not in use and protects bulb area.  Operates 24 hours on low and 12 hours on high with alkaline batteries.  2-in-1 Krypton/3-LED Headlamp Water resistant lamp with adjustable head straps gives you hand free illumination where you really need it.

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Transportation

In an emergency how will you evacuate or reach loved ones who need your care, such as children or infirm family members?  If you have your own transportation, be sure to keep your vehicle's gas tank filled and ready to go.  Keep car well-maintained and do no post-pone repairs.  Keep a portable emergency kit in your trunk or under the seat.

If you do not own a vehicle, then you will need to rely on someone you know or emergency public transit for assistance.  Talk to the people you know -- family, neighbors, co-workers -- and find out who could help you.  Remember to have more than one plan.  You never know where you will be, or who will be nearby, in an emergency.

Be sure also to discuss transportation issues with family and others you are responsible for.  How will children get picked up from school and by whom?  What backup plans to you have?  What is the best route home from work if the power has knocked out all the traffic lights or made your usual route impassable (flood, landslide, collapse, etc.)?  In the event of an evacuation, how will you hook up with each other if you could not do so before evacuating.  Consider various scenarios and directions of evacuation.  

Designate an out of state family member to call to notify of your welfare and whereabouts (they are least likely to be affected by whatever emergency you are experiencing).

If you are confined to a wheelchair, you will need to make a plan for getting out of the building safely in the event of a power outage -- or other emergency, such as fire or earthquake, that may make the elevator unsafe.  Let neighbors, coworkers, and of course friends and family know your situation.   Don't be afraid to ask for help!  Be sure to have an alternate plan in case someone you are depending on is injured or otherwise unable to assist you.

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Insurance & Other Special Documents

Special consideration must be given to the following documents -- keep them safe, keep them where you can grab them in a hurry when evacuating, and make photocopies to store elsewhere (car, safe deposit box, etc.) in case your primary records are destroyed:  

Insurance records (home, car, medical, etc.)

Deeds/proof of ownership for home, car, and other major property, a copy of lease or renter's agreement

Marriage certificate, will

Immunization records

Immigration papers, passport, drivers license, birth certificates, social security card, etc.

Cash, traveler's checks, bank and credit card account numbers, stocks & bonds, etc.

List of important phone numbers and emergency contact information

Maps, both local and of potential post-evacuation safe spots

It is also recommended that you inventory and photograph your possessions (and make a copy of these records to stash in an alternate location) and make sure that your insurance coverage includes this property.   Not only will documenting your property help you recover from your insurance company, but it may also aide police in reconnecting you with major items, such as your car or big screen TV, in the event of theft.  

Also, don't forget to review your insurance coverage.  Are you covered for flood, earthquake, theft?  Does your policy actually cover the full cash value of what you own, so that you'll be able to replace all that you might lose?

Although not a document, cash is another "paper" item to keep stashed in a safe place, in case of emergency.  Even if your local bank is open, their computers will likely be down if the disaster has affected power (as most do).  And this means that they, and you, have no record of your account.  Having cash on hand will ensure you can buy supplies from stores or other vendors, and refill your gas tank.  Don't forget to include coins in your supply, in case you need to utilized vending machines or pay phones along the way.

 

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• Shelter

The two most important questions to ask yourself regarding shelter are:  where can I safely take shelter during certain specific types of emergencies, and where will I need to take shelter after. 

During.   Many kinds of disasters (flood, fire, hurricane, mudslide, etc.)  will require you to leave your home if you are in an affected area -- either for a designated emergency shelter, a motel, or a distant residence belonging to friends or family, or etc. .  Be sure to read about transportation and communication and make a plan in advance.   In your evacuation plan  include possible routes of departure, meeting points, and out of state contact persons.  Don't forget to bring your portable emergency kit.

Other kinds of disasters, such as an earthquake or tornado, may require you to take shelter where you are, or to quickly move to a safer shelter near by. 

An earthquake for example comes without warning and so allows very little time to evacuate.  Therefore, unless your building is in danger of collapsing, your best bet is to shelter under a sturdy desk or table or in a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.  If none of these are possible, shelter against a load-bearing wall.  Keep away from windows, light fixtures, or anything else that might shatter or come loose and fall on you.  Protect your head and eyes.  Be prepared to cover your nose if collapsing rubble creates dust and debris particles.  Stay put until the shaking stops. If you must evacuate use the stairs, never the elevator, and beware of falling objects, both inside and directly outside the building.  If you are outside, stay away from power lines, lighting and power poles, buildings, or anything else that might fall on you.  If you are in your car, stay there -- unless your car happens to be trapped (as by traffice) under something that may fall or collapse.   Read more about earthquakes.

In the event of a tornado, FEMA advises:  Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.   If you are outside, or in a car or mobile home, get to a sturdy nearby shelter, taking shelter in the basement -- or if there is no basement, in the most interior room, on the bottom floor.  If no such shelter is nearby, find a ditch and lay as flat as you can.

 

After.  Where you stay after a disaster strikes depends on a number of factors.  In many cases you will remain in your home, making do with the emergency supplies we have outlined.  In some cases, as when your home has been damaged by earthquake, flood, or landslide however you will need to find an emergency shelter, stay with friends or family, or pitch a tent in a neighbor's backyard or in a near by open space.  Because natural and manmade disasters cannot be predicted, we advise that you be prepared for all of these possibilities.  Make a plan with your family about possible evacuation routes and meeting places, keep a tent on hand, and after a disaster, use radio or other means to find out where emergency shelters have been set up.    Remember, do not stay in your home if local authorities have advised evacuation or if your home or the land on which it is situated is unstable.  Gas leaks, toxic chemicals or biohazards, or flash flood dangers may also make your home unsafe.

 

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• Warmth

  

   

  good quality sleeping bags (have extras for doubling up in extreme cold, or in case soiled by vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)

  tent (can even be used indoors, if heat/power is out, to conserve warmth)

  portable propane camping heater and propane canisters (use only with proper ventilation)

  self-inflating mattresses, foam pads, and etc. can provide additional insulation against cold floor/ground.

  sleep in a hooded sweater or coat, don't forget mittens/gloves and dry socks

  wear multiple layers to trap extra heat

  stay dry

  small generator to run heating system for short periods  (follow safety guidelines with extreme care)

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• Cooling off without electricity

  

  plastic spray bottles filled with clean water (do not use bottles which have contained cleaning products or other toxins/irritants -- new bottles can be purchased at hardware stores or Smart & Final)

  dip wash cloths or clean rags in water and use to wet the skin

  a small wading pool filled with clean water

  stay in the shade and take advantage of mild breezes where possible

  remember that taking advantage of car air-conditioning will deplete your gas tank -- use sparingly.

  rest quietly to keep body from producing more heat

  drink lots of water (your body's own sweat will help cool you)

  avoid drinks and foods with caffeine as this will dehydrate you -- as will alcohol

  learn first aide techniques on how to handle extreme overheating

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• Sanitation

  Sanitation is one of those basic needs that most of us, spoiled by modern conveniences, don't' even think about.   However good sanitation practices become a matter of life and death if we do not know how to properly cope without a functioning toilet and our usual methods of washing up to prevent germs. 

  baby wipes or moist towelettes (for washing yourself without water)

  large plastic trash bags -- x-large and kitchen size -- and twist ties (for holding garbage as well as fecal waste)

  bucket lined with medium plastic trash bag (to use as make-shift toilet), preferably with a tight-fitting lid

  paper towels

  extra toilet paper

  hand sanitizing lotion

  spray cleaner (for cleaning food prep surfaces w/out water)

  feminine hygiene products

 

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• Clean Air

Some emergency situations threaten our number one need: oxygen.  Fires, volcanic eruption, severe dust storms, and various other disasters  (such as tornados and the 9/11 Twin Towers disaster) can fill the air with dust and debris.  Most of us take for granted the luxury of being able to breath and see without effort.  But swirling dust and ash can make every moment a torment, and create health issues that can last for days or weeks, or even lead to death.  Biological or chemical threats pose a hazard of even greater risk.  While most of us don't have access to the gear professional emergency response teams use for these situations, we can give ourselves a great deal of protection using the following supplies:

dust masks

goggles

plywood, cardboard/plastic sheeting (or heavyweight garbage bags) & duct tape

All of the above supplies can be purchased at your local hardware store.  The last group of items should be used to seal off your home or office from ash, biological hazards, or toxic dust or gas.  Seal around doors and windows (seal with plywood if glass has broken, as during an explosion or quake), and remember to seal vents for the stove, fireplace, etc.   Do not use fireplaces, propane heaters or cook stoves or  gas operated generators indoors under these conditions (extreme ventilation is required). 

Another useful item is the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration) fans and air cleaners.  These actually remove contaminants from the air, including biological contaminants.  However they will not stop deadly chemical gases.  Most are limited by the requirement for electricity.

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• Communication & Information

  Keeping informed about what is going is important before, during, and after an emergency or natural disaster.   Keeping tuned in through radio, television, and the Internet is a good way to find out about developing situations as soon as possible, so that you will have more time to respond.  

  Keep in mind however that power may go out, so it's important to have at least one phone in your home that doesn't require electricity to operate.   Also phone lines may be down, so a cell phone is advisable.  However it is not uncommon for cell phone service to go down temporarily during a disaster.  This is why families must make a plan in advance about what to do, where to go, and how to connect during/after an emergency.

  Remember too that if power is out, a battery operated radio is essential for keeping yourself informed. Although a car radio may be used in many situations, it may not always be convenient or safe to be outside.  In addition it's important not to run down the car battery.

  Finally, whether you stay home or evacuate, you may need to communicate with others about your whereabouts with a note or sign.   A large sign taped inside the window can let neighbors and rescuers know your status, especially alerting them to anyone in your party needing medication attention.  In extreme cases, paint could be used to leave a hard to miss sign for rescue teams.

  In general you should have:

  battery-powered radio and extra batteries

  cell phone

  whistle

  markers/pens and paper

  signal flares and lighter

  flashlight  (to signal during dark hours. more effective indicator of your location than just yelling)

   

   

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• Tools & Misc. Equipment

             

  scissors sewing needle and thread tweezers can opener lighters and matches wrench and pliers WD-40 and Vaseline screwdrivers (for replacing batteries) strong rope and zip ties hammer and nails duct tape axe compass

  bucket plywood (for boarding up and quick repair to structure) tarp work gloves Ziploc baggies, large  -- (for protecting food, electronics, and other supplies from dirt and insects; and to use in place of a bowl for mixing and re-hydrating foods aluminum foil (used to wrap foods for roasting over a fire or in hot coals, can also line a pan to avoid soiling/washing) carbon monoxide detector (important if using portable propane heater or generator in confined space) smoke detector (important if using fire for heat, lighting, cooking, or etc. while indoors or in RV) gasoline (for generators or to refuel car during evacuation) fire extinguishers shovel (a small camp shovel will do) rope

NEXT PAGE>    Providing for Children Don't Forget to Plan for Your Pets Additional Resources Info for Kids

 

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Your Portable Kit

Who Can You Count on for Help, and How Soon?

Additional Resources

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