Download Disaster_Plan_and_Kit_Basics

Disaster Plan-Volunteers
Slide 1
Disasters may occur at any time. Make a plan to protect you and your family.
Slide 2
Why talk about a Family Disaster Plan?
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning - It can force you to evacuate your
neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services, such as
water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will
be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
Families can and do cope with disaster - by preparing in advance and working together
as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.
Slide 3
Familiarize yourself with warning systems or signs that an event could occur. Knowing
about the local emergency plans for shelter and evacuation and local emergency contacts
will help you develop your household plan. Having a plan during an emergency will
reduce the stress of the situation
These basic components of disaster planning could prove to be life saving: Prepare an
emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed of different
emergencies and appropriate responses.
Slide 4
You should have on hand enough basic supplies for every individual in your household
and pet to survive for three days. Keep them in an easy-to-carry backpack, carton, or
duffel bag in a convenient place known to all family members, in case you need to
evacuate quickly. This could be an event such as a flash flood, major chemical
emergency, bioterrorism attack or illness pandemic.
Slide 5
Kits for home and car, include:
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Food and water for three days per person
First aid kit
Battery or solar powered radio
Flashlight w/extra batteries
Can opener
Dust mask
Whistle to get responders attention
Consider family needs: Kids (diapers, formula, toys/books), medications, and pets
Tips for Your Disaster Supplies Kit
• Keep a smaller Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of each car - If you become
stranded or are not able to return home, having some items will help you to be
more comfortable until help arrives.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags - This will help protect them from damage or
spoiling.
• Replace stored food and water every six months - Replacing your food and
water supplies will help ensure their freshness.
• Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year - Replace batteries,
update clothes, etc.
• Use an easy-to-carry container for the supplies you would most likely need
for an evacuation - Label it clearly. Possible containers include:
• A large, covered trash container.
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A camping backpack.
A duffel bag.
A cargo container that will fit on the roof of your vehicle.
Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications - It may be
difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed
or supplies may be limited.
Other items that should be included in the disaster supply kit are as follows:
Credit card and cash
Personal identification
An extra set of car keys
Matches in a waterproof container
Signal flare
Map of the area and phone numbers of places you could go
And special needs - for example, diapers or formula, prescription medicines and copies
of prescriptions, hearing aid batteries, spare wheelchair battery, spare eyeglasses, or other
physical needs.
Slide 6
You should put together your disaster kit based on your family’s needs and storing
capabilities. Take a moment to look over this list of supplies that should be included in
your kit.
Slide 7
Here are some more items to think about to include in your kit.
Slide 8
Consider preparing a supply of food that would last approximately two weeks. The
easiest way to develop a two-week stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you
normally keep on your shelves. If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are
high in fat and protein and don’t stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty.
Familiar foods can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also,
consider canned foods that won’t require cooking, water, or special preparation.
Slide 9
If you lose power:
First, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator, then use the foods from the
freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer
contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice
crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days.
Finally, begin to use nonperishable foods and staples.
Slide 10
The right foods for your family will vary from household to household. Keep in mind
that during some emergencies, you could be without power for long periods of time.
Stock nutritious foods that will keep you full, longer. Also keep in mind any specialty
foods your family will require, such as, food for infants, elderly or any other special diets
needed.
Slide 11
Just as there are foods that are necessary or staple, there are also foods that should be
avoided. Anything that requires preparation such as pastas, beans or grains could prove
difficult to make. Other items such as bottled foods and meal-sized canned goods should
be avoided as well. These items are typically bulky. Items made from glass could break
easily.
Take what you need, not necessarily what you want.
Slide 12
Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency.
• Store water in plastic containers, such as soft drink plastic bottles - Seal
containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Replace water every
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six months. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk
cartons or glass bottles.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water, or a minimum of three gallons per
person - It is strongly recommended to have more water if possible. Use one-half
gallon per day for drinking, and one-half gallon for cooking and sanitation. A
normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot
environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children,
nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Store your three-day supply in a
handy place. You need to have water packed and ready in case there is no time to
fill water bottles when disaster strikes.
Slide 13
Chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores
that do not contain 5.25 percent hypochlorite as the active ingredient are not
recommended and should not be used.
Slide 14
Melt ice cubes or use water from undamaged hot water tanks, toilet tanks (not the
bowl), and water pipes if you need additional water.
If you need to find water outside of your home, you can use rainwater; streams,
rivers, and other moving bodies of water; ponds and lakes; and natural springs. If
you question its purity, be sure to treat the water first. Avoid water with floating
material, an odor, or a dark color. Use saltwater, only, if you distill it first. Do NOT
drink flood water.
You can use distillation as a means of sanitizing water. The instructions are outlines on
this slide.
Slide 15
In any emergency, you, or a family member, may be injured. Having basic first-aid
supplies on hand will help you keep you, and your family, well in the event of a disaster.
Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. You may
consider taking a first aid class, but simply having these basic items can help you stop
bleeding, prevent infection, and assist in decontamination.
Slide 16
Over the counter drugs will be useful in the first-aid kit to help treat minor aches and
pains, stomach upset, or other concern.
Slide 17
Having food, water & first aid supplies are of the utmost importance. Sanitation and
hygiene are also key. Maintaining personal space and bathing when possible will help
keep unwanted illnesses at bay.
Try to remember that some emergency situations could eliminate utilities such as power
and water. In the event restrooms become inoperable, having plastic garbage bags and a
small shovel will come in handy for maintaining a clean environment.
Slide 18
Each family is different, and has different needs. Be sure to bring along necessary items
for babies, elderly family members, and pets.
Slide 19
Having copies or originals of personal documents for your family and yourself could save
time and reduce stress. Keeping these documents with you can also prevent of theft of
sensitive information.
Slide 20
Being a responsible pet owner during an emergency is extremely important, not only to
the community but to your family and your pet. Some things to keep in mind while you
are preparing your disaster kit are:
• Having the appropriate food and water for three days
• Medications
• Back-up Id tags, leash as well as copies of adoption papers, vaccination and
medical documents
• Crate or pet carrier in case you need to evacuate
• Sanitary supplies-newspapers, trash bags, etc.
• It is always good to have a current picture of you and your pet for easy
identification
• Toys and treats to make them more comfortable
Something to keep in mind: no laws mandate shelters to allow pets in their facilities, so
plan on what locations would be safe for you and your pet
Slide 21
Family pets and animals stressed during disasters and may act differently. A normally
docile pet may become aggressive or try to run away.
Having the appropriate handling items such as, muzzles or kennel crates can aid in
reducing your pet’s stress as well as keep your family and others safe from aggressive
behavior.
Slide 22
Even if left with food and water, a pet’s chance of survival in your home, alone, during
and after a disaster are very slim. Letting it loose is also a bad idea. The stress of the
disaster and an animal’s unpredictability during these situations could mean never seeing
that animal again. If you have warning, bring your pets inside before the incident. The
best thing you can do is to plan ahead for your pet’s sake.
Slide 23
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Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will
contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.
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Consider a plan where each family member calls or emails the same friend or
relative in the event of an emergency.
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You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be down
altogether, but be patient.
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It may be easer to make a long distance phone call than to call across town, so an
out of town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated
family members. Be sure each person knows the phone number and has coins or
a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
Slide 24
Putting together checklists for family members can make enduring a disaster a little less
stressful. They will also ensure that you and your family have a reference to remember
the items that will be needed.
Slide 25
Taking a Red Cross first aid or CPR class can be beneficial for the entire family. All
family members, including children should be taught how to use fire extinguishers and
know where they are kept.
Slide 26
Practice makes perfect. It is an excellent idea practice emergency drills with your family.
Slide 27
Organizations, like the Red Cross, and government agencies, like FEMA, have website
that have valuable information when forming emergency plans. Being informed means
being safe.
Slide 28
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Evacuate immediately if told to do so - Authorities do not ask people to
leave unless they truly feel lives may be in danger. Follow their advice.
Listen to local radio or television and follow the instructions of local
emergency officials - Local officials will provide you with the most
appropriate advice for your particular situation.
Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes - Disaster areas and debris
contain many hazards. The most common injury following disasters is cut
feet.
Lock your home - Others may evacuate after you or return before you.
Secure your house as you normally would when leaving for extended
periods.
Use travel routes specified by local authorities - Don’t use shortcuts
because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
If you have only moments before leaving - grab the following items and
go:
• First aid kit, including prescription medications, dentures, extra
eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries.
• Disaster Supply Kit and Evacuation Supply Kit.
• A change of clothes, a sleeping bag or bedroll, and a pillow for
each household member.
• Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend’s or
relative’s home).
Slide 29
If you are sure you have time and there is not an immediate evacuation order, you can
take steps to protect your home and belongings:
• Bring all pets into the house and confine them to one room, if you can. If
necessary, make arrangements for your pets. Pets may try to run if they
feel threatened. Keeping them inside and in one room will allow you to
find them quickly if you need to leave.
• Put your Disaster Supply Kit and Evacuation Supply Kit in your vehicle or
by the door if you may be leaving on foot. Notify your family contact
where you are going and when you expect to get there. Relatives and
friends will be concerned about your safety. Letting someone know your
travel plans will help relieve the fear and anxiety of those who care.
• Bring things indoors. Lawn furniture, trash cans, children’s toys, garden
equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants, and any other objects that may be
blown around or swept away should be brought indoors.
• Look for potential hazards. Look for objects in trees such as loose
branches around your property that could blow or break off and fly around
in strong winds. Cut them off and store them indoors until the storm is
over. If you have not already cut away dead or diseased branches or limbs
from trees and shrubs, leave them alone. Local rubbish collection services
will not have time before the storm to pick anything up.
• Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker, and turn off water at
the main valve - Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave natural gas
on because you will need it for heating and cooking when you return
home. If you turn gas off, a licensed professional is required to turn it back
on, and it may take weeks for a professional to respond.
• Turn off propane gas service - Propane tanks often become damaged or
dislodged in disasters.
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If strong winds are expected, cover the outside of all the windows of
your home - Use shutters that are rated to provide significant protection
from windblown debris, or pre-fit plywood coverings over all windows.
If flooding is expected, consider using sand bags to keep water away
from your home - It takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100
sandbags, giving you a wall one foot high and 20 feet long. Make sure you
have enough sand, burlap, or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers, and
time to place them properly.
Slide 30
If your home or residence does not provide adequate shelter for a specific emergency,
you should have a back-up plan. During some emergencies, utilizing the texting feature
to 4FEMA or 43362 will provide information about shelters that are near you. Again, not
all shelters will accommodate family pets so be certain you have incorporated their safety
into your personal disaster plan.
Slide 31
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Persons with disabilities, or those who may have mobility problems (such
as elderly persons), should prepare as anyone else. If you think you may
need assistance in a disaster, discuss your needs with relatives, friends, or
co-workers and ask for their help. If you need help moving or require
special arrangements to receive emergency messages, make those plans
ahead of time. Make sure they know where you keep your disaster
supplies. Give a key to a neighbor or friend who may be able to assist you
in a disaster.
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Give a copy of your list of important items to another family member and
a friend or neighbor. Important items might include:
Special equipment and supplies, for example, hearing aid batteries, oxygen tanks,
walkers, specialty personal hygiene products.
Current prescription names and dosages.
Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors and pharmacists.
Detailed information about the specifications of your medication regime.
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Contact your local emergency management office. Many local emergency
management offices maintain registers of people with disabilities and their
needs so they can be located and assisted quickly in a disaster.
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Wearing medical alert bracelets may save your life if you are in need of
medical attention and unable to communicate.
Slide 32
The hearing-impaired can use NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature connected
to lights. When a watch or warning is issued for your area, the light would alert you to
potential danger.
If you have a service animal, be aware that it may become confused or disoriented in an
emergency.
Slide 33
Listen to the advice of local officials - People with disabilities have the same choices as
other community residents about whether to evacuate their homes and where to go when
an emergency threatens. Decide whether it is better to leave the area, stay with a friend,
or go to a public shelter. Each of these decisions requires planning and preparation.
If you need a wheelchair, show friends how to operate your wheelchair so they can
move you if necessary - Make sure friends know the size of your wheelchair in case it
has to be transported, and where to get a battery if needed.
If you have a service animal, remember to store extra food, water, and supplies for it.
Trained service animals will be allowed to stay in emergency shelters with their owners.
Check with local emergency management officials for more information.
Slide 34
The following are web sites you may want to visit for more information. To find the
nearest shelter in your area text shelter and your zip code to 4FEMA.
Slide 35
Here are some other additional websites that contain very useful information.
Slide 36
Staying calm will keep your family safe when returning home. Local authorities will
provide the most appropriate advice for your particular situation. First, ensure the wellbeing of your family. Once that has been established, you can check on others. Upon
return, be sure to wear appropriate clothing, as there may be damage to the area
surrounding your home.
Slide 37
Once home, family can be contacted, to let them know you are safe. Phone lines are
likely to be overwhelmed, so minimize non-essential calls, to make sure emergency
responders can communicate with people who need them. Check on the water supply,
and make sure you have enough to last if clean water is not readily available. Avoid
hazardous situations, like downed power lines, and report them to the proper authorities,
if possible.
Slide 38
In case of a disaster, there are many organizations that handle disaster relief. The main
government agency is FEMA – the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There are
also non-profit or religious organizations that have local chapters to respond to
emergencies.