| We all should be prepared for any
natural disasters hazards that may affect our area. Remember the floods
in Yosemite Valley, the huge fires of 40 years ago. the potential for
earthquakes or even volcanic eruption, and now the threat of terrorism.
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere;
at work, at school or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you
know if your children are safe? Disasters may force you to evacuate your
neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic
services; water, gas, electricity or telephones, were cut off or not
available?
Follow these basic steps to develop a
family disaster plan.
- Gather information about hazards.
Contact the National Weather Service office, Emergency Preparedness
Office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what types of
disasters could occur. Be familiar with the County Emergency
Alerting Systems and evacuation plans.
- Meet with your family and / or
neighbors to create a plan. Discuss the information you have
gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an
emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in
case you can’t return home. Choose an out of town friend as your
"family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the
family or neighbors get separated. Discuss what you would do if
advised to evacuate.
- Implement your plan. (1) Post
emergency telephone numbers by phones; (2) Install safety features
in your home, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; (3)
Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can
move, fall, break or catch fire) and correct them; (4) Have your
family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how
to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas,
and electricity in your home; (5) Teach children how and when to
call 911. (6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs
for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items
you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in
sturdy, easy to carry containers. Keep important family documents in
a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the
trunk of your car.
- Practice and maintain your plan.
Quiz your kids every 6 months so they remember what to do. Conduct
fire and emergency evacuation drills regularly. Replace stored water
every 3 months and stored food every 6 months. Test and / or replace
your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s
instructions. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the
batteries at least once a year.
A disaster supplies kit should
include: A 3 day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and
food that won’t spoil
- one change of clothing and footwear
per person
- one blanket or sleeping bag per
person
- a first aid kit, including
prescription medicines
- emergency tools, including a
battery powered portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra
batteries
- an extra set of car keys and a
credit card or cash
- special items for infant, elderly
or disabled family members.
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