Introduction to Disasters
No matter what time of the year, there will be some sort of a disaster. It may be a house fire, high winds, flooding and maybe a hurricane or
tornado. No matter what it may be, you and your family should always have a plan prepared for evacuation or a safe place to hunker down
when a natural or the manmade disaster strikes. The following information is a guide for you to follow and may be modified to fit your needs.
The following subjects will be provided to you are:
- Planning route, place to stay.
- Packing list for evacuation.
Future Postings
Packing checklist and important documents
Plan ahead and buy items to pack a little at a time if you cannot afford purchases all at once.
If possible, carry 30 days of all medications.
Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
Possible containers include a large, Large heavy duty plastic footlocker, covered trash container; a large camping
backpack or a duffle bag.
Your preparation kit should include:
* A map of the state or a nation wide map.
* A black footlocker style storage trunk can be bought at Wal-Mart for $ 17.99 or less,
Which has two latches and is built for heavy use. This can be located in the car maint Dept.
* 1 ea 5 Gal can for gas. Keep empty till needed. Keep your car filled up during
hurricane season. There may be a mad run to the gas stations.
* 1 emergency car kit, which has basic tools, jumper cables, small air compressor,
flashlight which does not require batteries, a small hand crank radio and other needed
items. Can be found at Wally world (Wal-Mart) or hardware stores.
* 1 Family size first aid kit. Can be bought online, Red Cross or in any automotive store
or Wally world.
* 1 container for water (5 gal) for car emergency or personal use, use an official water can. Do
not use a milk jug, water can be stored for six months till you have to change it.
* Cash to be used during traveling since some gas stations may not want to do plastic.
* Manual can opener, flatware from camping gear or plastic ware. (If you have a problem using a
manual can opener, Bed and linens store has a $ 12.99 hand can opener which goes back and
forth crank and is easy for people that have problems with with your hands.
* Some canned goods (SPAM, or other canned meats,fruit, tuna) and any other snack foods,
drinks (No Sodas, they Dehydrate the body in the heat). Baby food and dry milk powder
or canned for long stays. Baby supplies also.
* Toilet paper 6 pack, a small box of kitchen garbage bags, folding shovel.
* Important documents (Keep in a waterproof container): last will, power of
attorney, deeds, titles, medical cards, credit cards, checkbook, insurance papers,
addresses and phone numbers of all outstanding bills, shot records, copies of medical
records, social security card, birth certificates, passports, bank account info, life
insurance, pet medical records. Put these items in a heavy duty zip-lock bags.
* Clothing to last for 30 days. One laundry bag for each person or a large one, Rain
gear and boots, hat, work gloves.
* Pets must have a pet kennel and leash, pet food, copy of shot records and current tags.
* Sleeping bags, travel pillows or regular size, blankets, air mattress or foam pads.
* Your Bible !
Optional items to take
Chain Saw, fuel / oil can in case of fallen trees in the road when you return.
Planning route and a place to stay
Do not wait to leave at the last minute when an evacuation is called out to the public by your local authorities.
The most common statement given by survivors "I wish I would have left when I was told to."
Follow the recommended Evacuation plan away from your area. Research what hotels / motels, Bed and
Breakfast, have their phone numbers and address printed and placed with your documents. If your family
members work in different places, you must have copies of the route and plan in each vehicle.
Please remember that during disaster evacuations, hotels at least 400 miles out fill up fast, so you may want
to call ahead and make reservations as soon as possible.
Notify one of your out of town relations where you are going. when you arrive at your evacuation point, call
them to let them know you made it safely.
Research locations of gas stations and truck stops.
If you do not have transportation, check with your local authorities to see if they have mass transportation
avilable for you ahead of time.
Pet Disaster Planning
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives. If you must evacuate, make sure you find a safe shelter for your pets. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them. Pets left behind can become injured, lost, ill or killed. So, prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.
Don't forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan. Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit.
Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be easily carried. Your pet disaster supplies
kit should include:
· Medications, immunization records and a first aid kit.
· Sturdy leashes, muzzles, harnesses, carriers or cages to transport pets safely. Carriers should be large enough for the
pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Include blankets or towels for bedding and warmth.
· Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
· Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener.
· Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your
veterinarian.
· Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets:
Many public disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations and other considerations. The
only animals allowed in some shelters are service animals that assist people with disabilities. Research your sheltering
options before a disaster strikes. Work with your local emergency management and humane organizations to develop sheltering alternatives for people with pets.
· Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets.
· Ask friends, relatives or others outside your area whether they could shelter your animals in an emergency.
· Prepare a list of animal shelters, boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency.
Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches:
· Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
· Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
· Bring all pets into the house so you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
· Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and up-to-date identification tags.
If You Shelter in Place ("Stay Put"):
· Identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together, including your pets.
· Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. Be sure they are wearing identification tags.
· Have medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers.
In Case You're Not Home:
Make arrangements in advance for a trusted meighbor to take your pets and meet you at a predetermined location.
Make sure that the person is comfortable around your pets, knows where they are likely to be, knows where your
disaster supplies are kept and has a key to your home. If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be able to help, but
discuss this possibility well in advance.
After a Disaster:
Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be
altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high
water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster. If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact
the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be reclaimed. Bring along a picture of your pet
if possible. Get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible. After a disaster, animals can become
aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior. If these problems persist or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.
Additional Resources:
All links open in a new browser window.
· Humane Society of the United States: Disaster Center http://www.hsus.org/ace/18730
· Find pet-friendly lodging in your area http://www.petswelcome.com
· Saving The Whole Family - The American Veterinary Medical Association Lots of links to disaster preparedness
sites for pets and animals http://www.avma.org/disaster/
· FEMA: Animals and Emergencies http://www.fema.gov/fema/anemer.shtm
· Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared from the American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/animalsafety.html
· Disaster Preparedness for Animals from the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies
http://www.vfhs.org/resource/disaster.htm
· Video: Animals in Emergencies from the Department of Homeland Security
http://emc.ornl.gov/CSEPPweb/animals/animals_emergencies_owner.htm Note that the Apple
Quick Time plug-in is required to view this video.
Content on this page was developed from materials provided by The Humane Society of the United States.
Individuals with Special Needs
Preparing and Planning:
If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect
yourself and your family in an emergency.
Visually impaired: May be extremely reluctant to leave familiar surroundings when the request for evacuation
comes from a stranger. A guide dog could become confused or disoriented in a disaster. People who are blind
or partially sighted may have to depend on others to lead them, as well as their dog, to safety during a disaster.
Hearing impaired: May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.
Mobility impaired: May need special assistance to get to a shelter.
Single working parent: May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies.
Non-English speaking persons: May need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community
and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed.
People without vehicles: May need to make arrangements for transportation.
People with special dietary needs Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.
People with medical conditions: Should know the location and availability of more than one facility if dependent
on a dialysis machine or other life- sustaining equipment or treatment.
People with mental retardation: May need help responding to emergencies and getting to a shelter.
People with dementia: Should be registered in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program
If you have special needs: Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community.
Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can
be provided.
Check for hazards in the home:
During and right after a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can
move, fall, break or cause fire is a home hazard. Check for items such as bookcases, hanging pictures, or
overhead lights that could fall in an earthquake or a flood and block an escape path.
Be ready to evacuate:
Have a plan for getting out of your home or building (ask your family or friends for assistance, if necessary).
Also, plan two evacuation routes because some roads may be closed or blocked in a disaster.
· Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your
needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
· Discuss your needs with your employer.
· If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair.
· If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make
arrangements to help you leave the building.
· Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, prescriptions,
food for service animals, and any other items you might need.
· Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
· Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.
· Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability.
· Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or
other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.
Additional Resources
Emergency preparedness information from DisabilityInfo.gov
Find links to additional preparedness information, grants, assistance, government policies, initiatives
and much more.
What to do if you are not going to evacuate.
If You Lose Electricity: Notify the power company immediately if you and your neighbors have lost power. Keep a traditional, non-cordless telephone available — it doesn’t require household electricity to operate. However, if you have fiber-optic telephone service, you might lose the ability to use the telephone when your home loses power, whether you use a non-cordless telephone or not. Check with your telephone service provider to see if they provide battery backup and consider purchasing an uninterruptible power source for your telephone. Be sure to keep your cell phone charged in case you need to make an emergency phone call. Turn off all major appliances. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
If you have a portable generator, only use it outside in a well-ventilated area, away from doors and windows. In cold weather, be prepared to drain water lines, pumps, supply lines and boilers because they can freeze and burst when power is lost.
Traditional analog telephone service carries voice information along a copper line, which also provides power to a non-cordless phone. When you switch to a digital telephone service, one that travels over fiber-optic lines, you lose Currently, Verizon is the only digital service provider that has a four-hour battery backup during an electrical outage. However, after four hours, you will have no telephone service, this applies to you.
Emergency Numbers:
Post emergency numbers near or program them into all your phones (fire, police, ambulance, utilities, your physician, etc.). Teach your children how to call these numbers and when it is appropriate to do so. Include emergency numbers for water/sewer, electricity and the National Poison Control Center, (800) 222-1222.
Utilities:
Know how, where and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home. Only turn off utilities if authorities instruct you to do so or if you suspect damaged lines. If you do turn off your utilities, do not turn them on again by yourself. You will need a professional to turn them back on.
Fire Extinguisher:
Keep a fire extinguisher where you can get to it easily and quickly. Have one on each level of your home, if possible. Be sure everyone knows how to use it, what types of fire it puts out and where it is kept.
Escape Routes and Safe Spots:
Determine the best escape routes out of your home. Find two ways out of each room. Also, find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. For example, if a tornado approaches, an interior room without windows on the lowest level is your best safe spot.
When an Emergency Occurs:
1. Follow your plan.
2. Listen to local radio or television for information about what you should do.
3. Be prepared to evacuate your home if authorities order you to do so.
4. Check for fires, electrical or other household hazards.
5. Check on your neighbors.
6. Call your family contact to check in.
7. Avoid driving except to evacuate. Be alert for road hazards, such as flooding. Never drive through floodwaters; they might
be deep enough to carry your vehicle away.
8. If the disaster occurs near you, be prepared to give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
9. Check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches.
10. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly. If you
shut off the gas valve,
you will need a professional to turn it back on.