Emergency Preparedness
The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have left
many people concerned and uncertain about what might happen next. However, there
are some commonsense steps you can take in case of an unexpected emergency,
whether caused by terrorism or by a natural disaster.
What You Can Do to Prepare
1. Create an emergency communications plan.
Choose an out-of-town contact your family or household will call or e-mail to
check on each other should a disaster occur. Your selected contact should live
far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same
event, and they should know they are the chosen contact. Make sure every household
member has that contact's information as well . Leave these contact numbers at
your children's schools, if you have children, and at your workplace. Your family
should know that if telephones are not working, they need to be patient and try
again later or try e-mail. Many people flood the telephone lines when emergencies
happen but e-mail can sometimes get through when calls don't.
2. Establish a meeting place.
Having a predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and
minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may
even want to make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case
of an emergency. Be sure to include any pets in these plans, since pets are
not permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them.
3. Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
If you need to evacuate your home or are asked to "shelter in place," having
some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel
bag or small plastic trash can. Include "special needs" items for any member
of your household (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older
people), first aid supplies (including prescription medications), a change of
clothing for each household member, a sleeping bag or bedroll for each, a battery
powered radio or television and extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools.
It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents
(birth certificates, passports and licenses) in your kit.
Copies of essential documents-like powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates,
insurance policies, life insurance beneficiary designations and a copy of your
will-should also be kept in a safe location outside your home. A safe deposit
box or the home of a friend or family member who lives out of town is a good
choice.
For more complete instructions, ask your local
Red Cross chapter for the brochure titled
Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit (stock number A4463).
4. Check on the school emergency plan of any school-age children you may
have.
You need to know if they will they keep children at school until a parent or
designated adult can pick them up or send them home on their own. Be sure that
the school has updated information about how to reach parents and responsible
caregivers to arrange for pickup. And, ask what type of authorization the school
may require to release a child to someone you designate, if you are not able
to pick up your child. During times of emergency the school telephones may be
overwhelmed with calls.
For more information on putting together a disaster plan, request a copy of
the brochure titled
Your Family Disaster Plan (A4466) from your local American Red Cross chapter.
You may also want to request a copy of
Before Disaster Strikes . . . How to Make Sure You're Financially Prepared
(A5075) for specific information on what you can do now to protect your assets.
If Disaster Strikes
- Remain calm and be patient.
- Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
- Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
- If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and
get help for seriously injured people.
- If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage
using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical
switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff
for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a
leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside
quickly.
- Shut off any other damaged utilities.
- Confine or secure your pets.
- Call your family contact—do not use the telephone again unless it
is a life-threatening emergency.
- Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.
