Personal Preparedness

Disasters often times appear distant and almost unimaginable, but the tragic events of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina have made what was once unimaginable all too real. While it’s impossible to predict the exact nature of any future terrorist attempts, it is possible to take steps to prepare yourself for this, or any other type of large-scale emergency.

It is important to determine the plan of action you and your family will take if an emergency occurs. A disaster plan can help save lives and put loved ones out of harm’s way. However this is only the first step. It is also essential to share and practice this plan with all the members of your household and to make sure everyone knows the plan.

DISASTER PLAN

What You Can Do to Prepare Establish a communications plan Choose an out of town contact your family or household will call or email to check on each other should a disaster occur. Your contact should live far enough away that he or she would unlikely be affected by the same event. Let that person know that he or she is the contact.   Make sure everyone in your family or household has that person’s contact information. Leave the contact numbers at your home, at work, and at your children’s schools.   Many times phone lines don’t work during a disaster, but email can sometimes get through when calls don’t. 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 your neighborhood evacuated. Choose one meeting place at home or close to your house and another outside your neighborhood. Potential places to meet away from your home are a place of worship, a library or a school. A place that is common to all members of the family is important. Make sure everyone knows both meeting places. Practice evacuation routes Know where you will go if asked to evacuate your house or your neighborhood. Practice a few different routes, each leaving the neighborhood in a different direction. Remember in times of emergency, the route you take everyday might be blocked, so it is important to consider several options. The Boston Police have established evacuation routes for emergencies. These routes would be well marked if an emergency required their use. Check on the school emergency plan of any school age children you have Ask how they will communicate with families. Find out if your children’s school will keep students there until a parent or designated adult can pick them up or send them home on their own. 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. Don’t forget about your pets Most public shelters do not allow animals, so make arrangements for pets to stay with a friend or family member. Like humans, pets should have a survival kit, which should include Water, food, a leash/harness/muzzle, copy of vaccinations, any medicine, can opener, feeding schedule, a travel cage. If you cannot find a friend to take your pet in, call your local kennel. Also carry with you a color picture of your pet in order to search for your pet in case it gets lost. After you establish your emergency plan Make sure that the plan is accessible to all members of your household especially senior citizens and people with disabilities. Make sure everyone has a copy of the plan in his or her wallet or backpack. Include the family’s emergency contact phone number and email address. Also include the address of the second meeting place and it’s phone number. Practice the plan.    If disaster strikes, remember: Remain calm and be patient. Follow the advice of local emergency officials. Stay informed. Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions of emergency officials.  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 to a safe location. 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. 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 or visit the Red Cross website to download the material yourself. You may also want to request or download 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. This information comes from the “Family Disaster Plan” developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

DISASTER KIT

In the event of an emergency you may be asked to evacuate your home or office or “shelter in place.” Whether you are asked to evacuate your area or to stay where you are, essential services such as electricity and water may be temporarily disrupted, so it is important to have certain supplies on-hand ahead of time. Keep your disaster supply kit in an easy to carry container such as a duffle bag or plastic trashcan. Be sure to include special needs items for any member of your household (for example, infant formula, or items for person with disabilities). The following are some key items for a disaster supply kit: First aid supplies (aspirin, prescription medication, band aids, etc.) Enough food and water for each household member for three days. Because the power may be out, stock up on food that does not need to be heated or cooked. A change of clothing for everyone in your household A sleeping bag or blanket for each person A battery powered radio or television A whistle A flashlight Tools like screwdrivers and hammers Pet supplies such as toys and food Personal hygiene products Essential documents like power of attorney, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, and a copy of your will. For a complete listing of items recommended by the American Red Cross, please click on the following link: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/supplies.html