Emergency Checklist

Call Your Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross Chapter

• Find out which disasters could occur in your area.
• Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
• Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.
• Learn your community's evacuation routes.
• Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons.

Also . . .

• Ask your workplace about emergency plans.
• Learn about emergency plans for your children's school or day care center.

Create an Emergency Plan

• Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies. Explain how to respond to each.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
• Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
• Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit

Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffle bag.

Include:

• A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• A first aid kit and prescription medications.
• A extra pair of glasss.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• Credit cards and cash.
• An extra set of car keys.
• A list of family physicians.
• A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Home Hazard Hunt

In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
• Fasten shelves securely and brace overhead light fixtures.
• Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
• Strap water heater to wall studs.
• Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
• Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.
• Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
• Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents.

If You Need to Evacuate

• Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of emergency shelters. Follow instructions of local officials.

If you are sure you have time . . .

• Shut off water, gas and electricity, if instructed to do so.
• Let others know when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in public shelters.

Prepare an Emergency Car Kit Include:

• Battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
• Blanket
• Booster cables
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
• First aid kit and manual
• Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter

Fire Safety

• Plan two escape routes out of each room.
• Practice fire drills at least twice a year.
• Teach family members to stay low to the ground when escaping from a fire.
• Teach family members never to open doors that are hot. In a fire, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way out.
• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Clean and test them at least once a month. Change batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household in case of fire.
• Check electrical outlets. Do not overload outlets.
• Purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
• Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your house.
• Consider installing home sprinklers