Disaster Preparedness

If you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay. But unless you live in a coastal or low-lying area, an area that floods frequently, or in manufactured housing, it is unlikely that emergency managers will ask you to evacuate. 

Since you never know what form a natural disaster may take --hurricane, blizzard, tornado, flood -- your family should have an emergency readiness plan and disaster supply kit prepared.  To help you get a head start with planning, here are a few items you might want to include in your family's plan.

You may already have a disaster plan. If not, here’s a list to get you started.
 

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, wildfires and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
• Keep a portable radio close. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months.
• Know your escape routes—it’s good to have a primary and an alternate route planned ahead of time.
• Create a family contact card—family cell phone numbers, nearest out-of-state relatives, and other emergency contacts. Make a copy for everyone in your family.
• Know how to safely shut off the utilities—have the information handy so you’re not searching for it later.
• Review your insurance—get copies and review your property and life insurance policies. If you need extra coverage, get it now.
• Store your vital records—keep documents such as insurance policies, deeds and property records in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box. Make copies for your disaster kit.
• Save money—consider creating a separate emergency savings account you can access at any time.
• Plan for your pet’s needs—gather pet supplies such as food, pet carrier and leash. Store these items with your disaster kit. Ensure your pet has proper ID and up-to-date vet records.
• Safety skills—learn first aid, CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher.

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• If ordered to evacuate, do not wait or delay your departure.
• Select an evacuation destination that is nearest to your home, preferably in the same county, or at least minimize the distance over which you must travel in order to reach your intended shelter location.
• If you decide to evacuate to another county or region, be prepared to wait in traffic.
• If a hotel or motel is your final intended destination during an evacuation, make reservations before you leave.
• If you are unable to stay with friends or family and no hotel/motel rooms are available, then as a last resort go to a shelter.

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• 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, 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.

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