Suggested Actions to Take at Home

This material is excerpted from the booklet Preparing for Disaster, published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Order it at 1-800-480-2520.

For Your Home

• Get informed.
  1. Check with local agencies such as the Red Cross or community disaster planning agencies to gain an understanding of community resources.
  2. Make a family plan.
     • All family members should know what to do, where to go, and whom to call in case of an emergency.
     • Decide on an out-of-town contact that all family members can call; this can be family central.
     • Have a family communication plan in writing, and make sure everyone has a copy.
     • Identify escape routes and safe places.
     • Plan for your pets.
     • Plan for those with special needs.
     • Prepare for different types of emergencies.
• Adopt this action list.
  1. Determine what to do about your utilities.
  2. Get a fire extinguisher and keep it charged.
  3. Check on your insurance coverage.
  4. Take Red Cross first-aid and CPR courses.
  5. Take an inventory of your home possessions.
  6. 158 Safeguard important family documents.
  7. Minimize your home hazards.
• Assemble disaster supplies kit at home.
  1. Water: Have one gallon of water per person per day on hand, and keep at least three days’ worth.
  2. Food
     • Ready-to-eat canned meats, vegetables, fruits, juices, milk and soup
     • Staples for cooking—sugar, salt, and pepper
     • High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix
     • Vitamins
     • Formula or food for infants and for people on special diets
     • Comfort/stress foods: cookies, hard candy, cereal, lollipops, instant coffee, and tea bags
  3. Pet supplies: Food, blankets, leashes, chew toys
  4. First-aid supplies
     • Assorted bandages and gauze pads
     • Cleaning agent/soap
     • Hypoallergenic adhesive tape and latex gloves
     • Assorted sizes of safety pins, tweezers, and scissors
     • Needle, antiseptic, thermometer, and tongue blades
     • Moistened towelettes and petroleum jelly
  5. Clothing and bedding
     • Sturdy shoes, rain gear, sunglasses, hat and gloves, warm coats, thermal underwear, and other winter gear if you live in a cold climate
     • Blankets or sleeping bags
  6. Tools and emergency supplies
     • Paper cups and plates, and plastic utensils
     • Flashlight and radio, with extra batteries for each
     • Utility knife, can opener, pliers, compass, and map
     • Fire extinguisher and shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water
     • Plastic sheeting, tube tent, aluminum foil, duct tape, plastic containers, matches, paper and pencil
     • Plastic garbage bags with ties, a bucket with a tight lid, household chlorine bleach, and disinfectant
  7. 159Special items
     • Baby supplies, such as bottles and diapers
     • Necessary medications or medicines, extra eyeglasses/contacts, dentures, and other special supplies
     • Important family and financial documents in a waterproof, portable container
  8. Maintain your plan.
     • Review every six months.
     • Run drills.
     • Restock outdated food supplies.
     • Test your fire extinguisher.
• In case of a disaster:
  1. If instructed to take shelter, do so at once.
  2. If instructed to evacuate, know what to do and where to go.
  3. After the disaster, follow instructions.
  4. Know what to do if power is lost.

In Your Car

1. Flashlight, extra batteries, and maps
2. First-aid kit and manual
3. White distress flag
4. Tire repair kit, jumper cables, pump, and flares
5. Bottled water and non-perishable foods (e.g., granola bars)
6. Seasonal supplies
   • Winter: blanket, hat, mittens, shovel, tire chains, windshield scraper, fluorescent distress flag
   • Summer: sunscreen lotion, shade umbrella, hat or visor
7. Sturdy shoes