BEFORE DURING AFTER
Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three
days by putting together a disaster supplies
kit, including: non-perishable food, one
gallon of water per person per day,
flashlight(s), a portable battery operated
radio or television, batteries, medicines,
anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel, a first-aid
kit, money, seasonal clothing, and sanitation
supplies.
Conduct practice drills so you and your
family know the safe locations in your
home for each type of emergency. Decide
how and where your family will reunite if
separated.
Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that
separated family members can call to report
their whereabouts and conditions.
Leam first aid and CPR from your local
Red Cross chapter or other community
organizations.
Leam how to shut off gas, water and
electricity in case the lines are damaged.
Make sure insurance coverage is up-to-date
and reflects present property values. Check
on flood insurance.
Compile an inventory of home contents.
Take pictures and/or video. Store in a safe
place.
Check chimneys, roofs, walls and
foundations for stability. Make sure your
house is bolted to its foundation.
Secure your water heater and major
appliances, as well as tall, heavy furniture,
hanging plants, picture frames and mirrors
(especially those over beds).
Make arrangements for pets.
Organize your neighborhood to be self
sufficient after a disaster.
If You Must Evacuate:
Follow directions of local officials.
Cany your disaster supplies kit with you.
Unplug appliances, turn off electricity, gas,
and main water valve. (Safety note: DO
NOT attempt to relight the gas pilot. Call
the utility company.)
If time permits, elevate or move furniture to
upper floors.
Tell someone outside of the storm area
where you are going.
Lock your home and leave.
If You Stay At Home:
Listen constantly to a battery-powered radio
or television.
Stay inside away from windows, skylights
and glass doors.
If power is lost, turn off major appliances,
and keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
For more information, contact your local
Emergency Management office, Health
Department, or American Red Cross
Chapter.
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Unless there is an immediate, life-
threatening emergency, do not attempt to
use the telephone. Be sure to:
Stay calm. Check on neighbors, especially
elderly or disabled.
Turn on your portable radio or television for
instructions and news reports. For your
own safety, cooperate fully with public
safety officials and heed their instructions.
Use a flashlight to cautiously check for gas
and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or
sewage lines. If there is damage, turn the
utility off at the source. Immediately report
gas leaks to your utility company. Check
for downed power lines; warn others to stay
away.
Check your home for cracks and damage,
including the roof, chimneys and
foundation.
Do not use your vehicle unless there is an
emergency. Keep the streets clear for
emergency vehicles. If you must drive,
watch for downed power lines, flooded
streets and highways, and undermined
roads.
Take pictures of the damage, both house
and contents, for insurance claims.
When electricity is lost for several hours or
days, frozen and refrigerated food may not
be safe to eat. Do not re-freeze thawed
food. Throw away all food that has been
under flood water, except canned food, but
wash and sanitize the cans before opening.
All food that cannot be saved should be
double-bagged for normal trash disposal or
buried at least two feet deep.
Conserve water if your septic system is
flooded.
If your water system lost pressure, boil
water for three minutes.
In warm weather, empty water out of
birdbaths, tires, flower pots and other
containers.
