Create a disaster plan. Meet with
your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain
the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan
to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types
of disasters that are most likely to happen and explain what to do in
each case.
- Decide where your family members will meet after a disaster or emergency.
- Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact" whom
everyone will call if you are separated after a disaster.
- Write down all of these contact numbers and information on family
emergency contact cards.
Complete this checklist:
- Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance,
etc.).
- Teach children how and when to call 911.
- Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and
electricity.
- Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
- Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type).
- Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near
bedrooms.
- Conduct a home hazard hunt.
- Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out
of each room.
- Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
- Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least
once a year.
Evacuation Plan
- Local government officials, not the Red Cross, issue evacuation orders
when disaster threatens. Listen to local radio and television reports
when disaster threatens. If local officials ask you to leave, do so
immediately; they have a good reason for making this request.
- Coordinate your evacuation plan in advance when creating your family's
disaster plan. Ensure that you have planned several in the instance
of closed roads and routes.
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