Family Disaster Plan

Planning ahead of time is important in preparation and response to a disaster.

 q       Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen.  Explain what to do in each case.

 q       Learn about your community's warning systems.  What should you do when they are activated?

 q       Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.

 q       Pick two places to meet:

1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case of an Evacuation.

 q       Ask an out of state friend or family member to be your family contact".  After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.  Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are.  Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

 q       Discuss what to do in an Evacuation.  Plan how to take care of your pets.

 q       Determine the best escape routes from your home.  Find two ways out of each room.

 q       Find the safest spot in your home for each of the types of disaster.

 q       Teach children how and when to call 911.

 q       Teach family members where the fire extinguisher is kept and show them how to use it.

 q       Shoe each family member how and when to shut off the water, gas, and electricity at the main valves, meters or boxes.

 q       Conduct a home hazard hunt.

 q       Assemble and stock an Emergency Preparedness Kit.

 q       Take a first aid and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class.

 q       Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills and update your plan annually.