Things You'll Need:
- Chemical toilet
- Rubber and leather gloves
- Particle masks
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Step 1
Store enough drinking water to last each family member for three days. Plan to store at least a gallon per person per day and include some water for your pets. Also store some water for washing.
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Step 2
Have a three-day supply of non-perishable food stored for each family member.
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Step 3
Use permanent storm shutters over your windows or cut pieces of 5/8-inch plywood to fit over each window. Have them ready to install on the outside of your windows.
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Step 4
Attach your roof to the frame of your house with straps or other devices to reduce damage.
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Step 5
Keep trees and shrubs near your buildings trimmed and clear any debris from rain gutters and downspouts.
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Step 1
Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, broken glass, washouts or debris in roads or on buildings.
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Step 2
Boil drinking water to kill bacteria before using it, if you suspect contamination caused by the emergency.
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Step 3
Wait to turn on your domestic well pump until you are sure the power service is intact, then have your water tested for contaminants after it is safe to turn on the pump.
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Step 4
Ensure water is not standing above the septic tank level before using your sanitary sewer system or until repairs have been made to public sewer systems. Use a chemical toilet.
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Step 5
Drain standing water from flooding to control moisture that can lead to mold. Wear rubber gloves and a particle mask when handling wet, moldy items or debris.
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Step 6
Pile debris in safe locations--not near fire hydrants, utility boxes or meters. Keep children from playing on debris piles. Use local guidelines for separating recyclable materials to avoid overloading landfills.
