How to Prepare for a Disaster-Natural or Not

Always be prepared in the event of an emergency whether it is natural or man made. Have a plan that the entire family has been covered on and review it frequently.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• water, food, flashlights,extra clothing, blankets and family prescription medication.

1. There are many types of natural disasters like hurricanes and sometimes tornadoes where we are forewarned, but yet there are still some people that scramble at the last minute to try to gather up just the basic supplies to get by on for survival. Often times in a panic most of us just can't think that clearly and quickly. On the other hand if you live in a state like California which is prone to earthquakes, then there is no warning at all.
   
   There are also more disasters like the horrible events of 9/11 which are not natural but because of the times we live in are cause for us to really take being prepared for disasters a moral imperative.

2. Having all the right things for a emergency will mean little if prior plans for your family and other close love ones are not made. The Red Cross is a good start for finding out what supplies are best for a particular disaster. Of course you can up or downsize accordingly to your family size, but it is always better to have more because you never know how long you may be out of your home.
   
   Do your homework and find out what the emergency warnings sounds are in your commmunity and how to react to them. Also find out about the disaster plan at your job, your children's school or day care center.
   
   Keep emergency numbers near your phone.
   
   Have discussions with your children so they will have an understanding about the possible dangers of fire,earthquakes, hurricanes or any other emergency situation and do it in a way that does not scare them. Also teach younger children how and when to dial 911.
   
   Draw a floor plan of you house and mark at least two escape routes out. Go over the plan in a family meeting at least every three months,especially if you have younger children.
   
   In case of a fire at your house, designate a meeting place for the entire family. A neighbor's house close by is the best place to meet. If a disaster occurs away from the home then pick a place outside of your neighborhood to meet. In case the family gets separated have an out of town or even out of state relative be a central contact where all family members can call to give their whereabouts and find out about missing family members who may have called also.
   
   Let's not forget our pets. A plan should also be adopted for pets who many times are not allowed in shelters. (We all know what happened in Hurricane Katrina). In family meetings go over with everyone on how to evacuate a pet.
   
   If you have a disabled person or elderly parents living with you there are extra steps that need to be taken to make sure that they are safe. To get more information on this go to the www.redcross.org.
   
   One last step for being prepared is to make sure all your home and personal insurance policies are kept in your evacuation bag. Also keep another copy in sealed waterproof plastic bags inside a fireproof safe in case you are not at home when a disaster strikes.

3. Here is a basic list of essentials to have prepared for an emergency when you are at home and have time to get out.
   
   1. Water-a minimum of a three day supply. Allow 1 gallon per person per day. The water is both for drinking and sanitary purposes.
   
   2. Food-again a minimum three day supply per person.Items should include only non-perishables. Keep items on hand like the following canned goods....tuna, meat, fruit, juices, etc. Also carry along high energy goods such as candy and granola bars.For infants have baby food in jars and powdered formula.
   
   Note: Monitor and use items whose expiration dates are coming up. Just keep replenishing your survival bag as needed.
   
   3. First Aid Kit-have a fully stocked first aid kit packed and ready at all times. Also have prescription drugs ready along with the pharmacy and Doctor's phone number for needed refills.
   
   4. Clothing-Minimum of one change of clothing.
   
   5. Flashlight- have extra batteries on hand(no candles).
   
   6.Other Supplies-can opener,paper plates, cups, utensitls, plastic garbage bags and ,disposable wipes. Don't forget blankets,pet food and the list could get longer depending on individual family needs.

[letitiaboutte]

on 7/14/2009 Thank you Elizzabeth for taking the time to read this article and giving your positive feedback.

[Elizzabeth]

on 7/14/2009 Great advice! I lived in NY during the 9/11 attacks and was personally affected. Thank you for writing this important article. 5* & recommended.