PREPARE TODAY, WHILE YOU ARE THINKING OF THIS

Disaster Planning Preparations

It’s not pleasant to think about, but disasters like Katrina, and now storms like Gustav and Fay, and 9-11 remind us that we should be prepared for disasters.  Do you have a plan? Click the “more” button at the end of this paragraph for a list that can help you be better prepared. The list really is very practical and we encourage you to gather the recommended items so you, too, can be prepared.

• Emergency Preparedness Begins with You.
• Here are some steps you can take:
• Meet with your family and discuss your designated meeting and check-in locations after a disaster.
• Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family.
• Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hazard.  In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
• Advocate for yourself. Practice how to quickly explain either orally or in writing to people the best way to guide or move you and your adaptive equipment, safely and rapidly.
• If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you.
• This may be by writing notes, pointing to letters, words or pictures, or finding a quiet place.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage—flood damage is not usually covered by home owners’ insurance.
• Use a weather radio.  Remember to replace its battery every six months as you do with your smoke detectors.
• Get cash—preferably in small bills, credit cards, checkbook and ATM card.
• Take pictures or video of your home for insurance purposes.
• Fill up your vehicle with gasoline.
• Make copies of important documents and keep them in a waterproof container (birth certificate, passport, license, insurance information, and proof of address.)
• Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home outside sleeping areas.  If you are deaf or have hearing loss, install a system that has flashing strobe lights to get your attention.
• If possible, purchase a generator and fuel to run it.  Place it outside in a well-ventilated area.
• Consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector too.
• Determine an alternate place to stay during a disaster—an emergency shelter, hotel, neighbor’s house, friend’s home or a relative’s home.
• STOCK A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT.