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Learn To Prepare Yourself

Prepare Your Family
• Everyone needs to know where the emergency supply kit is located. • Plan where to meet after a disaster. • Discuss the best escape routes from your home. • Designate an out-of-state contact person to call after the disaster to tell him/her where you are. • Learn how to shut off the gas and other utilities. • Practice your evacuation routes.	• Practice how to Duck, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll drills. • Show your family how to use a fire extinguisher. • In case of emergency, do not rely on your cell phone. • Payphones are more likely to work before other phone lines (keep coins handy). • Long-distance phone lines often better. • Make sure you have a backup phone that requires no electricity.
Your Home Safety
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home (batteries to change every 6 months). • Beds should be away from windows. • Mirrors and heavy pictures must be away from sitting areas. • Hallways & exits must be cleared for easy evacuation. • Heavy items should be stored on the lowest shelves.	• Learn how to use your ABC type fire extinguishers. • Strap down your water heater and fit it with a flexible gas supply line. • Store the flammable or highly reactive chemicals separately. • All wall hangings, pictures and heavy items like file cabinets must be secured. • Learn how to switch off your utilities.
Children
• Children must be present in planning for emergency safety. • Children must know how to identify themselves and get help if separated from adults during a disaster. • Teach children how to dial their own home telephone number and Emergency 911 and what to say. • Review the school or daycare center’s evacuation policies. Designate someone to pick the children up if you are unable to. • Review the family’s alternate meeting sites with your children.	• Teach your children how to reach your family’s out-of-state contact person. • Children should know what gas smells like so they can tell an adult if they smell gas after an emergency. • Children should always carry a family picture, their emergency card with the reunification locations and the out-of-state contact person’s information. • Keep comfort food and treats for each family member.
Seniors & Disabled
• Let your neighbors know if you are unable to move well or quickly in case of an emergency and plan for someone to check on you. • Create a personal support network of people who will check on you in case of a disaster. • Discuss the emergency services that your agency provides with your personal attendant. • Keep a 3-day supply of your prescription medication. If you use oxygen, keep an emergency supply for 3-days or more. • Learn about backup power source, battery packs or generator for all medical equipment requiring electrical power, such as breathing equipment and infusion pumps.	• Keep necessary medications, basic toiletries, any special sanitary aids, and important phone numbers. • Keep a manual wheelchair, canes, crutches and walkers as a backup for use in an emergency. • Keep a whistle nearby in case you need to signal for help. During an earthquake stay in your wheelchair and go into a doorway and cover your head.
Pets
• In case of an emergency, bring all pets into the house. • Animals instinctively protect themselves & hide where they are safe during an emergency. Holding on to them during earthquake or other disasters will prevent them from protecting themselves. • Keep in mind that even gentlest pets may panic, hide, and try to escape or even bite or scratch. • Most disaster shelters do not accept pets. • You may want to ask friends or relatives outside the affected area to shelter your animals if necessary.	• Find out if local animal shelters provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. • Keep current photos of your pets in case they get lost. • Keep a 3-day supply of pet food & portable water, bowls, cat litter & pan, plastic bags and can opener at home. Keep all information on feeding schedule, medical conditions, immunization records and the name & number of your veterinarian with all other important documents.
Utilities
Natural Gas • Natural gas leaks can result in an explosion or cause fire inside a building. • The main shutoff valve is next to the main gas meter outside the house. • Immediately shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors after smelling gas. • Only turn off the gas if you smell a leak. If you see the unmarked wheels on the gas meter are spinning this means there is a gas leak. • Do not use candles or matches. • Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances. • Turn the lever ¼ turn to turn it off. When lever crosses the direction of the pipe (across the flow) the gas is off. • Always keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever. • Never try to turn the gas back on yourself. Call the Gas Company.	Electricity • Direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by live wires can result in electrocution. • Learn the location of your home’s main electric switch. It is either a pull handle or very large circuit breakers inside the panel box. • You should shut off electricity in case: 1) Arcing or burning is present in electrical devices. 2) There is a distinct odor of burning insulation. 3) The area surrounding the switches or plugs is hot to the touch or blackened. 4) You can smell burning material following the complete loss of power. Water • Be aware that water not only creates property damage, but it can also cause electrocution if electrical wires energize it. • Familiarize yourself with the inside water shutoff which is usually located in the basement, garage, or alley. The inside water shutoff is located on a riser pipe and is usually a red or yellow wheel. • Turn wheel clockwise until the water is off. • Immediately shut off the water when there is a severe leak inside the building.
Food
Always keep in mind that when a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. You should store enough emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days. To be prepared for emergency situation will lessen your anxiety. Important food tips: • You should avoid foods that require a lot of water, refrigeration or cooking. • You need to choose foods that your family will eat. • Keep a manual can opener and utensils handy.	Foods that are recommended Include: • Ready-to-eat canned meats, vegetables & fruits. • Canned juices, soup and milk. • High-energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, trail mix, crackers, nuts. • Comfort foods, sweetened cereals, such as hard candy, candy bars and cookies. • Dried foods (pay attention to those with high level of sodium). • Instant meals requiring no cooking or water.
Water
• Keep a gallon of water for the supply of one day for each person in the family. • Water containers must be sealed tightly in a clean food-grade plastic container. Write the date on the container. Keep them in a cool place. You should change water supplies every 6 months.
Hurricanes / Storm / Flooding
Rains (especially winter rains) can cause floods, landslides, and downed or broken utility lines in almost any neighborhood. Check your city’s general information to find out how you can obtain free sandbags to protect your property. During the Storm: • If you notice that water has entered a garage or basement, DO NOT walk through it (it may contain hazardous materials) • Do not drive over a flooded road. • If your car stalls, abandon it immediately. DO NOT attempt to move a stalled vehicle in flood conditions (it can be fatal) • Tune to your local TV channels for emergency advisories and instructions. • If you are asked to leave your property, unplug all electrical appliances. • Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines.	Evacuate You should leave your property immediately if told by local officials: • It is best to wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing. • Take your emergency take-along bag. • Always follow instructions of public safety officials • Use authorized travel routes. • Lock your home (if that’s possible). • Leave a note for others letting them know when you left and where you are going (if you have time) • Call your out-of-state contact and tell them where you are (once you are safe). • You should consider the need to take any important prescription medications and medical supplies. • You should consider the need to take any important documents with you.
Earthquake
What to do when the shaking begins? DROP, COVER, & HOLD ON! • Immediately DROP to the floor. • Take COVER! If you can under a sturdy piece of furniture or next to an interior wall. • COVER your head and neck with your arms. • Stay away from windows. • HOLD ON to a sturdy piece of furniture and be prepared to move with it. • STAY where you are until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit – use caution when exiting buildings. • Be aware that glass from high-rise buildings does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and travel great distances.	• NEVER take elevators after an earthquake. • If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground immediately. • If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (away from buildings, trees, power lines). Stay in the car until the shaking stops. • When the shaking stops check yourself and others for injuries. • Give first aid for serious injuries. • You should turn off the gas only if you smell gas. • Turn on your radio and listen for instructions. • Expect aftershocks. • Check your phones (to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line) • Start inspecting your home for damage.
Fire
• You must remain calm and get out. • DO NOT try to put out the fire. • Dial 9-1-1 from a safe place. • In case your clothes catch on fire, immediately STOP where you are - DROP to the ground - ROLL over and over to smother the flames. • You must DROP to the floor to avoid smoke and fumes	• Start crawling to safety. • Before you open the door, feel the door with the back of your hand (find another way out if it is hot). • If UNABLE to get out of your home for any reason, you should stay near a window and close to the floor (If you can signal for help).
Power Outage
Power outage can be the result of rolling black outs, extreme weather conditions or simply accompany other disasters such as earthquakes. If there is no power in your neighborhood: • You should turn OFF all appliances, computers, and lights (except one that will indicate when power is back on) • Keep the refrigerator closed (to keep food cold longer)	• Be cautious of fire hazards caused by candles and other flammable light sources. • DO NOT leave an open flame unattended. • When power is restored, you should check all appliances. • If a traffic signal is not working, you should think of it as a stop sign.
First Aid
• Disposable gloves (2 pairs) • Sterile dressings (to stop bleeding) • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes (to disinfect) • Antibiotic ointment (to prevent infection) • Burn ointment • Adhesive bandages (in different sizes)	• Eye wash solution (to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant) • Scissors • Over-the-counter medicines (Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication) • Prescription medications you take every day such (insulin, heart medicine, or asthma inhaler) Prescribed medical supplies (for blood pressure)
For more information, please contact:
• FEMA: www.fema.gov Phone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362) • Red Cross: www.redcross.org Phone: (202) 303-4498 • 3 Day Food: www.3dayfood.com Phone: (800) 700-8986

Learn To Prepare Yourself

Prepare Your Family

Your Home Safety

Children

Seniors & Disabled

Pets

Utilities

Natural Gas

Electricity

Water

Food

Always keep in mind that when a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. You should store enough emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days. To be prepared for emergency situation will lessen your anxiety.

Water

Hurricanes / Storm / Flooding

Rains (especially winter rains) can cause floods, landslides, and downed or broken utility lines in almost any neighborhood. Check your city’s general information to find out how you can obtain free sandbags to protect your property.

During the Storm:

Evacuate

Earthquake

What to do when the shaking begins? DROP, COVER, & HOLD ON!

Fire

Power Outage

Power outage can be the result of rolling black outs, extreme weather conditions or simply accompany other disasters such as earthquakes. If there is no power in your neighborhood:

First Aid

For more information, please contact:

What to do when the shaking begins?
DROP, COVER, & HOLD ON!