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Where will your family
be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere--at work, at school, or
in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children
are safe? Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force
you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would
you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were
cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a
disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Families can- and do-
cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team.
Create a family disaster plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection
and responsibility.
Emergency Supplies -
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three
days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an
evacuation.
Utilities - Locate
the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn
how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family
members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
Home Hazard Hunt -
During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or
damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home
hazard. For example, a hot water heater or a bookshelf can fall. Inspect
your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards.
Evacuation -
Evacuate immediately if told to do so: - Listen to your battery-powered
radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. Wear
protective clothing and sturdy shoes. Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
Lock your home. Use travel routes specified by local authorities - don't
use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
4 STEPS TO SAFETY
1 - Find out what
could happen to you - Contact your local Office of Emergency Management or
American Red Cross Chapter.
2 - Create a
Disaster Plan - Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare
for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and hazardous
materials to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as
a team.
3 - Complete This
Checklist -
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__Post telephone numbers (fire, police, etc) |
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__Teach children how and when to use 911 |
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__Show family how and when to turn off utilities |
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__Check for adequate insurance coverage |
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__Teach family the use of fire extinguishers |
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__Find safe spots in your home for each type of disaster |
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__Install smoke detectors |
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__Conduct a home hazard hunt |
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__Stock Disaster Supplies Kit |
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__Learn CPR and first aid |
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__Determine best escape routes |
4
- Practice and Maintain Your Plan. |
