FAMILY
PREPAREDNESS
When
preparing your family for disaster, prepare to be on your
own for at least three days. Chances are likely that after
a major disaster, traditional emergency response teams will
be too busy to provide immediate care to you or your family.
The Plan
- Have at least a three-day supply of food, water,
clothes, medical supplies and other necessary equipment
for everyone in your family.
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- Decide where and when to reunite your family should
you be apart when a disaster happens.
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- Locate shutoff valves for water, gas, and electricity.
Learn how to shut off the valves
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- Choose a person outside the immediate area to
contact if family members are separated. Long distance
phone service will probably be restored sooner than
local service. Do not use the phone immediately
following a disaster.
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- Keep a small amount of extra cash available. If
the power is out, ATM machines will not operate.
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- Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses, house keys and
car keys on hand.
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- If you have a family member who does not speak
English, prepare an emergency card written in English
indicating that persons identification, address
and any special needs such as medication or allergies.
Tell that person to keep the card with them at all
times.
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- Conduct earthquake and fire drills once every
six months.
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- Know the safe spots in each room.
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- Make copies of your vital records and store them
in a safe deposit box in another city or state.
Make sure your originals are stored safely.
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- Establish all the possible ways to exit your home.
Keep all exits clear of debris.
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- Know the locations of the nearest fire and police
stations.
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- Take photos and videotapes of your home and your
valuables. Make copies and place them in a safe
deposit box in another city or state.
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- Make sure all family members know about your disaster
plan. Also, relay this information to babysitters
or others who might be in your home.
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- Know the policies of the school and daycare your
children attend.
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- Make sure your child's school emergency release
card is up to date. Designate others to pick up
your child should you be unable to pick them up.
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General
Tips:
Stay away from heavy furniture, appliances,
large glass panes, shelves holding objects, and large decorative
masonry, brick or plaster such as fireplaces.
- Keep all hallways clear. Hallways are usually one of
the safest places to be in an earthquake.
- Stay away from kitchens and garages, which tend to be
the most dangerous places because of the many items kept
there.
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