Access Emergency Survival Handbook

BEING PREPARED

In the United States, we took for granted that we lived in a safe, comfortable world. Abundant light is available with a simple flick of a switch. We can change the temperature in our homes by just turning the dial of the thermostat on the wall. Instant communication is provided by the telephone. Not only are our surroundings designed to be convenient, but in our society physical dangers have been reduced to a minimum.

While we may face danger infrequently, there are lessons that we can learn from those who put their lives on the line every day. They consider the possible danger, have a plan and prepare themselves accordingly.

How can you be prepared for an emergency? If you’re reading this book, you’re off to a good start.

When disaster strikes, it usually happens quickly with little time to react. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Local officials and relief workers will eventually be on the scene to help you, but they obviously cannot get to everyone right away. That’s why it is so important to be prepared not only for disaster, but in the event your basic services like water, gas, electricity and telephones are cut off unexpectedly.

Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. The American Red Cross offers the following steps and checklists to help you create your family’s own disaster plan.

Knowing what to do is always your best protection and it’s your responsibility.

FOUR STEPS TO SAFETY

The American Red Cross outlines this simple, yet important, guideline to finding safety for you and your family:

1. Find out what could happen to you. Contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and American Red Cross chapter -be prepared to take notes on the following information:
   • Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
   • Learn about your community's warning signals, what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
   • Ask about animal care during a disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
   • Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
   • Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.
2. Create a disaster plan. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
   • Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
   • Pick two places to meet:
     1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like afire.
     2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
   • Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
   • Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan to care for your pets.
3. Complete this checklist:
   • Post emergency telephone numbers near phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
   • Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
   • Show each family member how and when to turn off the water and gas at their source.
   • See if you have adequate insurance coverage.
   • Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
   • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
   • Conduct a home hazard hunt.
   • Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
   • Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
   • Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
   • Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
4. Practice and maintain your plan.
   • Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
   • Conduct fire and emergency drills.
   • Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
   • Test and recharge your fire extinguisher according to manufacturer's instructions.
   • Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.