Your Emergency Plan

Where will you and your family be when an emergency happens? At work, in a car, at school, on a bus?  How will you find or contact each other? How will you know your children are going to be safe?

Disasters happen quickly and without warning. It can force you and your family to evacuate wherever you may be or even confine you to your home. What would you do if your basic services were cut off - electricity, gas, water, telephone? Local and state officials and workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but there is no way they can reach everyone right away. It may even be two or three days before they get to you.

Families can - and do - cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. By following the steps below, you can prepare a family emergency plan.  Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility to yourself and your family. Emergency preparedness is  where you start.
Four Steps to Safety

Step 1 - Find out what could happen to you and your family.
Contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and the American Red Cross Chapter and find out what to do.
  • What types of disasters are most likely to happen in your area?  Request information on how to prepare for each.
  • Find out about your community warning signals and what you should do when you hear them.
  • How can you take care of your animals after a disaster?
  • How can you help elderly or disabled persons, if needed?
  • Is there an emergency plan at your children's school or daycare, or even at your place of work?
Step 2 - Create an Emergency Plan.
Have a meeting with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Share responsibilities and work together as a team.
  • Discuss the types of disaster that are most likely to happen in your area. Explain what to do in each case.
  • Pick two places to meet if you are separated:
  1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
  2. Outside of your neighborhood, in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
  • Ask a family member or friend outside of your community or state, to be your "family contact."  Make sure everyone knows their phone number.
  • Discuss what to do in an evacuaton. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Step 3 - Complete the following checklist.
  • Have a 3-day emergency kit ready to take with you. Click here to learn how to assemble an emergency kit.
  • Post emergency telephone numbers near your phone.
  • Teach children how to dial 911.
  • Teach each responsible family member how to use your fire extinguisher.
  • Install smoke and/or fire detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
  • Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
  • Show each responsible family member how and when to turn off the water, electricity, and gas at the main switches.
  • Determine the best escape route from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
  • Find the safe spots in your home for each type of possible disaster.
  • Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.

Step 4 - Practice and maintain your plan.
  • Review your plan with your family every 6 months so they remember what to do.
  • Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to manufacturers guidelines.
  • Test your smoke/fire detectors monthly and change the batteries at least yearly.
  • Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills at least yearly.

Helping Your Neighbors
Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Start a neighborhood disaster preparedness group. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together during or after a disaster until help arrives.  Know your neighbors' unique skills (such as medical, technical, etc.) and consider how you could help neighbors who are disabled or elderly. Make plans for child care in case parents are not home or can't get home.

Utilities
Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach each responsible family member.  Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.  Remember; turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed my emergency services to do so. If you turn the gas off, be sure to have a professional turn them back on.

Emergency Supplies
Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.  Assemble a 72-hour kit with items you may need in an evacuation. Store this kit in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers; such as backpacks, duffle bags, or covered trash containers. Include at least the following:
  • A 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person.
  • One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
  • A first aid kit that includes family prescriptions and medications.
  • Emergency tools - a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, etc.
  • An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or travelers checks.
  • Sanitation supplies.
  • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
  • An extra pair of glasses.
  • Click here for more information and ideas
Keep copies of important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a small emergency kit in the trunk of your car.

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 72-hour kit with you.
  • Lock your home.
  • Use travel routes specified by local authorities - don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
If you are sure you have time:
  • Shut off water, gas, and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
  • Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
  • Make arrangements for your pets.
If Disaster Strikes -
  • Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
  • Check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
  • Listen to your battery-powered radio for news and instructions.  Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes and take your 72-hour kit.
  • Check for damage in your home...
  1. Use flashlights - do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
  2. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
  3. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly.
  4. Shut off any other damaged utilities.
  5. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other toxic and flammable liquids immediately.
  • Remember to...
  1. Confine or secure your pets.
  2. Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
  3. Check on your neighbors, especially those who may be elderly or disabled.
  4. Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is shut off.
  5. Stay away from downed power lines.
(Federal Emergency Management Agency - "Your Family Disaster Plan." FEMA L-191)