Emergency Preparedness Checklist

TORNADO • FLASH FLOOD • EARTHQUAKE • WINTER STORM • HURRICANE • FIRE • HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL

The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. This checklist will help you get started. Discuss these ideas with your family, then prepare an emergency plan. Post the plan where everyone will see it—on the refrigerator or bulletin board.
For additional information about how to prepare for hazards in your community, contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and the British Red Cross Society

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit
Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffle bag.
Include:
o A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace
every six months. keep at least 3 days supply of water in your home.
o A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener. This should include canned goods(meats, fruit and vegtables, milk, juices and soup), sugar, salt, high energy food, trail mix, vitamins, beverages, sweets and biscuits.

o A change of clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, Hat and gloves, Thermal underwear, Sunglasses..
o Blankets or sleeping bags.
o A first aid kit and prescription medications. Including

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6), 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6), Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Triangular bandages (3), 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls), 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls), Scissors, Tweezers
Moistened towelettes, Antiseptic, Thermometer, Tongue blades (2), Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Assorted sizes of safety pins, Cleansing agent/soap, Latex gloves, Sunscreen, Needles, thread, Medicine dropper

Non-prescription drugs
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever, Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid (for stomach upset), Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised too), Laxative, Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

o An extra pair of glasses, spare contact lens, dentures etc
o A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
o Credit cards and cash.
o An extra set of car keys.
o A list of family physicians.
o A list of important family information.

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.
Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, Medical cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers, Credit card account numbers and companies
Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

o Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
o Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
oWhistle,Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
o Plastic sheeting, Sheath knife and/or Survival Knife, pliers, tape,
o Maps of the area, Survival and Medical Manulas. Tent, Compass, Waterproofed Matches, flares

o Toilet paper, towelettes, Soap, liquid detergent, Feminine supplies, Personal hygiene items, Plastic rubbishe bags, ties

o Plastic bucket with tight lid, Disinfectant, Household chlorine bleach

o Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

PLAN

o Find out which disasters could occur in your area.
o Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
o Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.
o Learn your community’s evacuation routes.
o Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons.
Also...
o Ask your workplace about emergency plans.
o Learn about emergency plans for your children’s school or Nurseryr.

Create an Emergency Plan
o Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies. Explain how to
respond to each.
o Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
o Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
o Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
o Show family members how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches when necessary.
o Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
o Teach children how and when to call 999, for Police, Ambulance and the fire Brigade.
o Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
o Pick one out-of-town and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster
o Teach children your out-of-town contact’s phone numbers.
o Pick two emergency meeting places.
1) A place near your home in case of a fire.
2) A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
o Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
o Keep family records in a water and fire-proof container.

Escape Plan
In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate your house, flat or caravan on a moment’s notice. You should be ready to get out fast. Develop an escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your residence. Using a black or blue pen, show the location of doors, windows, tairways, and large furniture. Indicate the location of emergency supplies (Disaster Supplies Kit), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, collapsible ladders, first aid kits and utility shut off points. Next, use a colored pen to draw a broken line charting at least two escape routes from each room.
Finally, mark a place outside of the home where household members should meet in case of fire.
Be sure to include important points outside such as garages, patios, stairways, elevators, driveways and porches. If your home has more than two floors, use an additional sheet of paper. Practice emergency evacuation drills with all household members at least two times each year.

Home Hazard Hunt
In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a potential hazard.
o Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
o Fasten shelves securely and brace overhead light fixtures.
o Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
o Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
o Strap water heater to wall studs.
o Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
o Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.
o Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
o Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents.

If You Need to Evacuate
o Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of emergency shelters. Follow instructions of local officials.
o Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
o Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
o Lock your house.
o Use travel routes specified by local officials.

If you are sure you have time ...
o Shut off water, gas and electricity, if instructed to do so.
o Let others know when you left and where you are going.
o Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in public shelters.

Prepare an Emergency Car Kit
Include:
o Battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
o Blanket
o Jump leads
o Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
o First aid kit and manual
o Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter
o Maps, Shovel, Flares
o Tire repair kit and pump

Fire Safety
o Plan two escape routes out of each room.
o Practice fire drills at least twice a year.
o Teach family members to stay low to the ground when escaping from a fire.
o Teach family members never to open doors that are hot. In a fire, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way out.
o Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Clean and test them at least once a month. Change batteries at least once a year.
o Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household in case of fire.
o Check electrical outlets. Do not overload outlets.
o Purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
o Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your house.
o Consider installing home sprinklers.