We are all at risk of facing a disaster at some time in our lives. Different parts of the country are vulnerable to storms like hurricanes, blizzards, or tornadoes. Other regions are vulnerable to disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or forest fires. No matter where we live, none of us is 100% safe from a pandemic or terror attack. All disasters have one thing in common – they disrupt our lives and change the landscape around us.

Although we cannot control the weather or the actions of others, we can minimize the impact a disaster will have on our lives by being prepared. Government agencies such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), Homeland Security, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) have advised the public to be ready for disasters. Dedicating a few short hours of your time can change your life if a disaster strikes.

This guide is offered for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the information provided by the federal government. We have attempted to include a comprehensive overview of the widely accepted information available at this time. We also advise you to visit the following websites for more information:

• FEMA — fema.gov

• Homeland Security — dhs.gov

• CDC — cdc.gov

• Red Cross — redcross.org

Planning Basics

Disasters happen on their own schedule. You may have days to prepare for a blizzard or minutes to prepare for a tornado. Your family may or may not be together when the disaster strikes. During and after most disasters, communication can be interrupted. Your family must establish a plan to communicate and reunite if the disaster happens at a time family members are not together.

• Your plan should not revolve around heading home. In many disasters, roads are blocked or closed, and your home may be damaged or unsafe. Identify a meeting spot outside of your immediate area. Choose a family member or friend who lives a few towns away to be your family’s communication coordinator. Ask if their home can be your family’s meeting spot in case of separation. Let your children know if there is a disaster and you cannot be reached, they should reach out to this designated person.

• Develop an emergency procedure for your home. Just like the fire drills we have all taken part in at work or school, families need to know the closest exits and how far to move away from the home if there is a dangerous situation. Make sure everyone in the family knows where supplies are kept in the home. Keep a wrench by the utility shut-offs so you can quickly turn off gas, water, and power in an emergency. Young children need to be taught how to dial 9-1-1.

Disaster Kits

There are two types of disaster kits to prepare. One is for an evacuation and the other is in case of a disaster that could trap you in your home for an extended period of time.

The Mobile (Evacuation) Kit

If you had to leave your home at a moment’s notice what would you take? Most people grab valuables or family photos. The truth is you can never take everything you want and need if you don’t have time to prepare.

Prepare a packed box, small suitcase, or backpack and keep it in a closet near an exit. This will enable you to have at least some of the items you want and need if you have to evacuate quickly. Include the following items, and add other supplies based on your personal needs and wishes.

• Cash
• Identification documents for everyone in the family (social security cards or copies of birth certificates)
• Emergency numbers
• Insurance information
• Water
• Snacks such as breakfast bars
• Games for your children
• Pet food

Keep your car prepared. Having the following items in your car at all times keeps you prepared for a roadside emergency. It also allows you to pack less in your mobile kit.

• Flashlight
• Blanket
• First aid kit
• Flares or light sticks

This preparation is not meant t provide you with a means of long- term survival; it is simply to get you to a safe place such as a shelter. Do not pack so much that you cannot quickly grab your kit and leave. Remember safety is your main goal.

The Home Survival Kit

In some cases you will not be able to evacuate your home. You may be required to remain in your home for several days after the initial event for safety. The government recommends planning for at least 72 hours of home confinement.

History has shown that after severe storms it may take more than a week for utilities to be restored, roads to be cleared, and stores to reopen. Having the tools to survive at home allows your family to safely manage during and after a storm, and possibly to have some comfort during this difficult time.

The following list includes the basic items to keep in your home in case of a disaster. Your specific personal and family needs will dictate some of the additional supplies you will want to have on hand:

• Water – one gallon per person or pet per day
• Battery operated radio
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Manual can opener
• Fire extinguisher
• Soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Disposable plates, cups and utensils
• Canned foods such as vegetables, fruits, soups, beans
• Cereal or cereal bars
• Crackers
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Fruit juices
• Sports drinks
• Pet food
• Garbage bags
• Tissue
• Toilet paper
• Chlorine bleach
• First aid kit
• Pain relievers
• Cold and cough medications
• Anti-diarrhea medications
• Thermometer
• Disposable gloves
• Prescription medications
• Generator

Select the supplies to store for long-term survival and comfort, look for things that have a long shelf life and don’t require heating. Keep in mind that utilities may be shut off. Think about how you and your family will spend time without phones, computers, and televisions working.

Being prepared requires that you store items in advance. But remember: even bottled water has an expiration date. Once you prepare your supplies, set up a schedule to rotate or restock your supply cabinet. Pick a time such as when you change the clocks to daylight savings time to remind yourself it’s time to use up the old supplies and restock.

The Offsite Kit

Disasters are not limited to major events that impact an entire town or area. A house fire or flood can create a personal disaster for your family. Experts suggest being prepared by creating copies of important documents to keep in a safe deposit box outside your home or with a trusted friend.

• One item that may be extremely important on a personal level is a disk with a copy of family pictures. Almost every household has a computer and with the aid of a scanner you can catalog family pictures and save them to a CD. These pictures will not replace the originals but having the ability to print pictures that carry family memories begins the healing process after a disaster.
• The second package should contain a copy of your insurance policy, an itemized list of valuables, and a CD or DVD that contains a photo or video inventory of the contents of your home. We live at a time when it is not uncommon to purchase a new computer, TV, or other household item that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. In order to submit insurance claims to replace expensive items, you must have an inventory.
• As you prepare your package it may be a good opportunity to review your insurance coverage.

Does your policy guarantee you a set amount if your home is lost or does the policy cover replacement cost? You should work with an insurance professional to determine the type of coverage that’s best for you. Disaster preparation includes being prepared to pick up the pieces after the immediate danger has passed. Proper insurance coverage provides the financial means to rebuild your home and life.

Getting Help

Most of us will never face a serious disaster in our lifetime. For those who have the misfortune of facing a disaster proper preparation will increase your likelihood of survival and recovery. We are here to help you during this process. Please call for more information.