Disaster Checklist
Even though terrorism or natural disaster strikes without warning, there are certain preparatory actions one can take that can reduce stress and reassure our families that we have some measure of control over events. The process will take us through the following steps:
Preparation
What can possibly happen in your area?
Determine what can happen and where. Discuss it with your family/spouse.
Create an emergency communications plan.
Choose a person out of the area that you and each member will call or e-mail if a disaster occurs. Make sure they know they are your chosen contact person. Give each family member the contact's e-mail address and phone numbers (home, work, pager and cell phone). Leave these numbers at home, work and school. Advise your family to try e-mail if the phone lines are busy or down.
Setup a family meeting place.
If your area is evacuated, you and your family should meet at a predetermined place away from your home. Since shelters or hotels don't usually accept pets, a friend or relative's home that will accept your pets will avoid unexpected problems. If you are responsible for school-age children, check on the school's emergency plan and required pickup authorizations.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
To prepare for an evacuation, assemble a disaster supplies kit in a bag or small plastic trash can. Include the following items:
1. Special need equipment for disabled family members, prescription medicines, change of clothing, sleeping bag or bedroll, battery-powered radio or TV with extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools.
2. Cash.
3. Copies of important family documents, e.g. birth and marriage certificates, passports, licenses, military discharge papers, advance health care directives and a copy of your will.
4. First-aid kit.
Execution
If disaster strikes, take the following actions:
Remain calm and patient.
Listen to the radio/TV for news and emergency instructions.
If your building is involved in an attack, check for injuries and get help for the seriously injured.
Do not light matches, candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires and damage using a flashlight.
Sniff for gas leaks at a gas water heater. If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get outside immediately.
Shut off any other damaged utilities.
Confine your pets.
Call your family contact. Do not use the phone again or call 911 unless it is an emergency.
Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
Shelter in Place
If advised by officials to "shelter in place," you are to remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there. In case of disaster in your area,
Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.
Close the fireplace damper.
Get your disaster supplies kit. Make sure the radio is working.
Go to an above-ground level interior room.
Seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
Keep listening to the radio or TV until you are given an all-clear or told to evacuate.
Evacuation
When the evacuation order comes, heed the order immediately.
Listen to radio or TV broadcasts for information on blocked evacuation routes.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes for protection. Bring gloves with you.
Take your disaster supplies kit.
Take your pets with you to either your preplanned meeting place or a pet-friendly motel.
Lock your home.
Use approved evacuation routes instead of shortcuts which may be impassable.
Stay away from downed power lines.
If no gas leak is present, leave natural gas service ON. Upon return, you will need gas for heating and cooking, and only a professional can restore gas service. This could take weeks.
Source: American Red Cross