September is Emergency Awareness Month
PREPARE TODAY, WHILE YOU ARE THINKING OF THIS
Disaster Planning Preparations
It’s not pleasant to think about, but disasters like Katrina, and now storms like Gustav and Fay, and 9-11 remind us that we should be prepared for disasters. Do you have a plan? Click the “more” button at the end of this paragraph for a list that can help you be better prepared. The list really is very practical and we encourage you to gather the recommended items so you, too, can be prepared.
Emergency Preparedness Begins with You. Here are some steps you can take:
Meet with your family and discuss your designated meeting and check-in locations after a disaster. Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
Advocate for yourself. Practice how to quickly explain either orally or in writing to people the best way to guide or move you and your adaptive equipment, safely and rapidly.
If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you. This may be by writing notes, pointing to letters, words or pictures, or finding a quiet place.
Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Check your insurance coverage—flood damage is not usually covered by home owners’ insurance.
Use a weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every six months as you do with your smoke detectors.
Get cash—preferably in small bills, credit cards, checkbook and ATM card.
Take pictures or video of your home for insurance purposes.
Fill up your vehicle with gasoline.
Make copies of important documents and keep them in a waterproof container (birth certificate, passport, license, insurance information, and proof of address.)
Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home outside sleeping areas. If you are deaf or have hearing loss, install a system that has flashing strobe lights to get your attention.
If possible, purchase a generator and fuel to run it. Place it outside in a well-ventilated area. Consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector too.
Determine an alternate place to stay during a disaster—an emergency shelter, hotel, neighbor’s house, friend’s home or a relative’s home.
STOCK A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT. Continue reading the September is Emergency Awareness Month article
