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Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off? Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best defense and your responsibility. Follow these steps for disaster preparedness.Find out what could happen. Learn about your community’s warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them. Ask about animal care after a disaster.
Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed. Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or day care center, and other places where your family spends time.
Create a disaster plan. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disasters. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Pick places to meet. Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” Disaster planning is paramount!
Cover all your ground. Post emergency telephone numbers by your telephone. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help. Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity. Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. Replace stored water and food every six months.
Keep emergency supplies in your home. Assemble emergency supplies to meet your needs for at least three days. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags, or covered trash containers.
Familiarize yourself with the utilities. Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main, and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
If disaster strikes, put your plan into action. Remain calm and patient and give first aid and get help for seriously injured people. Listen to your battery-powered radio and evacuate if instructed to do so.