Disasters

Are you prepared for a major disaster such as an earthquake, blizzard, or fire? What would you or your family do if such a disaster occurred tomorrow? You could be without help for up to 72 hours. By taking certain preparedness measures, the impact of such disasters can definitely be lessened.

Before the Disaster
-Assemble important paperwork such as personal records, home inventory, and insurance information. Keep copies of this information in a known safe place outside of the home.
-Check your home for potential hazards. Bolt down water heaters, securely fasten bookshelves and other heavy objects to the wall. Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves. Bottled goods, glass, china, and other breakables should be stored in low or closed cabinets.
-Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas, and water at main switches and valves, and teach other responsible family members how to do so. Check with local utilities for instructions.
-Have an emergency plan in place in the event of a disaster. What would each member of your family do if they have to evacuate? How would your family reunite if away from home? Do you have an emergency contact for your family? Hold occasional drills so each member of your family knows what to do in a disaster.
-Be prepared to be without water and power. How would you stay warm? How would you cook your food? How would you get water?
-Be trained in first aid and CPR.
-Have on hand:
1. Flashlights and a battery powered radio in case power is cut off.
2. Have a supply of drinking water and some nonperishable foods which can be prepared without cooking (72 hour kit). Have these available to be quickly taken in an emergency.
3. Have a well-supplied first aid kit tailored to the individual needs of your family.
4. Have extra medication (prescriptions) available in the event you could not get to the doctor or pharmacy.
5. Fire extinguishers and basic tools and supplies (pliers, crescent wrench, hammer, screwdrivers, rope, wire, electrical tape, duct tape, saw, knife).

During a Disaster
-First and foremost, stay calm. Think through the consequences of any action you take. Implement your emergency plan.
-If you are experiencing an earthquake, stay inside; if you are outdoors, stay there. If indoors, take cover under a heavy desk, table, bench, in a supported doorway, or along an inside wall. Stay away from glass. Don't use candles, matches or other open flame either during or after an earthquake.
-If you are outdoors in an earthquake, move away from buildings and utility wires. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
-If you are in a moving car during an earthquake, stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle. A car may jiggle violently on its springs, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking stops.

After a Disaster
-Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks. Although most of these are smaller than the main shock, some may be large enough to cause additional damage or bring weakened structures down.
-Check for injuries. Do nor attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
-Turn on your radio or television to get the latest emergency information from local authorities.
-Check your utilities. An earthquake may have broken gas, electrical, and water lines. If you smell gas, open windows and shut off the main gas valve. Then leave the building and report the leak to authorities. Do not reenter the building until a utility official says it is safe. If electrical wiring is shorting out, shut off the supply at the main switch. Emergency water can be obtained from hot water heater tanks, toilet tanks (not bowls) and melted ice cubes.
-Check to see that sewage lines are intact before using sanitary facilities.
-Contact the emergency contact person if possible so they can make other aware of your situation.
-If possible, contact those in the community you have stewardship over to access their needs.