Natural Disasters

PREPAREDNESS
Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes or fires are events we are all aware of yet so few of us are prepared for them. Think of disaster preparedness as immediate insurance. In the event of a disaster food, water and medical supplies can be available to your family faster than anyone is likely to come to your assistance. It doesn't require a great deal of expense or time and the piece of mind alone will offset any inconvenience you are put through. Prepare a kit for yourself and one for the folks should they reside somewhere else.

PREPAREDNESS KIT(S)
In a large sturdy container such as a duffel bag, covered trash container or other suitable holder assemble and store the following list of items and keep the kit(s) where it is accessible by all family members.

• Water - a gallon a day per person for three days.
• Food - three day supply of non-perishables.
• First Aid Kit - including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin
• Sterile adhesive bandages, assorted sizes
• Sterile gauze pads, assorted sizes
• Sterile gauze rolls of bandages, assorted sizes
• Scissors, tweezers, needle
• Disinfectant cleaning agent and/or soap
• Latex gloves
• Safety pins, assorted sizes
• Thermometer
• Moist towelettes
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Sunscreen
• Tools and supplies -
• Flashlight and battery operated radio, extra batteries
• Eating utensils, paper cups, plastic forks, etc
• Manual can open
• Space blanket or tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Waterproof (plastic) storage containers, assorted sizes, place matches inside
• Plastic sheeting
• Aluminum foil
• Paper, pencil, whistle
• Rope, heavy gloves
• Map of the area, compass
• Cash or cashiers checks
• Shutoff wrenches, to turn of household water and gas
• Sanitary supplies
• Toilet paper
• Soap and/or liquid detergent
• Moistened towelletes
• Feminine and personal hygiene supplies
• Plastic bucket with lid, plastic bags w/ ties
• Bleach and/or disinfectant
• Bedding and Clothing
• Change of clothes for each person
• Hats, gloves, thermal underwear (cold weather)
• Boots or sturdy shoes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Rain gear
• Sunglasses
• Individual Items - This list is determined by unique needs of individual family members.
• Prescription drugs - check with doctor to determine if or how they can be stored. If not keep copies of prescription.
• Extra eye glasses, contact lens, supplies
• Denture needs
• Other - Keep in mind that a kit for the folk's may contain different items that the one prepared for yourself.

INVENTORY
Fate and nature combine for strange events and circumstances. What you have and value one day may be gone the next. No doubt you know the trouble it is to replace a lost drivers license or credit card. Imagine the loss of all of your family documents.

Prepare a family inventory(s) and secure in a safe place. Here are steps to take. Make copies of documents:

• Wills and Trusts
• Insurance Policies
• Deeds, contracts, agreements
• Stocks and Bonds
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card accounts - the companies and phone numbers
• Passports, drivers licenses, social security cards, immunization records
• Family documents/certificates - birth, marriage, death
• Important phone numbers
• Inventory of valuable household items. A video of these items can be very helpful for insurance purposes.

Store your inventory in a secure place. Consider making copies to be stored elsewhere such as a relative's house.

AFTER DISASTER STRIKES
There are three steps to take immediately after there is disaster.
1. Before entering the home make certain it is safe to enter. Be particularly aware of fallen electrical wires and natural gas lines that may be leaking. Remove any valuables to a safe place.
2. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep receipts of materials used as most insurance will cover these expenses.
3. Notify your insurance company, the Red Cross, and other community organizations of your situation. You may need and receive assistance for temporary shelter and living expenses.

For further information on Disaster Preparedness go to:

www.redcross.org
or
www.fema.gov

1.Safety Intro
2.Safety in the Home
3.Fraud
4.Crime Prevention
5.Natural Disasters