Health and Safety- Southwest Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center

EMERGENCY Check lists for Families

PHPR Comps: 1.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2

CDC Capabilities: Videos and Files( 3.1 MB): 1, 3, 6, 11, 15

BE INFORMED

LEARN ABOUT POTENTIAL THREATS. Understanding the characteristics of an emergency and how to respond is critical to survival.
IDENTIFY your community’s plan for notifying citizens when a disaster is on its way or actually occurring.
LEARN about emergency response plans in locations you and your family members regularly spend time (e.g. work, school).
TAKE first aid and CPR classes.

MAKE A KIT

You can take steps to decrease the impact of a disaster by planning in advance and learning about potential threats. It is important to make sure that your plans are adequate for your family’s situation. Practice your plans regularly.

Having a BASIC EMERGENCY KIT on hand to sustain yourself and your family after an emergency is an essential part of preparation. Think first about basic survival needs: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. Store your supplies in a portable container as close as possible to an exit and review the contents of your kit at least once a year. Items for your kit are discussed below.

WATER

STORE at least a 3-day supply - 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every six months.
Hidden Water Sources in Your Home

If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes and as a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).
Know the location of your incoming water valve - You'll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.
To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house. To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Don’t turn on the gas/electricity when the tank is empty.

FOOD

STORE at least a 3-day supply, including ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned/boxed juices, milk, soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; special foods for infants or other persons with special needs; cookies and hard candy; instant coffee or tea; cereals; powdered milk. (Rotate stock regularly � check at least annually, preferably every 6 months).
If water supply is limited, avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and salt, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

SPECIAL NEEDS ITEMS

HOUSEHOLD CHLORINE BLEACH (5.25%) & MEDICINE DROPPER

9 parts water to 1 part bleach can be used as a disinfectant
16 drops of bleach to 1 gallon of water can be used to treat drinking water in an emergency

Do not use scented, color safe, or bleaches with added cleaners.
PET/SERIVICE ANIMAL SUPPLIES, including at least a 3-day supply of food and water, collar with current ID tags, proof of vaccinations, sturdy leashes, carrier/cage, and veterinarian contact information.
NFANT/ELDERLY SUPPLIES as needed.
Rotate PRESCRIPTION MEDS as recommended by your pharmacist.

CREATE A COMMUNICATION PLAN

TEACH children how and when to call 911.
HAVE AN OUT-OF-TOWN CONTACT that every member of your family will call after a disaster ; Make sure everyone in your family knows this contact’s phone number
MAKE A LIST of everyone’s full name, date of birth, social security number, and important medical information to keep with important papers.
Make a list of important contact information like the family doctor(s), pharmacy/pharmacist, medical insurance, homeowners/rental insurance, and veterinarian/kennel for pets; List names, telephone numbers, and account and policy numbers.
Every family member should CARRY A COPY your communication plan information at all times.

CREATE AN EVACUATION PLAN

EVACUATION ROUTES Identify primary and secondary and within buildings and other areas you frequent
IDENTIFY FAMILY MEETING PLACES; choose a location close to your home and another outside your neighborhood.
If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of gas in it at all times. If you do not have a car, PLAN HOW YOU WILL LEAVE if you must go.
Become familiar with ALTERNATE ROUTES and other means of transportation out of your area. TEACH all adults how to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches.

WHEN EVACUATING:

If you are a member of a support network for a disabled individual, be sure to follow your plan to assist them.
Take your emergency supply kit with you.
Lock the door behind you and leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
If there is time and space in your car, check with neighbors who may need a ride, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

CREATE A SHELTERING PLAN

DESIGNATE A SAFE ROOM IN YOUR HOME; it should be an interior room where you are able to close and seal all doors, windows, and vents.
Pets, except for service animals, are not allowed in public shelters; if possible, plan your evacuation in advance to find lodging where you may take your pets.
Determine whether or not you will require a “special needs” shelter, where medical issues can receive appropriate attention.

BUILD A SUPPORT NETWORK

A support network is a group of individuals who have agreed to be a part of your preparedness plan and assist you in the event of a disaster. Your support network will know your needs and capabilities and should be able to provide help within minutes.

ASK roommates, relatives, neighbors, friends, and co-workers to be a part of your network; there should be at least 3 people in each place you regularly spend time; EXPLAIN why you need help and how they can assist.

EXCHANGE CONTACT INFORMATION with your support network and think of alternate ways to communicate if phones are not working.

Arrange for more than one person in your support network to check on you in an emergency
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES :

American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
Federal Emergency Management Agency: http://www.fema.gov/
Humane Society of the United States: http://www.hsus.org/
National Organization on Disability: http://nod.org/
Ready.Gov: http://www.ready.gov/
Fed. of American Scientists: http://www.fas.org/reallyready/index.html
72 Hours.Org (An award winning site!): http://www.72hours.org/

(Portions � Copyright The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.)
February, 2007
Prepared by the Southwest Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center
Formerly know as Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness
Formerly know as Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness
Also available online at: www.swperlc.ouhsc.edu/panflu.aspx
TOOLKIT CHECK LISTS
Non-Prescription and Prescription Medicine Kit Supplies

Supplies	Home	Vehicle	Work
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Laxative
Vitamins
Prescriptions
Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
medication

SANITATION AND HYGIENE SUPPLIES

ITEMS
Washcloth and towel		Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags/ties for personal sanitation uses and toilet paper
Moist towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer		Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid
Tooth paste, toothbrushes		Household chlorine bleach for disinfection
Shampoo, comb, and brush		Small shovel for digging a latrine
Razor, shaving cream		Toilet paper
Deodorants		Contact lens solutions
Lip balm, Sunscreen		Mirror
Insect repellant		Feminine supplies

Clothes and Bedding Supplies

Complete change of clothes (appropriate for the season)
Sturdy low-heeled shoes or boots � no flip-flops, sandals, or “Crocs”
Work gloves
Rain gear, ponchos
Hat and gloves
Extra socks
Extra underwear
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses
Blankets/sleeping bags and pillows

Equipment and Tool

Tools		Kitchen Items
Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries		Manual can opener
NOAA weather radio, if appropriate for your area		Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
Flashlight and extra batteries		All-purpose knife
Signal flares, chemical light sticks		Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water
Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches)		Sugar, salt, pepper
Shut-off wrench (for utilities), pliers, shovel, and other tools		Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Duct tape, scissors		Re-sealable plastic bags and trash bags
Plastic sheeting		Dusts Masks or N-95 Respirators
One or more loud whistles		Small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel (if food must be cooked)
ABC-type fire extinguisher(s)		Comfort Items:
Tube tent (lightweight emergency tent)		Games
Compass		Cards
Paper, pens, permanent markers		Books
Small tool box w/assorted tools		Puzzles
Battery-operated alarm clock		Comfort foods
Needles and thread		Toys

Document and Keys in secure area & watertight container

Items:
Personal identification
Cash (small denominations), travelers� checks, assorted coins
Credit cards
Extra set of house keys and car keys
Local and state map or travel atlas
Emergency contact list and phone numbers
List of prescription medicines including drug name and dosages, and any drug allergies
Copies of the following (secure these from theft):
Birth certificates
Marriage certificate
Driver's licenses
Social Security cards
Passports
Wills
Deeds
Inventory of household goods
Insurance papers
Immunization records
Bank and credit card account numbers
Stocks and bonds
Current photos of family members and pets for re-identification

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PLANNING:

Emergency Planning for Families: PHPR core competency 1.1, 1.5, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2; CDC Capabilities Videos and Files( 3.1 MB): 1, 3, 6, 11, 15

Personal Emergecny Contact Card (61 KB) ; Famliy Emergency Documents (537 KB);

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Section 3

Section 3 Content