If a disaster strikes

Yesterday afternoon I heard a strange noise in the trailer house. It scared me as I usually don't hear anything until Roger gets home. Later that night Roger told me we had a bigger earthquake than the normal everyday one. The time matched up so I decided to research our disaster preparedness better.

Below is the simple version of what you need to do if a disaster strikes:

* If you are instructed to take shelter immediately, do so at once.

* Listen to the radio or television for the location of emergency shelters. Note those that are accessible to those with physical disabilities and those that have other disability friendly assistance features such as TTY lines.

* Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.

* Take your disaster supplies kit.

* Lock your home.

* Use travel routes specified by local authorities and don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.

* Confirm upon arrival at an emergency shelter that it can meet your special care needs.

* Inform members of your support network and out-of-town contact of your location and status. *Serena will be my out-of-town contact :) Hugs sis.

But I need to back up and get ready before disaster strikes and do this:


Get Informed

* Utilities

Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves and share this information with your family and caregivers. Keep any tools you will need near gas and water shut off valves. Turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged, you suspect a leak, or if local officials instruct you to do so.

(Note: Gas shut-off procedure - As part of the learning process, do not actually turn off the gas. If the gas is turned off for any reason, only a qualified professional can turn it back on. It might take several weeks for a professional to respond. In the meantime, you will require alternate sources to heat your home, make hot water and cook.)


* Fire Extinguisher

Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguishers (ABC type) and where they are kept.


* Smoke Alarms

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near the bedrooms. Individuals with sensory disabilities should consider installing smoke alarms that have strobe lights and vibrating pads. Follow local codes and manufacturer’s instructions about installation requirements. Also, consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.


* Insurance Coverage

Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage and may not provide full coverage for other hazards. Talk with your insurance agent and make sure you have adequate coverage to protect your family against financial loss.


* First Aid / CPR & AED (Automated External Defibrillation)

Take American Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED classes. Red Cross courses can accommodate people with disabilities. Discuss your needs when registering for the classes.


* Inventory Home Possessions

Make a record of your possessions to help you claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage. Store this information in a safe deposit box or other secure (flood/fire safe) location to ensure the records survive a disaster. Include photographs or video of the interior and exterior of your home as well as cars, boats and recreational vehicles. Also, have photos of durable medical equipment and be sure to make a record of the make and model numbers for each item. Get professional appraisals of jewelry, collectibles, artwork or other items that may be difficult to evaluate. Make copies of receipts and canceled checks showing the cost for valuable items.


* Vital Records and Documents

Vital family records and other important documents such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, wills, deeds, and financial, insurance, and immunizations records should be kept in a safe deposit box or other safe location.


Make a Plan

Because a disaster can disrupt your primary emergency plan, it is also important for you to develop a back-up plan to ensure your safety.

Meet with Your Family / Personal Care Attendants / Building Manager

Review the information you gathered about community hazards and emergency plans.


Choose an "Out-of-State" Contact

Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your contact. Following a disaster, family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know the contact’s phone numbers. After a disaster, it is often easier to make a long distance call than a local call from a disaster area.


Decide Where to Meet

In the event of an emergency, you may become separated from household members. Choose a place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Choose a location outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.


Complete a Communications Plan

Your plan should include contact information for family members, members of your support network, caregivers, work, and school. Your plan should also include information for your out-of-town contact, meeting locations, emergency services, and the National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). This contact information can be recorded and carried in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc, for quick reference.

Teach your children how to call the emergency phone numbers and when it is appropriate to do so. Be sure each family member has a copy of your communication plan and post it near your telephone for use in an emergency.


Escape Routes and Safe Places

In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate on a moment’s notice. Be ready to get out fast. Be sure everyone in your family knows the best escape routes out of your home.

Use a blank sheet of paper to draw the floor plans of your home. Show the location of doors, windows, stairways, large furniture, your disaster supplies kit, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, other visual and auditory alarms, collapsible ladders, first-aid kits, and utility shut-off points. Show important points outside such as garages, patios, stairways, elevators, driveways, and porches.

Indicate at least two escape routes from each room, and mark a place outside of the home where household members and/or your personal care attendant should meet in case of ?re. If you or someone in your household uses a wheelchair, make exits from your home wheelchair accessible.


Plan for Your Pets

Take your pets with you if you evacuate. However, be aware that pets (other than service animals) usually are not permitted in emergency public shelters for health reasons. Prepare a list of family, friends, boarding facilities, veterinarians, and “pet-friendly” hotels that could shelter your pets in an emergency.


Prepare for Different Hazards

Include in your plan how to prepare for each hazard that could impact your local community and how to protect yourself. Determine in advance what your alternative shelter will be and how you will get there.

Other hazards, like a home fire, will require you to leave. Make sure both primary and secondary exits are accessible and that you can locate them by touch or feel (since lights may be out and thick, black smoke may make it very hard to see).


Make a Kit

Every household should assemble a disaster supplies kit and keep it up to date. In the event you need to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you, you probably will not have time to shop or search for the supplies you will need.

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items a family would probably need to stay safe and be more comfortable during and after a disaster. Disaster supplies kit items should be stored in a portable container(s) as close as possible to the exit door. Review the contents of your kit at least once per year or as your family's needs change. Also, consider having emergency supplies in each vehicle and at your place of employment.

The following some examples of items that could be included in your basic disaster supplies kit:

* Three day supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener.

* Three day supply of water ( 1 gallon per person per day )

* Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.

* Flashlight and extra batteries.

* First aid kit and manual.

* Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and toilet paper).

* Matches in waterproof container.

* Whistle.

* Extra clothing and blankets.

* Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.

* Photocopies of identification and credit cards.

* Cash and coins.

* Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries.

* Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.

* Tools, pet supplies, a map of the local area, and other items to meet your unique family needs.

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat during or after a disaster. Think about your clothing and bedding needs. Be sure to include one set of the following for each person:

* Jacket or coat.

* Long pants and long sleeve shirt.

* Sturdy shoes.

* Hat, mittens, and scarf.

* Sleeping bag or warm blanket.

Supplies for your vehicle include:

* Flashlight, extra batteries and maps.

* First aid kit and manual.

* White distress flag.

* Tire repair kit, booster/jumper cables, pump and flares.

* Bottled water and non-perishable foods such as granola bars.

* Seasonal supplies: Winter - blanket, hat, mittens, shovel, sand, tire chains, windshield scraper, florescent distress flag; Summer – sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or greater), shade item (umbrella, wide brimmed hat, etc).


Maintain the Plan


* Review your plan every six months and talk with your family about what to do.

* Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drill on a regular basis.

* Check food supplies for expiration dates and discard, or replace stored water and food ever six months.

* Read the indicator on your fire extinguisher(s) and follow the manufacturer's instructions to recharge. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every 10 years.


Why Prepare

Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.

What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?

You are in the best position to plan for your own safety as you are best able to know your functional abilities and possible needs during and after an emergency or disaster situation. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance with your family and care attendants.

Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

This information was adapted from a FEMA & Red Cross booklet: Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs

I have the .pdf file of this booklet. If you want it, leave a comment and I will email it to you.