Emergency & Safety Planning

Everyone should have a plan.

The likelihood of you and your family surviving a house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an exit strategy, as on a well-trained fire department. The same is true for surviving a terrorist attack or other emergency. We must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector, preparing for the unexpected makes sense. Get ready now.

Potential Threats 

Threats include weather disasters, made-man accidents like chemical spills and also possible biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological attacks. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and throughout the federal government, and organizations across America, are working hard to strengthen our Nation’s security and to reduce our vulnerability to emergencies of all kinds. Whenever possible, we want to be prepared for any emergency. All Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during a natural disaster or other emergency. While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones. Some of the things you can do to prepare, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergencies. However, as you will read in this brochure, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.

Emergency Supplies

Just like having a working smoke detector in your home, having emergency supply kits will put the tools you may need at your fingertips. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air. Remember to include, and periodically rotate, medications you take every day such as insulin and heart medicine. Plan to store items in an easy-to-carry bag, such as a shopping bag, backpack or duffle bag. Consider two kits. In one, put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to get away.

 (1) Water-  Store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation in clean plastic containers. If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.

 (2) Food-  Store food that won’t go bad and does not have to be heated or cooked. Choose foods that your family will eat, including protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, canned foods and juices, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers and baby foods. Remember to pack a manual can opener, cups and eating utensils.

 (3) Clean Air-  Many potential disasters could send tiny microscopic “junk” into the air. For example, a tornado or explosion may release very fine debris that can cause lung damage. Many of these agents can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination. Be prepared to improvise with what you have on hand to protect your nose, mouth, eyes and cuts in your skin. Anything that fits snugly over your nose and mouth, including any dense-weave cotton material, can help filter contaminants in an emergency. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children. There are also a variety of facemasks readily available in hardware stores that are rated based on how small a particle they can filter in an industrial setting. Have heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting, duct tape and scissors in your kit. You can use these things to tape up windows, doors and air vents if you need to seal off a room from outside dust, debris and contamination. Consider precutting and labeling these. Anything you do in advance will save time when it counts.

 (4) Basic Supplies-  Store a flashlight, battery powered radio or a hand-crank Emergency Weather Radio, along with extra batteries, a first aid kit, utility knife, local map, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, soap, garbage bags and other sanitation supplies, plastic sheeting, duct tape, as well as extra cash and identification. Periodically rotate your extra batteries to be sure they work when you need them.

 (5) Warmth-  If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Have in your supply kit warm clothing for each family member, including a jacket or coat, long pants, a long sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves. Have a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

 (6) Special Items-  Think about your family’s unique needs. Pack diapers, formula, bottles, prescription medications, pet food, comfort items, books, paper, pens, a deck of cards or other forms of entertainment.

Recommended Emergency Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

• Water one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation

• Food at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery-powered radio or Emergency Hand-Crank Weather Radio plus extra batteries

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First Aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air

• Moist towelettes for sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Infant formula and diapers if you have an infant

• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Emergency Planning

You should plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places you frequent. Ask about their emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. If they do not have an emergency plan, consider helping develop one. Use the tools in the back of this brochure to get started today.

 (1) Develop a Family Communications Plan-  Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations. Consider a plan where each family member calls, or e-mails, the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. 

 (2) Deciding to Stay or Go-  Depending on your circumstances, the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for information or official instructions as they become available. If you’re told to evacuate or seek medical treatment, do so immediately.

(3) Staying Put and Shelter-in-Place-  Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside. In fact, there are some circumstances where staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and the outside, a process known as sheltering-in-place and sealing the room, is a matter of survival. Choose an interior room or one with as few windows and doors as possible. Consider precutting plastic sheeting to seal windows, doors and air vents. Each piece should be several inches larger than the space you want to cover so that it lies flat against the wall. 

 (4) Getting Away-  There may be conditions under which you will decide to get away, or situations when you are ordered to leave. Plan how you will assemble your family and where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of gas in it at all times. Become familiar with other means of transportation out of your area. Take pets with you if you evacuate; however, if going to a public shelter, keep in mind that they may not be allowed inside. 

 (5) Working Together-  Schools, daycare providers, workplaces, neighborhoods and apartment buildings, should all have site-specific emergency plans. Ask about plans at the places where your family spends time: work, school and other places you frequent. If none exist, consider volunteering to help develop one. You will be better prepared to reunite your family and loved ones safely during an emergency if you think ahead. 

 (6) Neighborhoods and Apartment Buildings-  A community working together during an emergency also makes sense. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together. Find out if anyone has specialized equipment, like a power generator, or expertise such as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis. Decide who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors. Make backup plans for children in case you can’t get home in an emergency. 

 (7) Schools and Daycare-  If you are a parent or guardian make sure schools or daycare providers have emergency response plans. Ask how they will communicate with families during a crisis. Do they store adequate food, water and other emergency supplies? Find out if they are prepared to shelter-in-place if need be, and where they plan to go if they must get away.

(8) Employers-  If you are an employer, make sure your workplace has a building evacuation plan that is regularly practiced. Take a critical look at your heating ventilation and air-conditioning system to determine if it is secure. Think about what to do if your employees can’t go home, and make sure you have appropriate supplies on hand.