Why Prepare for Disaster?

Disaster can strike without warning, forcing you to go for days without the basic necessities or to evacuate your home.  Relief workers will be on the scene following a disaster, but may not be able to reach you immediately.

You need to be prepared.  Knowing the steps to take during disaster.  This guide will help you and your family plan for a variety of emergency situations, preserve during them and recover afterward.

Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter to learn which disasters could strike your community.  Use their information, along with this guide, to help you prepare for and reduce the risks you face.

In case of Evacuation:

In a disaster situation, it may be necessary to evacuate your home for several days or longer.  Because disasters can strike with little or no warning, you should be prepared  to leave at a moment's notice.  Knowing beforehand the steps to take in case of evacuation can make a big difference.

• Contact the local emergency management office to learn evacuation routes for your area.
• Determine where you will go if your community is evacuated.
• Discuss with your family the possibility of evacuation.
• Check that your disaster supply kit is assembled and ready to go.
• Make sure your car is filled up-fuel may be in short supply during a disaster.
• When authorities tell you to evacuate bring your disaster supply kit.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing.
• Unplug home electronics.
• Lock the doors and windows.
• Turn off the main switches and valves for gas,water and electricity, if instructed.
• Inform a friend or relative of your route.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes.  Watch for washed-out bridges, flooded areas and downed power lines.

The following organizations and agencies can help you prepare even more throughly for emergencies and disasters that could strike your community.

Federal Emergency Management Agency - www.fema.gov

U.S. Fire Administration - www.usfa.dhs.gov

CitizenCorps - www.citizencorps.gov

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - www.cdc.gov

U.S. Department of Energy - www.energy.gov

U.S. Department of Homeland Security - www.ready.gov

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - www.epa.gov

National Weather Service - www.nws.noaa.gov

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission - www.nrc.gov

American Red Cross - www.redcross.org

Institute for Business & Home Safety - www..disastersafety.org