1. Find out what could happen to you.

• Contact your local Red Cross Chapter or Lake County Emergency Operations office before a disaster occurs – be prepared to take notes.

• Ask what types of disaster are most likely to happen.

• Learn your community’s warning signals.

• Ask about animal care after a disaster.

• Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.

• Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, and your children’s school or day care.

2. Create a disaster plan.

• Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen.

• Pick two places to meet:
  (1) Right outside your home in case of sudden emergency, like fire.
  (2) Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.

• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, its often easier to call long distance.

• Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

3. Complete this checklist:

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).

• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.

• Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.

• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.

• Get training from the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it’s kept.

• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home.

• Conduct a home hazard hunt.

• Determine the best escape routes from your home.

• Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.

4. Stock emergency supplies.

• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit—find out how by checking the Red Cross web site (www.redcross.org).

5. Practice and maintain your plan.

• Quiz your kids every six months or so.

• Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.

• Replace stored water and stored food every six months.

• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s).

• Test your smoke detectors monthly; change at least once a year.

If Disaster Strikes

REMAIN CALM AND PATIENT.

Put your plan into action.

• Remain calm and patient

• Check for injuries.

• Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.

• Listen to your battery-powered radio for news and instructions.

Check for damage in your home.

• Use flashlights. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.

• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.

• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable liquids immediately.

Remember to . . .

• Confine or secure your pets.

• Call your family contact, and do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.

• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.

• Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.

• Stay away from downed power lines.