A natural disaster or accident brings a high degree of confusion and chaos with it. Planning in advance leaves less room for error and additional losses during these high-stress situations.
While it is important to take various measures at home, it is also important to be aware of the Community Disaster Plans and Warning Systems in place for our twin-island. This information can be sourced by visiting The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Management in person, or online. Some examples of the vital information this office will provide includes a list of emergency shelters, evacuation plans and transportation arrangements for the disabled. Additionally, you will be made aware of the warning systems in place to warn citizens about an impending disaster.
Now that we’ve got those community awareness guidelines covered, let’s talk about in-house planning. The key steps are as follows:
- Make a Disaster Plan
- Create a Disaster Supply Kit
- Maintain the Plan and Kit
- Ensure You have Particular Know-Hows
Making a Disaster Plan
Schedule a family meeting to explain potential disaster dangers and to prepare the family to respond as a team. Prepare the following:
- Choose a Meeting Location: If family members separate, they should meet at a specific location after a disaster.
- Make a Communication Plan: Teach children how to make emergency phone calls.
- Designate Escape Routes: Create several escape routes in case of fire, and make sure everyone knows them.
- Make an Alternative Plan for Special Needs: If family members have special needs, make a plan to ensure that these people have assistance.
- Plan for Pets: Make a plan to evacuate with pets, if necessary.
Create a Disaster Supply Kit
A supply kit eliminates the need to search for supplies in a crisis. Be sure to store the kit in a portable container near the door.
- Three-day supply of nonperishable food for every family member
- Three-day supply of water for every family member
- Manual can opener
- Battery-powered radio or television with extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit with instruction booklet
- Hygiene items: moist towelettes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
- Waterproof matches
- Extra clothing and blankets
- Kitchen tools and utensils
- Whistle
- Photocopies of credit cards and identification
- Cash: small-denomination bills and coins
- Special needs items: glasses, contact lens solution, hearing aid batteries, medications
- Infant supplies: diapers, bottles, formula
- Pet supplies
Maintain the Plan & Kit
Review the disaster plan every six months to ensure that it remains up to date. Restock food and medical supplies in the disaster kit to keep items fresh. Discard expired items.
Important Know-Hows
- Utilities: Learn about when and how to turn off utilities such as water, electricity, and gas.
- First Aid and CPR: Take classes to learn first aid and CPR.
- Vital Records: Store family records such as marriage and birth certificates, passports, wills, deeds, Social Security cards, and financial records in a safe-deposit box.