Create a disaster plan
  • Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.
  • Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children.
  • Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in
each case.
  • Pick two places to meet:
            1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
            2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must
                know the  address and phone number.
  • Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to
    call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they
    are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number.
  • Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Complete this checklist
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
  • Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services
    number for emergency help.
  • Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the
    main switches.
  • Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
  • Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them
    where it’s kept.
  • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
  • Conduct a home hazard hunt.
  • Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
  • Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
  • Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
  • Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.



Practice your plan
  • Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
  • Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
  • Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
  • Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
  • Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.