Preparing for Disasters

Chapel Hill, a subdivision in Town & Country organized a model plan for their neighborhood. Click here to see how they did it.

Other Information

By taking action now to be prepared, you can lessen the impact of a disaster on your family and your home.

Water
Store at least one gallon of water per person per day and be prepared for at least a 72-hour period without utility water. Anchor your water heater to a structural member (foundation wall, column) to keep it from toppling. Your water heater could provide many gallons of supplemental water. Keep water purification tablets in your first aid kit.

Food
Keep a supply of non-perishable food on hand that can be rotated into your diet and replenished on a regular basis. Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, and canned juices to last at least 72 hours. Don't forget the manual can opener.

Flashlights & Batteries
Keep a flashlight beside your bed. Do not use matches after an earthquake until you are certain no gas leaks exist.

Battery-Powered Radio
Most telephones will be out of order, so radios will be your best source of information.

First Aid Kit & Manual
The American Red Cross publishes the Standard First Aid & Personal Safety Manual. Members of your family can also take basic first aid & CPR courses.

Fire Extinguishers
Class ABC extinguishers are designed for safe use on any type of fire (electrical, grease, paper).

Special Needs
Keep a supply of medications, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, moist towelettes, toilet paper.

Cash & Important Papers
Be sure to have a supply of cash in case ATMs, banks, and credit card systems are not operating. Also, keep copies of your homeowner's insurance policy in a safe place.

Tools
In addition to a pipe wrench and crescent wrench (for turning off gas and water valves), you should have a lighter, a supply of matches in a waterproof container, and a whistle for signaling rescue workers.

Utilities
You may be instructed to shut off the utility services at your home. Teach responsible members of your family how to turn off the gas, electricity, and water at valves and main switches. Consult your local utilities if you need more information.