PLANNING FOR A DISASTER
Being prepared for an Emergency is very important at home and in our community. Disasters strike without warning. Are you prepared for an evacuation? What would you do if there were no basic services, such as water, gas or electricity? Most important, have a plan to keep your family & pets safe. Be prepared before a disaster strikes.
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Make a plan
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Stay informed
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Assemble a disaster supply kit
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Make a pet disaster plan (located at the bottom of this page)
Begin by making sure family members are informed on potential hazards and plans within our community. Discuss what you would do if a warning were issued.
- Evacuation Plans
- Make a checklist of what you must do and review it before you leave.
- If you plan to evacuate to a hotel, make reservations and confirm your reservations before you leave.
- Communication with Family (Phones may not be working)
- Escape Routes
- Shut off of Utilities
- Special Needs for Family Members (Call 211 for assistance)
- Care for Pets and Livestock
- Extra Cash (ATM's may not be available)
Important Items to Bring When Evacuating
- Important Documents including Drivers License, Credit Card Account Numbers, Bank Account Numbers, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificates, Social Security Cards, Insurance Policies, Wills and Passports (keep these records in a waterproof container).
- Games and entertainment items for the children
- Family Photos
- Disaster Supply Kit
DISASTER KIT SUPPLIES
If you need to survive on your own after a disaster, you will need the following items in sufficient supply to last for at least 3 to 5 days. Disaster officials will arrive after a disaster, but everyone cannot be reached immediately. Help may reach you within hours or it could take days. A Disaster Supply Kit will consist of basic and other supplies that family members may need in the event of a disaster. Double check to ensure supplies are fresh:
- Non-perishable Food
- Water (one gallon per person per day - Bring extra for pets)
- First aid supplies
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Tools
- Road Maps
- Radio and Batteries
- Medications and copies of prescriptions
- Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids
- Sanitation Supplies
- Baby formula, bottles, powdered milk, baby wipes, diapers and medications
- Pet Supplies
Pet Disaster Plan
If you must evacuate, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!
Take pet food, bottled water, veterinary records, pet medications, pet first aid kit, kitty litter pan, food dishes, leashes, collars and favorite pet toys. Make sure to have a secure pet carrier so if your pet panics, he cannot escape. Make sure identification tags are up to date. Keep a current photo of your pet in the event your pet gets lost.
If you plan to stay during a disaster:
- Bring your pets inside
- Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if afraid.
- Never leave a pet tied up outside during a storm
- Separate dogs and cats even if they normally get along because the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act abnormally
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