DISASTER PLAN OUTLINE
Here is a general checklist that you can use in order to put together a disaster program for yourself, family, and your company.
A. Individual
a. Basic Emergency Supply Kit: see below
b. Pets: food, water and blanket/bedding
B. Family
a. Basic Emergency Supply Kit: See Basic Emergency Supply Kit from the Department of Homeland Security here, then go to "Unique Family Needs."
b. Pets: food, water and blanket/bedding
c. Provide Family Emergency Plan Sheet from the Department of Homeland Security (www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan)
C. Vehicle
a. Basic Emergency Supply Kit, plus blanket, hat, gloves, granola and water
D. Business
a. Provide Business Emergency Plan Sheet from the Department of Homeland Security: www.ready.gov/businessplan
RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN A BASIC EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at lest seven days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit with fire extinguisher
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask and or respirator, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone and charger
ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER
- Prescriptions, medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information in a waterproof portable container
- Cash (small bills) and change, $100 suggested
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bags or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding for cold-weather emergencies
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeve shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing for cold-weather emergencies
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners for water filtering system.
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils and paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
EMERGENCY FOOD STOCK / PANTRY
We all need protein, carbohydrates and fats to keep up our energy, so be sure to store nonperishable foods that will meet these requirements:
Dried meat: Beef jerky or beef sticks are good sources of long-storing protein.
Canned fish & meat: Canned tuna is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Canned ham and sandwich spreads can be eaten with crackers. Canned beans are an excellent source of vegetarian nutrition.
Canned fruits: Peaches, pears, berries and applesauce are good source of vitamin C and other nutrients.
Canned vegetables: Vegetables, such as beans, peas, carrots and so on are important.
Dried fruits: Dried fruits, such as raisins, are another way to get the nutrition of fruit in your emergency food pantry.
Whole grain crackers: These are good replacements for bread.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews and pecan have protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Granola bars: These are good for sweet treats.
Dry cereals: They are fortified with extra vitamins and minerals and can be eaten dry.
Juice boxes: Single-serving sized juice that doesn’t need to be refrigerated is helpful. Make sure to choose 100% fruit juices.
Electrolyte drinks: Drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, are a good addition to your emergency food pantry.
Water: In case your regular water supply becomes contaminated, store several bottles of water in your emergency pantry.
Multivitamins: A bottle of multivitamins can help supply any missing nutrients.
Can opener: You need to have a can opener or church key opener that stays in your emergency food pantry.
Large containers: Keep bags, backpacks or other large containers close by. In the event you have to get out of your house in a hurry, you do not want to have to hunt for a bag to carry your food.
Stove: A camping stove or small grill may be used in a safe outdoor area to heat foods.
- Buy single-serving sizes whenever possible, because you can’t depend on refrigeration after the containers have been opened.
- Make sure to periodically check the foods in your emergency food pantry, so that you don’t keep foods that have passed their expiration dates.
- Pack a separate emergency food container and keep in your car if you plan to go into a remote area or over mountain passes for hiking, camping, skiing, fishing, etc. Choose nuts, crackers, dried beef, dried fruit and a container to melt snow for water. This car kit should also include a flashlight, fresh batteries, candles, matches, blankets, a first aid kit and any other emergency supplies you may need.