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Developing A Plan and Kit To Protect
Your Family From Natural or Man-Made Disasters
Emergencies can range from the inconvenience to the
devastating. But you can take some simple preparedness steps in
advance to minimize the impact on your family.
The likelihood that you and your family will survive a
house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an
exit strategy, as on a well-trained fire department. The same is
true for all other emergencies. We must have the tools and plans
in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, not
matter where we are when disaster strikes. Just like having a
working smoke detector, preparing for the unexpected makes sense.
Make a Plan
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes,
so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in
different situations.
*It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call
than to call across town, so an out-of-state contact may be in a better
position to communicate among separated family members.
*Be sure every member of your family knows the phone
number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency
contact.
*You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone
system maybe down altogether, but be patient.
Emergency Information
*Find out what kind of disasters, both natural and
manmade, are most likely to occur in your area and how will you be
notified.
*Methods of getting your attention vary from community
to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency
radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a
telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door.
Emergency Plans
*Inquire about emergency plans at places where your
family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans
exist, consider volunteering to help create one.
*Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together
in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to
safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you
think ahead and communicate with others in advance.
Get A Kit
After a disaster, local officials and relief workers
will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately.
You could get help in hours, or it may take days.
Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage
treatment and telephones, may be cut off for days or even weeks. You may
have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you.
You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the
supplies you will need.
A Disaster Supplies Kit can help your family stay safe
and be more comfortable after a disaster.
Get Involved
Now all Kentuckians have the opportunity to learn more
about taking care of their families during any type of disaster -
natural or man-made.
Log on to
www.ProtectYourFamily.ky.gov to find local volunteer and training
opportunities through your local Citizen Corps Council.
Recommended Supplies To Include In A Basic Kit:
*Water one gallon per person per day
*Food at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
*First Aid Kit
*Clothing and blankets
*Daily prescription medications, infant formula or
diapers
*Flashlight and extra batteries
*Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
*Copies of important documents
For a complete listing, visit
www.ProtectYourFamily.ky.gov
In today's economy, managing
money and the cost of living can be a struggle. . . . take a look at the
new UK MONEYWISE link for resources to help:
http://ces.ca.uky.edu/moneywise/
For more information please contact the Allen County
Cooperative Extension Service at 200 East Main Street or e-mail
jjohnson@uky.edu
Click here to hear Janet
Johnson live on Fall Physical Activity
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