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Deciding
Whether to Go or Stay
Your Personal Emergency Plan |
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Are You a Caregiver for an Older Family Member? |
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Questions to Ask If You Want to Stay |
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Questions to Ask If You Are Planning to Go |
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Things to Do Before You Leave |
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What to Take With You |
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Things to Keep on Hand for an Emergency |
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National
Weather Service |
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In-Depth Information on Shelters vs. Special Needs Shelters |
Your
Personal Emergency Plan
A little pre-planning could save your life and the lives of those
you love. Thinking about what you would do should a disaster occur
can save you time, money, and worry. You won't be able to pre-plan
for every situation; but, if you and your family members coordinate
efforts and know, in general, what actions you will take should
you get warning of a coming disaster, it will increase the likelihood
that you will "weather the storm" safely.
The
American Red Cross is in the disaster planning, assistance, and
recovery business. They have helped countless individuals worldwide
in the wake and aftermath of various types of disasters. They have
advice for you. They suggest that you establish a Personal
Emergency Plan. And, they tell you step-by-step how to
do it. Go to the link below to follow their guidelines - put together
with years of experience and caring.
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More Disaster Preparation Information From the Red Cross |
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Disaster
Planning for Those With Disabilities |
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More on Planning for Those With Special Needs |
Are You a Caregiver for an Older Adult Family
Member?
Caregivers provide a vital role in the lives of frail older family
members. They offer assistance and support that no one else does.
That goes for disaster planning as well. On our caregiver website,
the Full Circle of Care Caregiver Website, we offer information
specifically for caregivers related to planning for a disaster to
keep an older frail family member safe.
Intertwining
lives, Intertwining services
If
the person you are caring for has Alzheimer's or dementia, there
are a few additional considerations and a few possible preparations
that you may want to make. The Alzheimer's Association has a fact
sheet to help you.
Questions
to Ask If You Want to Stay
When
a disaster threatens, it may be hard to decide whether to go or
whether to stay. Ask yourself these questions:
- If
an emergency is expected, would you be comfortable in your home
alone for several days or weeks, possibly without any contact
from anyone else?
- Will
you be able to stock your home with enough water and food and
other necessary supplies to last 4 to 5 days?
- Would
you be able to live without electricity or heat or air conditioning
for 4 to 5 days?
- Can
you prepare your home for the emergency by yourself -- cover windows,
carry in outdoor items, etc.?
- Has
your home weathered other emergencies? Is it likely to flood,
suffer damage to the roof from falling trees, withstand high winds
with little damage?
- Do
you have neighbors or family members close by? Would they be able
to walk safely to your house or you to theirs, if needed?
- Will
you need access to medical care during an emergency? Will you
have enough medication to last four or five days?
- If
family or friends will be staying with you, do you have enough
supplies, food, and water for everyone?
- Do
you live in a mobile or modular home? If so, you need to evacuate.
These
residences are not built to survive disastrous weather. Do not
jeopardize your life by remaining there.
If
You Decide to Stay
During
the Emergency Watch Period:
- Check
the first aid kit and Disaster Suitcase.
- Check
batteries, radio, flashlights, etc.
- Check
food, water, supplies, and make a list of needed items.
- Check
medications and prescriptions.
During
the Emergency Warning Period:
- Fasten
all doors and windows.
- Place
tape in the form of an X across all windows and glass doors.
- Lower
blinds and close curtains and shutters.
- Pick
up all detachable items in the yard and patio and store them inside.
- Fill
the bathtub (put paraffin wax over the drain to prevent leaking)
and other clean containers with water -- one gallon per person
per day for 4 or 5 days is recommended. At a minimum, a two week
supply would be ideal. Do you know how to
store water safely?
- Fill
containers with water and put in your freezer to help keep food
frozen. Be sure to leave a little room at the top for expansion
when the water turns to ice. This frozen water can later be used
for drinking if the containers were cleaned properly when filled,
if needed.
- Turn
up refrigerator to maximum cold setting (do not open unless necessary).
- Shut
off the electricity to your home at the breaker terminal.
- Shut
off the gas system at the outside source.
- Cover
furniture and valuables with plastic.
- Move
important items away from the windows, and upstairs to the second
floor if possible. A closet might be a good choice for smaller
items.
- It
is a good idea to have a Disaster Suitcase
ready in case you have to leave when the event is over. Remember,
supplies may be in short supply after a disaster.
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More Disaster Preparation Information From the Red Cross |
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Chemical Agents - Facts About Sheltering-in-Place |
Questions
to Ask If You Are Planning to Go
If
you decide to leave, ask yourself these questions:
- Do
you plan on going to a hotel? Have you made reservations? Did
you get the confirmation number? Do you know your route to this
hotel? Do you have plenty of gas to get there?
- If
you are planning to stay with friends or family during the emergency,
have you made arrangements with them -- where and when to meet,
what to take, what provisions must you provide?
- Where
is the nearest shelter
located? Have you arranged transportation there? Does anyone else
know of your plans?
- Have
you made arrangements for pets and outside animals?
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More Disaster Preparation Information From the Red Cross |
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More Information on Disaster Planning for Pets and Livestock |
Things
To Do Before You Leave
- Go
to the bank and get cash or travelers' checks. Credit cards
and personal checks may not be honored after the disaster. Be
sure to keep these funds in a safe place.
- Shut
off the electricity to your home at the breaker terminal. Shut
off the gas system at the outside source.
- Place
tape in the form of an X across all windows and glass. Lock all
doors and windows. Lower blinds and close curtains and shutters.
- Pick
up all detachable items in the yard and patio and store them inside.
- Cover
furniture and important items with plastic; move first floor property
upstairs if flooding may occur.
- Leave
the phone number and address of your destination posted prominently
on an interior wall. Call trusted neighbors and friends and tell
them of your plans.
- The
car in which you travel should have a full tank of gas. The driver
should fill the tank and check the oil and tire pressure during
the early hours of a disaster watch.
- Leave
early, in daylight. Try to avoid areas that flood quickly.
- You
must arrange for pet care before a disaster
strikes. Other than seeing-eye dogs, pets are not
allowed in shelters. Leave enough hard food and drinking
water in a secure area to last them several days if you must leave
them; if you have animal shelter reservations, confirm them and
take appropriate items to leave with your pet (favorite toy or
blanket, food, information on vaccinations including rabies and
the name of your vet). Do not leave pets chained. Do not
leave pets loose indoors if heavy flooding is expected.
- Leave
the car radio on, tuned to a local station for news and weather
bulletins.
- Know
the proper evacuation route. If unsure, call the local Emergency
Operations Center. Note: most news media will have all the
numbers to call.
What
to Take With You
- Disaster
Suitcase
(If going to a shelter, take the following: bedding, two changes
of clothes, sturdy shoes, paper plates, cups, and utensils)
- Important
Papers Such As:
Social Security Card, Identification, Deeds, Insurance Policies,
Birth Certificate, Wills, Relatives' addresses and phone numbers.
Your
"Disaster Suitcase"
Make
a "Disaster Suitcase" using a plastic container with a lid. Place
in the "suitcase" the following items:
- cash
- first
aid kit
- flashlight
and batteries
- battery
operated radio, with batteries
- a
change of clothes
- list
of medications *
*
Do you use prescription medications? It will be important
to plan so that you will be able to take at least a week's worth
of your prescription medications with you. This may not be as easy
as it sounds. Typically, medical insurance will pay for only a one
month supply. They have no exceptions for preparing for a disaster
event. So, how will you be able to "stockpile" extra prescription
medications? For those who can afford it, getting your physician
to write an extra prescription for which you pay with your own money
could be the answer. If that is not an option, we have some additional
suggestions for you (click below).
As you plan, be sure to consider the proper storage for your prescriptions
and how to keep refrigerated medications safe. Think of any sterilized
equipment you may need or any other considerations directly related
to your medications. The more you think ahead, the better you will
fare during a disaster event.
Remember to add your medications to your "Disaster
Suitcase" just
before the emergency strikes. Do not store extra prescription
medications in the suitcase. Put them in a "Grab and
Go" bag which can then be put in your Disaster Suitcase before
leaving. Have prescriptions filled and stock up on any needed over-the-counter
medications during a hurricane or other disaster watch so they will
be useable and not expired. Check any stockpiled items for expiration
at this time as well. Better to take the time to be safe than be
sorry you didn't.
Medications
(including over-the-counter) might include:
- insulin
- aspirin
or non-aspirin substitute
- antacid
- laxatives
- hemorrhoid
medication
- anti-diarrhea
- cough/cold/allergy
- insect
repellent
- denture
products
- sanitary/incontinent
supplies
If
it is not possible to purchase the above-needed items at one time,
try to buy one extra item once a month throughout the year. Check
the shelf-life of all purchases. A good time to do this is in the
fall and spring when you adjust your clocks for daylight savings
time, just as you check the battery in your smoke detector.
Note:
Flashlights and batteries are much safer than candles
and matches, due to the potential for gas leaks after a storm. Extreme
caution should be used when using candles, matches, or anything
with an open flame.
In
a large waterproof bag add :
- large
towel and wash cloth
- blanket
and pillow
- roll
of paper towels
- change
of clothes
- sturdy
shoes (closed toe and heel)
- socks
- manual
can opener
- large
and small trash bags and ties
- bar
soap, liquid detergent
- toothpaste,
tooth brush
- toilet
paper, paper towels, tissue
- disinfectant
- rubber
gloves
- insect
repellent
- sun
block or protective clothing and hat
- other
clothing appropriate to the season
- wet
wipes
- cards,
board games, toys, paperback books
A large plastic bucket with tight lid will also be useful as will
any camping gear that you already have. These items could be stored
in the trunk of your car while you are in a shelter. They would
be available if and when you needed them. For example, a screened
area to sit outside might be useful in the aftermath of a storm.
A small grill might be useful to heat water. Folding chairs would
be useful if the shelter didn't have enough seating for everyone.
And, for those people who have a battery operated radio or TV, that
might help pass the time and keep you informed of relief efforts.
Additionally,
a shelter for pets may not be set up when you need to leave for
the American Red Cross shelter. If that happens and you decide to
take your pet with you, having a tent that could be secured might
be a wonderful temporary shelter for your pet since pets are not
allowed in Red Cross shelters. Be sure to pack water, food, medicine,
a toy, a bed, a leash and any records of vaccinations for your pet.
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More Information on Disaster Planning for Pets and Livestock |
It would also be helpful to pack as much food and water as you
can manage. The shelter will be prepared but you could also contribute
- especially with snacks for the kids. See the section below for
suggestions on non-perishable foods to take.
Things
to Keep on Hand for an Emergency
It is recommended that you keep the following items in good supply
in your home. In an impending emergency or disaster situation, you
would be able to quickly fill your Disaster Suitcase.
The following list of non-perishable foods can be eaten at room
temperature with no cooking by those on a regular diet. Those on
special diets need to plan accordingly.
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crackers |
| jelly |
| nuts |
| canned
vegetables |
 |
canned
juice |
| canned
fruit |
| powered
milk |
| bread |
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peanut
butter |
| honey |
| canned,
fully cooked meat |
| protein
snacks |
| |
dried
fruit |
Keep
on hand:
| cash |
|
| first
aid kit |
| flashlight
and batteries |
| battery
operated radio, with batteries |
| manual
can opener |
|
| wet
wipes |
| insulin |
| aspirin
or non-aspirin substitute |
| antacid |
 |
| laxatives
or diarrhea medication |
| hemorrhoid
medication |
| cough/cold/allergy
medication |
| insect
repellent |
 |
| denture
products |
| sanitary/incontinent
supplies |
| large
and small trash bags and ties |
| plastic
bucket with tight lid |
|
| bar
soap, liquid detergent |
| toothpaste,
tooth brush |
| toilet
paper, paper towels, tissue |
| disinfectant |
| rubber
gloves |
sunblock
or protective clothing and hat
(in severely cold weather ski caps and gloves are imperative
to minimizing loss of body heat.) |
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The
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service provides online information about the
weather conditions nationwide, including alerts and warnings. If
a storm is approaching, keep up with the forecast.
North
Carolina has a storm center to keep citizens informed. You can get
a forecast by city or zip code and see local radar and satellite
images. Plus, there is a wealth of storm information and contact
information.
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