Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, hazardous material spills—disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. If you think you will never have to evacuate unless you live in a flood plain, near an earthquake fault line or in a coastal area, you may be tragically mistaken. It is imperative that you make preparations to evacuate your family and your pets in any situation. In the event of a disaster, proper preparation will pay off with the safety of your family and pets.
For more information on how to keep you pet safe in a disaster scenario, please click here.
If you would like more information on how to be more proactive in your own safety or with disaster preparedness in your community check out the following links:
FEMA Independent Study Courses (Disaster Certification)
House Fire Prevention
How to turn off Utilities
Seattle Red Cross
Urban Search & Rescue Training
Most experts suggest that everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours following an emergency. Pack your emergency items in one location, preferably in a large duffel bag or plastic garbage can. Be sure your items are stored so that they can be gotten to in the event your house is destroyed. Label all perishable items with a date of purchase and expiration date. Mark your calendar to check your emergency kit once a year. Be sure everyone in your family knows the location and contents of the emergency kit.
THE BASIC SURVIVAL KIT
____ Water: One gallon per person per day
____ First aid kit plus: a cold pack, lip balm, sun block and
insect repellant.
____ 72 hours supply of food- canned or freeze dried food
____ Germicidal hand sanitizer
____ Portable battery powered radio
____ Spare batteries
____ Spare glasses
____ Emergency supply of prescription medications
____ Flashlight with spare batteries
____ Non-latex gloves
____ Signal flare
____ Whistle
____ Money
SAFETY AND COMFORT
____ Sturdy work shoes
____ Heavy work gloves
____ Waterproof matches
____ Complete change of clothes, plus extra underwear
____ Pocket knife
____ Tent
____ Hat. One that provides protection from the sun, rain, or cold
____ Pen and paper
____ Deck of card and toys for children
____ Blankets/sleeping bags and pillows
____ Waterproof rainwear
____ Lantern (gas, propane or battery powered). Be sure to have plenty of fuel or extra batteries
SANITATION
____ Large plastic garbage bags.
____ Camp suds (for shampoo, body cleansing, dish cleaning)
____ Household bleach
____ Toothpaste and toothbrushes
____ Pre-moistened towelettes
____ Deodorant
____ Feminine supplies
____ Infant supplies
____ Toilet paper
PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION AND COPIES OF:
____ Drivers Liscense
____ Birth Certificate
____ Marriage Liscense
____ Social Security Card
____ Passport
____ Wills
____ Deeds
____ Insurance papers
____ Inventory household goods
____ Immunization records
____ Bank and credit card accounts
____ Stocks and bonds
____ Emergency contact list
____ Map of area and phone #’s of places you could go