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Disaster Preparedness
What Is a Disaster?
A disaster is an event that disrupts or devastates people or
the environment on a grand scale. Disasters fall into one of
two categories: natural or manmade.
Natural disasters: These disasters are caused
by natural or environmental forces. Earthquakes,
tornadoes, and tsunamis, such as the 2004 Indian
Ocean tsunami, are examples of natural disasters.
Manmade disasters: These types of disasters are
caused by human error, malice, negligence, or the fail
ure of a system. Chemical spills, power outages, and
terrorism, such as the 2001 World Trade Center attacks
in New York, are examples of manmade disasters.
Sometimes one disaster leads to another, as when an
undersea earthquake causes a tsunami or a hurricane
knocks out power lines and leads to a blackout. Whatever
the root cause, such events are classified as disasters when
their impact is so large that society cant fully cope with
the consequences.
Escape Routes
Draw a floor plan of each level of your home, then mark two
escape routes from each room. If you have children, make
sure they know and practice these routes.
Family Communications
In the event that a disaster occurs when your family isnt
home, make sure youre familiar with the emergency plan at
your childs school and the protocol at your and your part
ners workplaces. Then, follow these three steps:
Pick two meeting places: Pick a place near your
home and one outside your neighborhood, just in case
your home isnt accessible.
Pick an out-of-town contact: A relative or friend who
isnt affected by the disaster can help relay information
from one family member to another.
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Make plans for pets ahead of time, as health regula
tions forbid animals from entering shelters. (For more
information, see How to Plan for Your Pets.)
Be sure that all adult family members know how to
administer first aid and CPR and use a fire extinguisher.
If not, sign up for classes through the Red Cross.
4. Stay Informed
Before, during, and after a disaster, listen to the radio or
television for alerts and updates about changing weather
patterns, evacuations, shelters, road closings, and other
hazard information. Consider purchasing a receiver that al
lows you to tune into NOAA Weather Radio, a station that
broadcasts continuous reports from the National Weather
Service. Go to www.weather.gov to find more information
about receivers and stations in your area.
Water
Food
First aid kit
Clothing, bedding, and sanitary supplies
Tools
Special items (described in the following sections)
Water
Disasters often disrupt local water supplies. In case you
become stranded, set aside a three-day supply of water:
one gallon of water per family member per day. Take the
individual needs of your family members into account: chil
dren, the elderly, and people with medical conditions often
need more water than average.
Commercially bottled water is the easiest and safest
optionleave it sealed, and observe the expiration date. To
bottle and store water yourself:
Use a food-grade bottle, such as a Nalgene bottle,
bought from a outdoor supplies store. Clean it with
soap and water before using it. Alternatively, use a
plastic soda bottle (never use a container that had milk
or juice in it). Clean the bottle with soap and water,
then disinfect it with a solution of bleach and water
(1 teaspoon bleach per 1 quart water). Swish the
solution around so that it touches all the surfaces,
then rinse it out.
Fill the bottle with tap water. If the water is from a well,
add two drops of unscented liquid household chlorine
bleach to the bottle.
Write the date on the bottle.
Replace the bottle every six months.
Food
Collect a three-day supply of food, taking into account your
family members eating habits and dietary needs. The fol
lowing types of food are recommended:
Requires refrigeration
Takes a long time to cook
Requires a lot of water to cook
Makes you thirsty
Sunscreen
Antidiarrhea medication
Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in case of poisoning
(contact poison control before use)
A basic first aid manual (can be obtained from your
local Red Cross chapter)
Jacket
Long-sleeve shirt
Long pants
Sturdy shoes or work boots
Hat, gloves, and scarf
Rain gear
Thermal underwear
Blankets and sleeping bags
Sunglasses
Sanitary Supplies
Toilet paper
Soap
Feminine hygiene supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic garbage bags
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Unscented liquid household chlorine bleach
Tools
Extra supplies that will help you function in an emergency
situation include:
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reliance upon our charts and the information found therein.
This chart and the information contained in this chart are for general educational and informational uses
only. Nothing contained on this chart should be construed or intended to be used for medical diagnosis
or treatment. Users are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources and
review the information carefully with their physicians or qualified healthcare providers. The information
is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians or healthcare providers. Should you have
any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider
promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking
on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program The publishers will not be liable for any direct, indirect,
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All rights reserved.
Quamut is a registered trademark of
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Printed in the United States
Writer: Oriane Delfosse
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Special Items
Keep the following miscellaneous items in a safe and immediately accessible place:
Consult the following table to identify the types of disaster insurance you may need.
Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Passports
Drivers licenses
Other forms of identification
Bank account numbers
Credit card numbers
Insurance documents
Inventory of household goods
Bottles
Pacifiers
Powdered milk
Medications
Type of
Insurance
What It Covers
Who Needs It
Flood
Up to $250,000
for your home
and $100,000 for
its contents for
damage cause by
floodwaters. If you
live in a particularly
hazardous area, you
can purchase excess
flood insurance from
a specialized insur
ance company.
Flood insurance is
provided by FEMAs
National Flood
Insurance Program
(NFIP). Call NIFP at
888.379.9531 or visit
www.floodsmart.gov
to determine your
flood risk, estimate
your premium, and
find an agent serving
your area.
Earthquake
Coverage varies by
state and is limited
to the insured value
of your home, as
stated on your
homeowners policy,
plus up to $100,000
of personal property
coverage (furniture,
clothing, bedding,
electronics), and
up to $15,000 of
additional living
expenses coverage.
Windstorm
Sewer and
septic
Damage to carpets,
walls, and other
items caused by
flooding from septic
system backup or
overflow.
Anyone, particularly
those who live in an
old house.
Miscellaneous Items
Items for Babies
Formula
Diapers
Cash
Contact lenses and solution
Games
Disaster Insurance
Having disaster insurance is an important part of being prepared. Without it, you alone are
responsible for the costs of replacing your property and repairing your home.
Fire or lightning
Explosions
Riots or civil commotion
Aircraft
Vehicles
Smoke
Vandalism or malicious mischief
Theft
Volcanic eruption
Windstorm or hail
Falling objects
Weight of ice, sleet, or snow
Freezing of plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or any other type of household system
Some homeowners policies also include a loss of use provision, which covers additional
living expenses if youre forced to evacuate during a disaster.
First, contact an insurance agent to talk about your risks and needs. You can find companies
in the telephone book, online, or through recommendations from friends and family. There
are many options for insurance providers, so here are some tips to narrow your search:
Buy from a company licensed in your state: To find out whether a company is
licensed, contact your states insurance department. Look it up in the telephone book
or go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website: www.naic.
org/state_web_map.htm.
Shop around: Prices vary, so get at least three price quotes before you commit.
Select a financially sound company: To do so, consult independent rating agencies,
such as A. M. Best, Fitch, Moodys, and Standard & Poors.
Feel comfortable with your agent: Insurance is all about security, so make sure
you trust your company and your agent. You want to be able to call them up with a
question or get their help to file a claim.
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After you purchase disaster insurance, follow these steps:
1. Take inventory of your home: List your possessions
and describe the make, model, and cost of each. Save
your receipts, especially for big purchases. Your list
can take many forms: digital video, film, audiotape, or
writing. You can also use computer software to help
create and organize your list. Make your inventory
as complete as possibleits what youll give your
insurance representative in the event of a disaster.
2. Understand whats covered in your policy.
3. Understand the process of filing a claim: Your
insurance agent can guide you through this process.
Earthquakes
The Earths outer layer is divided into several major plates
that constantly move and shift in imperceptible ways; earth
quakes occur when the pressure that builds from plate
movement is released. Earthquakes cause major disruption
to the Earths surface, without warning, and can result in
major damage or injury. The states at the highest risk of
earthquakes are Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana,
Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
Car accidents
Blocked roads
Power outages
Fires or carbon monoxide poisoning from alternative
heating methods
Heart attacks from overexertion when shoveling snow
Hypothermia
Frozen pipes
Flooding
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is defined as several weeks during which the
temperatures are 10F above average for the region. Heat is
especially dangerous to:
Young children
The elderly
People who are ill
People who are overweight
Heat waves affect the South and West the most, but they
can hit all parts of the nation, resulting in wildfires, drought,
heat-related illnesses, and power outages.
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How to Prepare For Extreme Heat
Heat stroke
Tornadoes
A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a rotating, funnelshaped column of air that extends to the ground. Tornadoes grow
out of extreme thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
Tornadoes vary greatly in shape and size, but on average, a tornado
is 500 feet across and stays on the ground for five miles. The United
States has a higher occurrence of tornadoes than any other country
in the worldthe states at the highest risk are Texas, Oklahoma,
Mississippi, Iowa, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Illinois, Indiana, and Nebraska.
a tornado in Kansas
Also, learn the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning:
Here are some ways to cope and keep cool in extreme heat:
Stay inside during the suns hottest hours: If you want to do an outdoor activity,
take frequent breaks, or just wait until the sun starts to go down.
Stay on the lowest level of the house: Heat rises, so the lower the better.
Drink a lot of water: If youre sweating, it means youre losing important bodily fluids.
Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Dress appropriately: Wear loose, lightweight clothing and, if youre outside, a widebrimmed hat.
Use sunscreen: Sunburns are uncomfortable and can have lasting effectsthey
contribute to aging and are a major risk factor for skin cancer.
Go to air-conditioned public places during the hottest part of the day: From
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or so, you might want to go to the movies or a shopping mall.
Eat light, and dont drink alcohol: A cold beer might taste great on a hot day, but
dont overdo it. Avoid high-protein food, which increases metabolic heat in the body.
Check on relatives, friends, and neighbors: Anyone who doesnt have air
conditioning and spends much of their time alone is at risk for a heat-related illness.
Conserve electricity: A rolling blackout occurs when the power company shuts off
power deliberately to keep the entire electricity grid from overloading. Rolling blackouts
are often imposed during heat waves because excessive use of air conditioners
stresses the power grids. So follow these energy-conservation tips:
Set your thermostat no lower than 78F when youre home. Turn off individual AC
units or raise whole-house systems to a higher temperature when youre out.
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbsthey use less energy and generate less
heat than regular incandescent bulbs.
Use major heat-generating appliances only early in the day or late at night.
Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances when not in use.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Most heat related illnesses are a result of overexertion and overexposure to the sun. The first
step is to recognize the symptoms, and the second is to address the problem.
Tornado watch: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert, watch the sky, and listen to
weather updates.
Tornado warning: A tornado has been sighted or has popped up on a weather radar.
Take shelter immediately. If youre in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, proceed to the
nearest shelter.
Condition
Symptoms
What to Do
Heat cramps
Heat exhaustion
Go to the lowest, flattest location, such as a ditch in a field. Then lie down.
Dont runtornados are faster than you are. Locate a place of shelter and stay there.
Be alert to flying debris or flooding.
Dont seek shelter under overpasses or bridges. A flat, low area offers the
best protection.
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Hurricanes
Hurricanes are storm systems that form over oceans, with
wind speeds of at least 74 mph. Theyre classified into five
categories, from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5
(most severe), according to wind speed, central pressure,
and damage potential.
Hurricane Katrina
Every year, hurricanes pound coastal areas along the Atlan
tic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. They are characterized
by violent winds and heavy rain, which can often lead to
flooding and tornadoes. Category 3 and higher hurricanes
will likely cause major damage and require evacuation. Its
important to know how to act quickly and efficiently.
Hurricane Terminology
If a hurricane is headed toward land, forecasters will issue
alerts using the following terminology:
Tropical depression: The first stage of what could
become a tropical storm or hurricane. Winds are 38
mph or less.
Tropical storm: Similar to a hurricane, but less severe,
with winds ranging from 3973 mph. These storms
often develop into hurricanes, and this is the stage at
which storms are named.
Tropical storm/hurricane watch: Indicates that the
storm, whether a tropical storm or hurricane, could hit
within 36 hours.
Tropical storm/hurricane warning: Indicates that
tropical storm or hurricane conditions will hit the area
within 24 hours.
Check your sump pump. Clean it, test it, and make sure
that your discharge hose delivers the water to a welldrained area several feet away from your home.
Move any valuables to a higher location.
Elevate appliances, especially in the basement. Put
washers, dryers, and freezers up on wood blocks to
keep their motors dry.
Floods
A flood is the accumulation of excess water on land thats
normally dry. Floods can occur anywhere: in the mountains,
in the desert, on the coast, or inland. Floods are the most
common natural disaster in the United States, though many
people dont even realize that theyre at riskit takes only an
inch or two of water to cause significant damage to a home.
To determine your specific flood risk, look at flood maps
of your area. These are available at FEMAs Map Service Cen
ter, at 800.358.9616, or online at msc.fema.gov. Flood maps
for a specific property are usually a few dollars apiece.
Damaged chimneys
Faulty electrical wiring
Dryers
Kitchen oil
a house fire
Combustibles
Human carelessness, such as smoking in bed or leaving
a candle burning unattended
Types of Floods
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Crawl low to the ground.
Use the back of your hand to test doors before opening
them. Feel doorknobs and the top of the door for heat.
If the door is hot, dont open it.
Try to escape through a window. If you cant, hang a
white sheet or towel from the window to alert
firefighters to your presence.
Shut doors as you leave to delay the spread of the fire.
Lightning
Drought
Human carelessness
Arson
Heat waves
Do . . .
Dont . . .
Use a flashlight
Use a candle
Blackouts
On August 14, 2003, 50 million people in the Midwest,
Northeast, and Canada suddenly lost power in a massive
blackout. Some areas did not have power restored for four
days. Blackouts can occur due to:
Terrorism
The World Trade Center attacks on September 11th, 2001,
awakened Americans to the prospect of terrorism on
domestic soil. Terrorism is defined as the use of force or
violence against people or property in a way that violates
U.S. law. Terrorism is used to:
Create fear in the public
Get publicity for a cause
Make citizens feel as though their government cannot
protect them
Acts of terrorism can take many forms, such as:
Assassinations
Kidnappings
Hijackings
Bombings or bomb scares
Cyberattacks
Chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological attacks
Large cities
Military and civilian government facilities
International airports
High-profile landmarks
Large public gatherings
Corporate centers
Utilities
Food and water supply centers
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Scissors
Duct tape
Dust mask
Plastic sheeting (this is used, along with the duct tape,
to cover doors, windows, and vents if you need to keep
out harmful chemicals or dust; you can precut the
plastic to fit over the openings)
General Guidelines
Acts of terrorism are frightening and unpredictable, but
there are ways to be prepared. Primarily, always be alert by
doing the following:
Be aware of your surroundings
Know where exits are, especially in high-risk locations
Report suspicious activity or unattended packages to
the authorities
Never accept packages from strangers
Alert authorities if you feel uncomfortable
In addition to watching the news, reading the newspaper,
and being generally aware of whats going on in the world,
pay attention to the National Threat Level, the color-coded
Homeland Security Advisory system that gauges the risk of
a terrorist attack. If the level is set to red or orange, it means
that the government is on high alert.
Explosions
Explosions are loud, chaotic, and frightening. If one occurs
near or in your building or home, try to keep your wits about
you and follow these guidelines:
Get out as soon as possible. Exit the building via the
stairs, not the elevators. Watch for unstable floors or
falling debris.
If debris is falling, protect yourself under a sturdy desk
or table.
Try to stay away from windows or glass doors. They
can shatter easily.
Dont make phone calls.
Dont waste time. Leave your personal items behind.
Biological Threats
A biological threat occurs when damaging organisms or
toxins are released with the intention of harming people,
livestock, or crops. There are three basic groups of bio
logical agents: bacteria, viruses, and toxins. They can be
released into a community via:
Aerosols, which are fine mists that spray into the air
The infection of animals that could potentially carry the
disease to humans
The contamination of food and water
Signs of contamination can be difficult to detect until
authorities have determined the agent and symptoms that
accompany infection. The best thing to do is stay informed.
Chemical Threats
A chemical threat entails the release of poisonous agents
that have a toxic effect on people, animals, and plants.
These agents can take the form of aerosols, liquids, solids,
or vapors, and can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Difficulty breathing
Loss of coordination
Nausea
Burning or irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat
Post-Disaster Guidelines
Once a disaster has occurred, the most pressing concern is
the health and safety of your family.
Safety Issues
Disasters can alter the landscape of your city, town, neigh
borhood, or home. Whether youre returning home from an
evacuation or emerging from your safe room, use extreme
caution. Dont return home until the authorities deem it safe
to do so. When you do return, keep an eye out for:
Road damage: Drive only on recommended routes.
Look for washed-out roads and downed power lines.
Fires and chemical spills: Alert the authorities if you
happen upon either of these scenarios.
Damaged electrical wiring: If you didnt turn off the
electricity before the disaster, turn it off at the main
fuse box. Never check the electricity if you are wet or
standing in water. Dont turn on the lights unless youre
sure theyre safe to use.
Gas leaks: Never use an open flame as a source of
light inside your homeif theres a gas leak, it will
cause an explosion. Use a battery-powered flashlight
that you turn on outsidethe spark created when you
switch the flashlight on can be a hazard if combined
with gas. Never enter your home if you smell gas.
Damaged water and sewage systems: Turn off
the water at the main valve. Check your pipes. Dont
flush any toilets. Dont drink your tap water until the
authorities have informed you that its safe to do so.
Roof, chimney, and foundation damage: Check for
fires on the roof, cracks in the chimney, and damage
to the foundation. Make sure that your home is
structurally sound before you set foot in it.
Flooding: If your basement is flooded, pump the water
out gradually. Your floors and walls, which will most
likely be waterlogged, could collapse if you do it all at
once. Floodwater can be contaminated with chemicals
or raw sewage, so try to stay away from it. Throw away
anything that has come in contact with floodwater.
Animals: Beware of snakes and rodents that may have
sought refuge in your home during the flood.
File an insurance claim: Take pictures or video, and
keep detailed records of all the damage caused by the
disaster. Call your insurance agent for instructions on
how to file a claim.
Shock and recovery: Disasters are stressful, and the
aftermath can be frightening. Contact your local relief
organizationsthey can be an enormous source of
support during the recovery process.