Families
can – and do – cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together
as a team.Create a family disaster plan
including a communication plan, disaster supplies kit and an evacuation plan.Knowing what to do is your best protection.
Educate Yourself
Learn what types of disaster
are most likely to happen here in Oregon.
Learn about your community’s
warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you here
them.
Ask about animal care after a
disaster.Animals may not be
allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
Find out how to help elderly or
disabled persons, if needed.
Next, find out about the
disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or daycare center
and other places where your family spends time.
Create an Emergency Plan
Meet with your family and
discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.Explain the dangers of the types of
local disasters that are likely to occur in Oregon.Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
Discuss the types of disaster
that are most likely to happen in your area.Explain what to do in each case.
Pick two places to meet:
1. Right outside your home in
case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood
in case you can’t return home.Everyone must know the address and phone number.
Ask an out-of-state friend or
family member to be your “family contact”.After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance.Other family members should call this
person and tell them where they are.Everyone must know your contact’s phone number.
Discuss what to do in an
evacuation.Plan how to take care
of your pets.
Write down all of these contact
numbers and information on the family emergency contact card.
Complete this Checklist
Post emergency telephone
numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, poison control, etc.).
Teach children how and when to
call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency
help.
Show each family member how and
when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
Check if you have adequate
insurance coverage.
Teach each family member how to
use the fire extinguisher, and show them where it’s kept.
Install smoke detectors on each
level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Conduct a home hazard hunt.
Stock emergency supplies and
assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
Take a First Aid and CPR class.
Determine the best escape
routes from your home.Find two
ways out of each room.
Find the safe spots in your home
for each type of disaster.
Practice Your Plan
Test your smoke detectors
monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
Quiz your kids every six months
so they remember what to do.
Conduct fire and emergency
evacuation drills.
Test and recharch your fire extinguishe(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Replace stored water every
three months and stored food every six months.
