The Complete Idiot's Guide to 2012 - Dr. Synthia Andrews Nd [130]
Evacuation Checklist
In the case of evacuation, things get tricky. You don’t know how long you’ll be gone or what will be available at the shelter. You’ll probably want an evacuation kit. Remember, it has to be small enough to be easily carried. An evacuation backpack for every family member is a good idea. Here are some ideas of what you should include:
❏ Warm clothing, underwear, and socks, and protective shoes for each family member.
❏ A blanket or sleeping bag for each person.
❏ Personal items such as glasses or contact lenses.
❏ Things you’ll need for your baby: food, medication, diapers, clothing, toys.
❏ Wallet, purse, bank cards, and cash. Access to cash might be difficult if electricity is disrupted and ATMs are down. Keeping extra cash in the house for emergencies is good thinking.
❏ Mobile phone and charger.
❏ Home and car keys.
❏ Toiletries and sanitary supplies.
❏ Regularly prescribed medication.
❏ Pet supplies, including food, dishes, medication, carrier, collar, and leash. (If you absolutely can’t take your pets with you, make sure you have made proper provisions for them!)
❏ Flashlight and fresh batteries.
❏ First-aid kit.
❏ Insurance information, including your policy number and the agency’s emergency contact information. This number should be on your list of phone numbers.
Codex Cues
It’s good practice to keep your car’s fuel tank filled. Certainly if you know a storm is coming, filling your tank should be high on the list of things to do.
Special Training
Everyone in your family should be trained in basic life support. CPR and lifesaving techniques save lives every day. Even without the possibility of a natural disaster, you should be prepared to help someone in need. Training is inexpensive and can be obtained through your local fire station or Red Cross. If you have a group of people, you can arrange a special training session in your home.
If you live in a flood zone, everyone in your family should know how to swim. Consider lifesaving lessons as well. Look in your local YMCA or school system class extracurricular schedule. One more important training is first-aid skills. In a first-aid class you’ll learn how to splint a broken bone, use butterfly bandages for deep cuts, and wrap a sprained ankle. You’ll also learn techniques for safely carrying an injured person.
Don’t think of this as hard work. The classes are really fun and are great family-building exercises. Everyone in the family will feel like they can contribute when they learn these basic skills.
Forming a Community
Knowing your neighbors is one of the most important aspects of preparedness. If disaster strikes, you may be cut off from help for days or even longer. It will be natural and necessary for you and your neighbors to work together helping each other through. Of course, you may not live in a traditional neighborhood or even know the people around you. Now’s the time to change that. Let’s look at some simple steps you can start to take.
Knowing Your Neighbors
Start introducing yourself to the people on your street, in your condo complex, or in your apartment building. Put up flyers and invite people to meet and participate in a preparedness plan. Many communities did this as the year 2000 approached. (Fortunately, no disasters happened.) You can usually get someone from local government, the fire department, or the Red Cross to facilitate community planning meetings. You may be surprised that other people around you are concerned as well.
Assessing Resources
Some things that are useful in an emergency don’t have to be owned by everyone. One