Are you prepared for a disaster?

Emergency Checklist

•Post an amergency plan where everyone will see it, such as a refrigerator or bulletin board.

•Discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies.

•Find out how you would be warned of an emergency when it occurs.

•Plan escape routes from your home and set up meeting places outside your home.

•Protect your home and property against damaging weather conditions.

•Show responsible family members how to turn off the main water, gas and electrical switches. Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones. Choose one out-of-state and one local contact for family members to call if separated during a disaster.

•Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Take a basic first aid and CPR class.

•Make arrangements for your pets.

•Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans.

•Find out about any special assistance that may be available in your community.

•Create a network of neighbors, relatives and friends to aid you in an emergency.

•If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly, and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building.

Disaster Supplies Kit

Disaster supply kits should include at least the following 12 items:

•A two-week supply of water of one gallon per person per day and water purifying tablets.

•A two-week supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food.

•A non-electric can opener.

•Non-breakable eating and drinking utensils.

•One complete change of seasonal clothing and shoes for each person.

•Towels, blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.

•A well-stocked first aid kit with plenty of bandages and disinfectants.

•A battery-powered radio and flashlight with plenty of extra batteries.

•An ABC-type fire extinguisher.

•Cash, credit cards and valuable personal documents.

•Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets.

•An alternate cooking source such as camping stove or barbecue. But be careful, Be sure there are no gas leaks before using any kind of fire as a cooking source and do not use charcoal indoors.

In case disaster strikes while in a vehicle, the city recommends keeping an emergency car kit in the vehicle at all times.