How to Prepare for a Disaster

October 14, 2001
With government agencies warning of unspecified terrorist threats and antrax-contaminated letters popping up around the country, it's wise to be prepared. The question is, how to do that?

Here are some tips from various experts:

Have a Plan

Every family should have a disaster plan so they'll know what to do in an emergency, whether it's severe weather, an earthquake or, in this case, a terrorist incident. Here are some of the elements it should include:

• Where to meet Ideally, you should pick two places -- one near your home, one near your work. If an emergency occurs during the workday, meet at the place nearest your workplace and vice versa.
• Check with children's schools Most schools generally prefer that parents not rush to school to pick up their children when trouble strikes. Kids are probably safer in school than on congested roadways and the roads may need to be kept clear for emergency vehicles. Check your local district to determine their policy.
• Designate an out-of-town contact If your family is dispersed when trouble hits, it may be easier to stay in touch if you all contact an out-of-town friend or relative.
• Consider the elderly and disabled You may need to make special plans if your family includes individuals with special needs. Think about this now, not later.
• Think about your pets Pets are usually not permitted in emergency shelters and it may not be practical to take them with you if you must evacuate your home. Think about this now. You may have to make some hard choices in a true emergency and it's best to think through the process in advance.
• Keep gas in the car This would be a good time to keep your gas tank at least half full. If it's necessary to evacuate, it won't be easy to gas up.

Have a Survival Kit

It's a good idea to keep a survival kit handy. You may want to keep it in the trunk of your car. It should contain:

• Water You should have a three-day supply of water -- one gallon per day per person.
• Clothing At least one change of clothing per person.
• Medicine A week's supply of any essential prescription medications, any over-the-counter medicines you use regularly and a first-aid kit.
• Food Try to pack a three-day supply of food that will not spoil and that does not need to be cooked.
• Flashlights Be sure to pack extra bulbs and batteries.
• Copies of important documents This might include passports, insurance policies and bank account information.
• Battery-powered radio Also keep your cell phone handy.

When At Work ...

Perhaps the most essential survival tool is a pair of sturdy shoes. Trying to run down 30 flights of stairs in high-heeled shoes is not easy. Your desk drawer should also contain a small flashlight, a whistle and a couple of energy bars.

For more information, see the Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site.

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