Escape Routes
- Draw a floor plan of your building. Use a blank sheet
of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from
each room. Make sure everyone understands the drawings.
Post a copy of the drawings at eye level.
- Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency,
such as a fire.
Utility Shut-off and Safety
In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut
off the utility.
- Natural Gas
Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number
of fires following disasters. It is vital that all responsible adults know
how to shut off natural gas.
Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter
configurations, it is important to contact your gas company for guidance
on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your
home.
When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information
with responsible adults. Be sure not to actually turn off the gas when practicing
the proper gas shut-off procedure.
If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get
everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you
can, and call the gas company from an alternate location.
CAUTION - If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional
must turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.
- Water
Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is
vital that all learn how to shut off the water at the main valve.
- Cracked lines may pollute the water supply. It is wise to shut off
your water until you hear from authorities that it is safe for drinking.
- The effects of gravity may drain the water in your hot water heater
and toilet tanks unless you trap it by shutting off the main house
valve (not the street valve in the cement box at the curb—this
valve is extremely difficult to turn and requires a special tool).
- Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your building.
- Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be
rusted open, or it may only partially close. Replace it if necessary.
- Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure
everyone know where it is located.
- Electricity
Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking.
It is wise to teach all responsible adults where and how to shut off the
electricity.
- Locate your electricity circuit box.
- Teach all responsible adults how to shut off the electricity to the
entire building.
- FOR YOUR SAFETY: Always shut off all the individual circuits before
shutting off the main circuit breaker.
Insurance and Vital Records
Obtain property insurance if you do not have it. Review
existing policies for the amount and extent of coverage
to ensure what you have in place is what is required
for you and your home or business for all possible hazards.
- Flood Insurance
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to
reduce your risk of flood loss. Buying flood insurance to cover the value
of a building and its contents will not only provide greater peace of mind,
but will speed the recovery if a flood occurs. You can call 1 (888) FLOOD29
to learn more about flood insurance.
- Inventory Possessions
Make a record of your property, for insurance purposes. Take photos or a
video of the interior and exterior of your property. Include personal belongings
in your inventory.
- Important Documents
Store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records,
and other important papers in a safe place, such as a safety deposit. Make
copies of important documents for your disaster supplies kit.
- Money
Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used
in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash on your person
where you can quickly access in case of evacuation.
Special Needs
If you or another has a disability or a special need,
you may take additional steps for emergency protection.
- Hearing impaired may need to make special arrangements
to receive warnings.
- Mobility impaired may need special assistance to get
to a shelter.
- Non-English speaking persons may need assistance planning
for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural
groups may be able to help keep people informed.
- People without vehicles may need to make arrangements
for transportation.
- People with special dietary needs should take special
precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.
Planning for Special Needs
If you have special needs, find out about special assistance
that may be available in your community. Register with
the office of emergency services or the local fire department
for assistance so needed help can be provided.
- Create a network friends and coworkers to aid you in
an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone
knows how to operate necessary equipment.
- Discuss your needs with your employer.
- If you are mobility impaired and work in a high-rise
building, have an escape chair.
- Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair
batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service
animals, and any other items you might need.
- Be sure to make provisions for medications that require
refrigeration.
- Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical
devices you require.
Source: FEMA.gov
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