safety preparing for disaster

Transcription

1 safety preparing for disaster

2 our mission The mission of The USAA Educational Foundation is to help consumers make informed decisions by providing information on financial management, safety concerns and significant life events. This publication is not medical, safety, legal, tax or investment advice. It is only a general overview of the subject presented. The USAA Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization, does not provide professional services for financial, accounting or legal matters. Consult your tax and legal advisers regarding your specific situation. Information in this publication could be time sensitive and may be outdated. The Foundation does not endorse or promote any commercial supplier, product or service.

3 Table of contents March 2009 What You Should Know 2 An introduction Preparing Your Home 3 Review insurance coverages and minimize hazards Planning Ahead 12 Create a family emergency plan Special Needs 15 Important tips for elders and disabled individuals, children and pets When Disaster Strikes 20 What to do when an emergency occurs Recovering From Disaster 21 Steps for returning to normal For More Information 23

4 2 What you Should Know Disasters Bla c ko u t s C h e mi c a l e m e r g e n ci e s Drought Earthquakes Fires Floods Heat waves Hurricanes Mudslides Terrorism Thunderstorms Tornadoes Tsunami Volcanoes Wildfires Winter storms For detailed information on these disasters, visit The American Red Cross at Disaster preparation is important wherever you live. Your area may not be prone to earthquakes, hurricanes or mudslides, but other disasters can occur anywhere at any time. The best way to protect your family, home and pets is to get ready now, before emergencies arise. This publication provides information to help you: Create a family emergency plan. Prepare your home and possessions. Execute your plan when the time comes. Accommodate special needs. Recover from a disaster. Understand Your Risks Your best defense against disasters is to be informed and prepared. Learn about the disasters most likely to occur in your area. Contact the American Red Cross chapter or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for more information on the following: The risks you face from each type of disaster. How you can prepare for them. What steps can help you get safely through a disaster. Your community s plans for warning and evacuation. Your community s designated emergency shelters. Go to Preparing and Getting Trained Go to Prepare for events. You can also call: (866) GET-INFO ( ) For Disaster Information American Red Cross (866) GET-INFO ( ) FEMA (800) 621-FEMA (3362)

5 preparing your home 3 Being prepared for any emergency is the best way to protect you and your family when disaster strikes. Evaluate Document Storage Make sure important financial, insurance and legal documents are securely stored. Keep them in a safe deposit box at your financial institution or in another secure location away from your residence. You should also store a hard copy of important online documents. This helps ensure the documents will be available if a disaster destroys your home. Inventory Possessions Create a record of your possessions, including purchase prices, dates purchased, serial numbers and receipts. If you have to file a claim, this will ensure you do not overlook anything lost in a disaster. Supplementing your written inventory with photos can provide an overview of all your possessions. Photograph each room. Open drawers and closet doors to reveal contents. Store a copy of your written inventory and photographs in a safe deposit box at your financial institution or in another secure location away from your residence. Another option may be to scan the information to a disk and store the disk in your safe deposit box. Review Homeowners Insurance You may need to supplement your existing homeowners insurance policy to ensure sufficient coverage if a disaster damages or destroys your home and possessions. Review Renters Insurance Landlords usually carry insurance only on the building itself. Your possessions are your responsibility. Consider renters insurance if you do not currently have a policy. Consider Flood Insurance Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damages. Depending on your location, your lender may require flood insurance. In many circumstances, flood insurance is provided by the federal government in cooperation with local communities and private insurance companies. Because 25 percent of flood loss occurs in low flood hazard areas, ask your homeowners insurance provider about purchasing flood insurance even if your lender does not require it. The USAA Educational Foundation publications, managing your personal records, Homeowners Insurance and Renting A Home, offer more information. See Resources on the inside back cover of this publication to order free copies.

6 4 Inventory Possessions Work Sheet Living Room purchase Price Date Purchased Furniture Paintings, art objects Draperies, rugs Lighting, ceiling fan Electronics Other Dining Room Purchase Price Date Purchased Furniture Paintings, art objects Draperies, rugs Lighting, ceiling fan China, crystal

7 5 Inventory Possessions Work Sheet (CONTINUED) Dining Room (CONTINUED) purchase Price Date Purchased Silver, pewter Other Kitchen/Utility Room Purchase Price Date Purchased Furniture Curtains, rugs Dishes, glassware, silverware Lighting, ceiling fan Appliances Other Office Purchase Price Date Purchased Furniture Draperies, rugs Lighting, ceiling fan

8 6 Inventory Possessions Work Sheet (CONTINUED) office (CONTINUED) purchase Price Date Purchased Computer equipment Books Other Master Bedroom purchase Price Date Purchased Furniture Paintings, art objects Draperies, bedding, rugs Lighting, ceiling fan Electronics Clothing Jewelry Other Bedroom #2 purchase Price Date Purchased Furniture

9 7 Inventory Possessions Work Sheet (CONTINUED) bedroom #2 (CONTINUED) purchase Price Date Purchased Draperies, bedding, rugs Lighting, ceiling fan Electronics Clothing Other Bedroom #3 purchase Price Date Purchased Furniture Draperies, bedding, rugs Lighting, ceiling fan Electronics Clothing Other Bathrooms purchase Price Date Purchased Towels Curtains, rugs

10 8 Inventory Possessions Work Sheet (CONTINUED) bathrooms (CONTINUED) purchase Price Date Purchased Electrical appliances Other Lawn And Garden purchase Price Date Purchased Furniture Lawn mower Edger, blower Other Miscellaneous purchase Price Date Purchased Luggage Musical instruments Cameras, video equipment Exercise, sports equipment Hunting, fishing equipment Bicycles, toys Tools Other

11 9 Take Safety Precautions During a disaster, normal household items can become hazardous. Take steps to lessen the damages and injuries they can inflict. Inspect and maintain cooling and heating systems, water heaters, furnaces and fireplaces on a regular basis. Modify or retrofit your home to prevent damage or injury from falling objects or moving furniture. Elevate water heaters, electric panels and furnaces 2 to 3 feet above the base flood elevation. Install sewer backflow valves to keep sewage from entering your home. Consider replacing hail-damaged roof coverings with stronger, more resistant coverings. Prepare a basement, interior room or outdoor cellar where you and your family can evacuate if a disaster strikes. Learn how and when to turn off electricity, water and natural gas service to your home. Remove Hazards In a disaster, everyday home items can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a potential hazard. Fasten shelves securely. Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves. Brace overhead light fixtures. Ensure paint, pesticides and other flammable containers are stored away from heat sources. Secure or store outdoor items such as flower pots, patio furniture or portable basketball goals. Ask or help neighbors to do the same. Pack Emergency Kits Gather items you and your family need to remain safe and self-sufficient for a minimum of 3 days. Store these items in easy-to-carry waterproof containers, duffle bags or backpacks. Every family member should know where emergency supplies are kept and how to use them. The USAA Educational Foundation publication, Making Your Home A Safer Place, offers more information. See Resources on the inside back cover of this publication to order a free copy.

12 10 Emergency Kit Checklist Use the following checklist to assemble your supply kit. Include other items as appropriate for your family. Food And Water Communication Needs First Aid Copies Of Important Documents Three-day supply of water (1 gallon daily for each family member). Three-day supply of non-perishable food. Manual can opener and utensils. Camp stove with fuel or other non-electric cooking device. Paper or plastic plates and bowls. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries. Copy of family disaster plan and important phone numbers. Cell phone, extra battery, charger. Prepaid phone card. Whistle to signal for help. Waterless hand cleaner. Antibiotic ointment. Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes. Eyewash solution. Pain relievers for adults and children. Sterile dressings. Thermometer. Insect repellent. Hygiene products, such as soap and toothpaste. Tweezers. Petroleum jelly or other lubricant. Licenses, passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards. Homeowners, renters, auto, life and medical insurance policy information. Bank account and credit card information. Inventory lists, photos or disk of possessions. Will(s).

13 11 Emergency Kit Checklist (continued) Special Needs Infant formula, baby food, diapers and other supplies. Prescription medications (1-week supply) and copies of prescriptions. Prescribed medical supplies, such as glucose or blood pressure monitoring devices. Eyeglasses, contacts, contact solution and contact case. Items for disabled family members. Items for elderly family members. Pet Needs Three-day supply of food and water. Leash and collar with identification and date of rabies vaccination. Immunization records. Pet carrier or wire cage. Other Basics Flashlight and extra batteries. Fire extinguisher. Masks to help filter dust. Sanitation supplies, such as moist towelettes. Plastic sheeting and duct tape to create a shelter. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Local maps. Change of clothing and shoes for each individual. Include coats, scarves and gloves for cold climates. Blanket or sleeping bag for each individual. Consider additional bedding for cold climates. Extra set(s) of vehicle keys. Cash and coins for 1 2 weeks. Plastic garbage bags. Chlorine bleach and instructions for disinfecting. Emergency supplies for your vehicle. The USAA Educational Foundation publication, Safe On The Road, offers more information. See Resources on the inside back cover of this publication to order a free copy.

14 12 planning ahead Every family member needs to know what to expect and what to do in an emergency. Create a family emergency plan, discuss it together and review it regularly. Your plan should include escape routes, meeting locations including alternate meeting locations, phone numbers and instructions for each family member. Select A Contact Ask an out-of-town friend or relative to be your emergency contact, as it is often difficult to make local calls during a disaster. Provide this individual with the names of every family member who might call in an emergency. When called, your contact should ask the following questions. Where is the caller located? Is the caller in a safe location? How is the caller s physical condition? Where is the caller going next and by what means? How can the caller be reached? Post Emergency Numbers Post important phone numbers near telephones, and create an emergency contact card for each family member to carry at all times. Teach children when and how to call emergency numbers. Choose Meeting Places Select a safe meeting place outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire. You should also select a location outside your neighborhood in case a disaster makes it impossible to return home. Plan an alternate meeting location as well. Know Escape Routes Make sure every family member knows the best escape routes out of your home and which places inside your home are safest during certain disasters. For example, if a tornado approaches, family members should retreat to a basement, cellar or interior room with no windows on the lowest floor of the structure. Learn First Aid Skills At least one family member should know how to respond if someone becomes ill or injured in a disaster. Consider participating in an American Red Cross first aid program, such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator). Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for class schedules and locations in your area.

15 13 Review And Update You and your family should review your disaster plan at least twice annually. Practice what to do in each type of emergency. Make sure each family member knows where to go and what to do if disaster strikes. Update your plan as appropriate and take the following steps. Replace emergency supply water every three months. Replace emergency supply food prior to the expiration date. Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed. Inspect fire extinguishers monthly. Complete the following information for each member of your family. Include specific instructions as appropriate. Family Emergency Information Family member Immediate action Out-of-town contact Home phone Wo r k Cell Meeting place 1 Meeting place 2 Complete the following information for each family member and anyone else you want to reach in an emergency. Name Daytime location* Address Phone Evacuation location** Name Daytime location* Address Phone Evacuation location**

16 14 Family Emergency Information (continued) Name Daytime location* Address Phone Evacuation location** Name Daytime location* Address Phone Evacuation location** Name Daytime location* Address Phone Evacuation location** Important Information Physician Physician Pharmacist Medical insurance provider Phone Phone Phone Phone Policy number Homeowners/Renters insurance Phone Policy number Veterinarian Phone * Home, school, work or other location. ** Offices, schools, child-care providers and other establishments should have site-specific emergency plans. Record where they will go if evacuation is necessary.

17 special needs 15 Elderly or disabled individuals often have special needs that must be accommodated during a disaster. If you have an elderly or disabled family member, include them in your family emergency plan whether or not they live with you, on their own or in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Do not assume others will care for your loved one if disaster strikes. Elders The following instructions can help you plan for your elder s safety. Learn the facility s emergency procedures if your loved one lives in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Talk to local emergency service providers to learn what help might be available to your elder during and after a disaster. Know where the designated special needs shelters are located in your community. Plan and practice emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, with home healthcare agencies, nurses or other caregivers. Designate an emergency contact for your elder. If possible, make sure your elder knows how and when to call this individual. Provide your elder with a completed Family Emergency Information form. Keep a completed Emergency Health Information form in your elder s emergency supply kit. Label essential medical equipment and attach laminated instructions for use. Make sure your emergency supply kit includes items for your elder s health and personal needs, such as: Prescription medications (1-week supply), dosage information and copies of prescriptions. Prescribed medical supplies, such as blood pressure monitoring devices or portable oxygen supply. Special equipment, such as extra wheelchair batteries. Copies of medical insurance and Medicare and Medicaid cards. Extra eyeglasses. Hearing aid and extra batteries. Personal hygiene items. Personal items for comfort, such as family photos.

18 16 Tip The American Red Cross provides comprehensive information for individuals with special needs. View information online at Go to Preparedness and Getting Trained Go to Prepare your home and family Go to Persons with disabilities or Seniors You can also call: (866) GET-INFO ( ). Disabled Individuals Disasters bring extra challenges for individuals with a physical, mental, sensory or cognitive disability. Make sure local emergency service providers and rescue workers know your loved one s address. Many city and county government emergency management offices keep lists of disabled individuals so they can be located quickly. Teach family members and neighbors how to help in a disaster. Show them where emergency supplies are kept and how to operate necessary equipment. Know designated special needs shelter locations. Label essential medical equipment and attach laminated instructions for use. Make sure your loved one wears medical alert tags or bracelets as appropriate. Learn what to do during power outages, including how to connect essential medical equipment to back-up power. Know the locations and availability of several medical facilities if your loved one requires life-sustaining treatment. Provide the disabled individual with a completed Family Emergency Information form, as appropriate. Keep a completed Emergency Health Information form in your loved one s emergency supply kit. Make sure the emergency supply kit includes items for the disabled individual s health and personal needs, such as: Prescription medications (1-week supply), dosage information and copies of prescriptions. Prescribed medical supplies, such as blood pressure monitoring devices or portable oxygen supply. Special equipment, such as extra wheelchair batteries and other forms of backup power. A list of the style and serial number of essential medical devices and instructions for use. Copies of medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards.

19 17 Emergency Health Information Keep a completed copy of this form in your emergency supply kit. It contains sensitive information that can be misused in the wrong hands. Handle your completed form with care and caution, and use it only when necessary. Personal Information Legal name Home phone number Social Security number Alternate phone Street address Driver s license number Birth date Blood type Emergency Contact Information Contact Name relationship phone Number Health Insurance Information Insurance provider Policy number Location of insurance cards Physician Or Health-Care Provider Information Include names and phone numbers of all physicians and health-care providers who provide care or prescriptions for you including all specialists. Physician Or Health-Care type Of Physician Phone Number Provider Name or Health-Care Provider

20 18 Medical information Disability or medical condition(s) and related instructions Allergies and related instructions Communication methods/medical devices/necessary equipment/other Prescription medication(s) and related instructions Legal Documents Document location Will Living will Health care power of attorney Power of attorney Durable power of attorney Trust Children During an emergency, children may become confused and frightened. To help reduce their fears it is important to: Calmly and firmly present children with a realistic picture of the situation.

21 19 Offer words of reassurance. Encourage children to talk about their concerns. Control your own emotions when children are present. Make arrangements for children in case parents cannot get home. Teach children warning signals such as smoke detectors, fire alarms and community horns and sirens. Show children how to dial and explain when to call. To prepare children for emergency situations, visit gov/kids. Teach children to memorize important information such as their family name, address and phone number. Keep the family together as much as possible. Children may worry that their parents will not return. Allow children to assist in packing the emergency kit. They may want to include books or games. Pets Include family pets in your emergency plan. To help them remain safe during a disaster: Keep vaccinations updated. Make sure your pets wear a collar with their name, your phone number, address, current license and rabies tags. Consider an implanted I.D. chip consult with your veterinarian. Keep leashes, pet carriers or wire cages on hand. Ask a local animal shelter, FEMA office, or your veterinarian about emergency pet shelters. They will not accept pets without proof of vaccinations. Try to take pets with you if evacuation is necessary. Pets are not allowed in public emergency shelters. Many hotels waive pet restrictions in emergency situations. If you must leave pets behind, bring them inside to keep them from running away. Make sure they have plenty of food and water. Never leave your pets outside during a disaster. Keep a current photo of your pets in case they become lost. Make sure your emergency kit includes items for your pets, such as: Extra food and large-capacity self-feeder and water dispenser. Extra medications, if needed. Kitty litter and litter box.

22 20 when disaster strikes Weather Watch / Warning A watch means conditions are right for severe weather in your area. Listen to the radio or television for updates and information. A warning means severe weather has been sighted and is occurring in your area. Take immediate steps to protect yourself and your family. If a disaster occurs, try to remain calm. If time permits, listen to emergency instructions and evacuate when notified by authorities. Stay Informed Turn on your television or radio and listen for emergency information and instructions from local authorities. Make sure you have access to the following emergency notification systems. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) warns the public about emergency situations through local television stations, satellite radio, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), or cable systems. Visit for details. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards (NOAA) radio network broadcasts continuous weather information, including National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information. Visit for details. Check On Others Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled individuals. Help them remove household hazards and secure their home, if appropriate. Evacuate When Necessary Keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle if evacuation seems likely. If you need to leave your home, take these precautions. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by traffic congestion or severe weather. Take one vehicle for your family to help reduce traffic congestion. Tell your emergency contact that you are leaving and where you expect to go. Leave a note telling others when you left and where you expect to go. Gather your emergency supply kit. Secure your home by locking doors and windows. Also unplug electrical equipment and small appliances. If flooding is likely, unplug refrigerators and freezers as well. Turn off water, gas and electricity if instructed to do so. Listen to your radio and follow recommended evacuation routes. Stay away from downed power lines and flooded streets.

23 recovering from disaster 21 It takes time for things to return to normal after a disaster. Whatever the circumstances, make every effort to remain calm throughout the recovery process. Follow Instructions Follow instructions from local authorities. In the confusion following a disaster, information can change frequently, so listen carefully to ongoing radio or television broadcasts. Use the phone only to report a life-threatening emergency. Keep roads clear for emergency responders. Do not return home until local authorities report that it is safe to do so. When you are allowed to return home, perform a damage assessment and take pictures of any damage. Be Observant A disaster can cause many safety issues. Notify authorities if you observe problems such as: Downed power lines. Gas leaks. Washed-out roads. Water over a road. Damaged bridges or walls. Chemical spills. Injured or dead animals. Displaced wild animals. Cope With Stress The emotional effect of a disaster can be as devastating as property and financial loss. Children, elderly and disabled individuals may be particularly upset by the damage and upheaval disaster brings. To cope with disaster-related stress, try these suggestions. Resume normal routines as quickly as you can. Get plenty of rest and try to eat balanced meals. Encourage family members to talk about their feelings. Limit your family s exposure to media coverage of the disaster, especially if it involved significant property damage and loss of life. Notify your church, local faith-based organization or professional counselors if needed. Additionally, FEMA may provide crisis counseling assistance. Volunteer to help others. Check with local organizations and listen to local news reports to learn where help is needed most.

24 22 Ask For Help Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Listen to local radio and television broadcasts for information on where to obtain emergency housing, food, clothing, medical care or financial assistance. Contact the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, America s Second Harvest or other relief organizations for direct assistance. Dial (where available) in times of crisis for United Way s referral assistance. Consult with FEMA for information on federal assistance. Call your insurance company quickly to report property damage. Return To Normal Recovering from disaster takes time, and the process can be frustrating. If an emergency occurs, knowing what to expect, taking steps to prepare your home and family and knowing how to respond can help everyone cope.

25 for more information 23 You may find additional information by contacting the following organizations. American Red Cross National Headquarters 2025 E Street NW Washington, DC (866) GET-INFO ( ) Feeding America 35 E. Wacker Drive Suite 2000 Chicago, IL (800) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 500 C Street SW Washington, DC (800) 621-FEMA (3362) Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) 4775 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL (813) Insurance Information Institute (III) 110 William Street New York, NY (800) The Salvation Army National Headquarters 615 Slaters Lane P.O. Box 269 Alexandria, VA (800) U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC (202) United Way N. Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA (800)

26 24 notes

27 Resources 25 The USAA Educational Foundation offers the following publications. Making Your Home A Safer Place (#531) identity theft (#520) travel security (#571) recovering from disaster (#522) managing your Personal Records (#506) Auto Insurance (#526) Homeowners Insurance (#558) Life Insurance (#507) Renting A Home (#533) Safe On The Road (#570) Keeping Your Child Safe (#549) a guide for your survivors (#579) When A Loved One Dies: Coping With Grief (#552) To order a free copy of any of these and other publications, visit or call (800)

28 USAA is the sponsor of The USAA Educational Foundation. The USAA Educational Foundation is a registered trademark of The USAA Educational Foundation. The USAA Educational Foundation All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reprinted or reproduced without the express written consent of The USAA Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization EDF