Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can
                     force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you
                     to your home. What would you do if basic
                     services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut
                     off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene
                     after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right
                     away.

                     Families can--and do--cope with disaster by preparing in
                     advance and working together as a team. Follow the steps
                     listed in this brochure to create your family's disaster plan.
                     Knowing what to do is your best protection and your
                     responsibility.

                     4 Steps to Safety

                     1. Find Out What Could Happen to You

                          Contact your local Red Cross chapter or
                          emergency management office--be prepared to take
                          notes.
                          Ask what types of disasters are most likely to
                          happen. Request information on how to prepare for
                        each.
                          Learn about your community's warning signals: what
                          they sound like and what you should do when you
                          hear them.
                          Ask about animal care after a disaster. Animals are
                          not allowed inside emergency shelters because of
                          health regulations.
                          Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if
                          needed.
                          Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace,
                          your children's school or day care center, and other
                          places where your family spends time.

                     2. Create a Disaster Plan

                          Meet with your family and discuss why you need to
                          prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire,
                          severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan
                          to share responsibilities and work together as a
                          team.
                          Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to
                          happen. Explain what to do in each case.
                          Pick two places to meet:
                            1.Right outside your home in case of a sudden
                               emergency, like a fire.
                            2.Outside your neighborhood in case you can't
                               return home. Everyone must know the
                               address and phone number.
                          Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family
                          contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call
                          long distance. Other family members should call this
                          person and tell them where they are. Everyone must
                          know your contact's phone number.
                          Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to
                          take care of your pets.

                     3. Complete This Checklist

                          Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire,
                          police, ambulance, etc.).
                          Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your
                          local Emergency Medical Services number for
                          emergency help.
                          Show each family member how and when to turn
                          off the water, gas, and electricity at the main
                          switches.
                          Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
                          Get training from the fire department for each family
                          member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC
                          type), and show them where it's kept.
                          Install smoke detectors on each level of your home,
                          especially near bedrooms.
                          Conduct a home hazard hunt.
                          Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster
                          Supplies Kit.
                          Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
                          Determine the best escape routes from your home.
                          Find two ways out of each room.
                          Find the safe places in your home for each type of
                          disaster.

                     4. Practice and Maintain Your Plan

                          Quiz your kids every six months so.
                          Conduct fire and emergency evacuation.
                          Replace stored water every six months and stored
                          food every six months.
                          Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s)
                          according to manufacturer's instructions.
                          Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the
                          batteries at least once a year.

                     Neighbors Helping Neighbors

                     Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet
                     with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could
                     work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a
                     member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home
                     association or crime watch group, introduce disaster
                     preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbors'
                     special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how
                     you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as
                     disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care in
                     case parents can't get home.

                   Home Hazard Hunt

                     During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause
                     injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or
                     cause a fire is a home hazard. For example, a hot water
                     heater or a bookshelf can fall. Inspect your home at least
                     once a year and fix potential hazards.

                     Contact your local fire department to learn about home
                     fire hazards.

                     Evacuation

                          Evacuate immediately if told to do so:
                          Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the
                          instructions of local emergency officials.
                          Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
                          Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
                          Lock your home.
                          Use travel routes specified by local
                          authorities--don't use shortcuts because certain
                          areas may be impassable or dangerous.

                          If you're sure you have time:

                          Shut off water, gas, and electricity before leaving, if
                          instructed to do so.
                          Make arrangements for your pets.

                   Emergency Supplies

                          Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your
                          needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster
                          Supplies Kit with items you may need in an
                          evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy,
                          easy-to-carry containers such as back-packs, duffle
                          bags, or covered trash containers.

                          Include:
                               A three-day supply of water (one gallon per
                               person per day) and food that won't spoil.
                               One change of clothing and footwear per
                               person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per
                               person.
                               A first aid kit that includes your family's
                               prescription medications.
                               Emergency tools including a battery-powered
                               radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
                               An extra set of car keys and a credit card,
                               cash or traveler's checks.
                               Sanitation supplies.
                               Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled
                               family members.
                               An extra pair of glasses.
                               Keep important family documents in a
                               waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in
                               the trunk of your car.

                     UTILITIES

                          Locate the main electric fuse box, water service
                          main, and natural gas main. Learn how and when to
                          turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family
                          members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water
                          shut-off valves.
                          Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect
                          the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do
                          so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a
                          professional to turn it back on.

                   If Disaster Strikes

                          Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.

                   Check for Injuries

                          Give first aid and get help for seriously injured
                          people.

                     Listen to Your Battery-Powered Radio for News and
                     Instructions

                          Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective
                          clothing and sturdy shoes.

                     Check for Damage in Your Home...

                          Use flashlights. Do not light matches or turn on
                          electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
                          Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If
                          you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main
                          gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside
                          quickly.
                          Shut off any other damaged utilities. (You will need
                          a professional to turn gas back on.)
                          Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and
                          other flammable liquids immediately.

                     Remember to...

                          Confine or secure your pets.
                          Call your family contact--do not use the telephone
                          again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
                          Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or
                          disabled persons.
                          Make sure you have an adequate water supply in
                          case service is cut off.
                          Stay away from downed power lines.
 
 

                     To get copies of American Red Cross community disaster
                     education materials, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

                    From "Family Disaster Plan." developed by the Federal Emergency Management
                     Agency and the American Red Cross