In the event of evacuation and/or power outages
Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to
make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.
Start now by gathering basic
emergency supplies –
- a flashlight,
- a battery-powered radio,
- extra batteries,
- a first aid kit,
- toilet articles,
- prescription medicines,
- extra bottled water
- and other special things your family may need.
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during
a wildland fire (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work
and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family
contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact
person.
SPECIAL NEEDS:
Remember the special needs of your family members.
Infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities
need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be
prepared.
For Seniors
- Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help.
- Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers.
- Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies.
- Teach others how to operate necessary equipment.
- Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes or walkers.
Additional supplies for seniors:
- List of prescription medications including dosage in your supply kits.
Include any allergies.
- Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
- Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment in your supply kit.
- A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers
in your emergency supply kits.
- Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards.
- List of doctors and emergency contacts.
For People with Disabilities
- Create a support network to help in an emergency.
- Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
- Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
- Contact your city or county government's emergency information management
office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they
can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
- If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know
the location and availability of more than one facility.
For a Baby
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medications
PRE-EVACUATION
- Turn on a battery-operated radio to get the latest emergency information.
- Remove combustible items from around the house.
- Lawn and poolside furniture
- Umbrellas
- Tarp coverings
- Firewood
- Take down flammable drapes and curtains and close all venetian blinds
or noncombustible window coverings.
- Take action to protect your home.
- Close all doors and windows inside your home to prevent draft.
- Close gas valves and turn off all pilot lights.
- Turn on a light in each room for visibility in heavy smoke.
- Place valuables that will not be damaged by water in a pool or pond.
- If hoses and adequate water are available, leave sprinklers on roofs
and anything that might be damaged by fire.
- Be ready to evacuate all family members and pets when fire nears or when
instructed to do so by local officials.
Returning Home
- Take care when re-entering a burned wildland area.
- Hot spots can flare up without warning.
- Check the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers.
- Check the attic for hidden burning sparks.
- For several hours afterward, re-check for smoke and sparks throughout
the home.
If Trapped During a Wildland Fire
- If trapped in a Wildland Fire You cannot outrun a fire.
- Crouch in a pond or river.
- Cover head and upper body with wet clothing.
- If water is not around, look for shelter in a cleared area or among a
bed of rocks.
- Lie flat and cover body with wet clothing or soil.
- Breathe the air close to the ground through a wet cloth to avoid scorching
lungs or inhaling smoke