Preparing for Disasters

During a disaster, anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home hazard. Natural catastrophes can strike quickly and without warning. In the worst cases -- such as the Oakland Firestorm, Hurricane Andrew, the Northridge Earthquake, and the 1996 winter floods -- many people learned the hard way how well their homes and property resisted disaster. Disaster-planning experts say people should be prepared to go without power and most other basic services for up to 72 hours. That means no electricity, water, fire fighters or police.

The following information will help you protect your home and belongings against hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods.

To learn more about emergency preparedness and resources available in your community, contact your local emergency services department, the American Red Cross, or your independent insurance agent. Working together -- insurers, homeowners, government agencies and volunteer organizations -- our goal is to improve disaster response and mitigate the effects of catastrophes of any magnitude.

We have created preparedness checklists to help you identify the worst hazards and bolster your home's resistance to damage from natural perils. You'll also find summary boxes outlining what should be included in a Disaster Supplies Kit and some Evacuation Tips.

Disaster Supplies

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross recommend that you keep enough supplies in your home to meet your family's needs for at least three days. Keep these tips in mind:

• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation and store these supplies in sturdy easy to carry containers.
• Keep a smaller kit in your car.

Also include:

• A 3 -day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
• Use food in the refrigerator first, then the freezer. Frozen food will keep up to three days in an unopened freezer. Keeping a few extra canned goods in the back of the cupboard is always smart.
• The water heater (30-40 gallons) should contain enough water to last a four-person household four days. (Turn off power before draining and be careful of sediments that can accumulate at the bottom of the tank.) Ice cubes in the freezer and liquid from canned food can be used. If you'd rather not store extra bottles of water, consider keeping purification tablets on hand. Household chlorine bleach will disinfect water, too. Use one-eighth of a teaspoon per gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking. Do not use bleach with added soaps or fragrances.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person.
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit, including your family's prescription medicines and extra glasses. It's a good idea to take a first-aid and CPR course from the Red Cross.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Emergency tools, including a radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys, a credit card and cash or traveler's checks.
• Any special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• A waterproof pouch containing important family documents.

Other essentials

Identify your home's utility shut-off valves and learn how to turn them off. Have at least one flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Make an evacuation plan so all family members know several escape routes and where to meet outside.

Have one or more fire extinguishers and learn how to use them. Have the extinguisher serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Home Hazards

The Family Emergency Preparedness Protection Program suggests that you inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential fire and household hazards as well as conducting regular fire and emergency evacuation drills with your family to determine the best escape routes and the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

Evacuation Tips

If directed by emergency personnel, evacuate immediately. Some other tips from the FEMA:

• Keep emergency and other critical numbers posted clearly near a phone.
• Listen to your battery powered radio for weather and emergency updates.
• Follow the instructions of local emergency officials on evacuation procedures.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit with you, including important family documents.
• Lock your home.
• If instructed to do so, shut off water, gas, oil and electricity before leaving.
• Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

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