- Disaster recovery preparation begins with gathering knowledge about the types of potential disasters that may occur in the area. Make plans regarding the possible events, and prepare supplies for use in the event of such a disaster. Preparations in a hurricane-prone area will look different than those in an area that experiences periodic blizzard conditions. Plan to care for your family without intervention from relief sources, but welcome it when it arrives.
- Have a designated meeting spot to account for family members.family image by Linda Mattson from Fotolia.com
Plan designated meeting areas for family members in the event of a disaster. For example, in the event of a house fire, meet under the street light. Have a location that will offer a degree of safety in the event of a disaster which occurs while members are away from home, such as a well-built school on high ground. Provide each family member with updated identification to carry. Include full name, emergency contacts, known medical conditions and medications taken regularly. - Pull-top cans offer access to the contents without a can opener.food can image by Photosani from Fotolia.com
Keep a supply of nonperishable food on hand. At minimum, have enough food to feed everyone in the family for at least three days, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Rotate the stock periodically to prevent spoiling. Look for foods that won't require cooking or refrigeration. Take into account any special dietary needs.
Provide a manual can opener, a folding knife and a supply of disposable plates and utensils. Canned tuna, peanut butter and crackers, and canned fruit provide a good starting point for an emergency food supply. Plan for 1 gallon of potable water per person per day. - Keep medical supplies together for convenient access in an evacuation.medicine image by Joyce Wilkes from Fotolia.com
Maintain a stocked first-aid kit in an easily carried container. Keep prescription medications and OTC products used regularly in a central location for easy packing in the event of an emergency. Avoid running out of medication. In an emergency, pharmacists may be unavailable for some time. Refill prescriptions when a one-week supply remains. Should any of the medications require refrigeration, keep several freezable packs in the freezer to use in case of a power outage. - Several changes of clothing for each family member, as well as bedding, will make an evacuation more tolerable. Personal hygiene supplies, washcloths and towels will ensure a degree of cleanliness. Save water for drinking by using waterless hand cleaner.
- Keep a folder or envelope with copies of the most critical papers: birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports and financial records, such as account info, credit card numbers and insurance policies. Make the folder as watertight as possible by sealing it in a plastic freezer bag or other protective container. Every family member should know where the folder is kept, so as to be able to grab it quickly in the event of evacuation.
- Disaster can come from weather, technological accident, terrorism or a number of other sources. FEMA and the American Red Cross offer classes on preparing for and recovering from the myriad of catastrophes which are possible. Knowledge and preparation are the most effective tools for recovering from a disaster.
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