| Natural disasters (or acts of nature) are | | | | and pet(s) |
| considered to be the consequence of a natural | | | | -Location of fire extinguishers, water and gas |
| hazard which affects human activities. They are | | | | shut-off valves, electrical box and floor drain |
| termed a disaster if they cause financial, | | | | -Possible risks in your area |
| environmental or human loss due to lack of | | | | What you have on hand when a disaster happens |
| planning or lack of appropriate emergency | | | | could make the difference between surviving or |
| management. | | | | not surviving the emergency. Plan to store |
| Acts of nature come in many varied forms. Land | | | | enough supplies for everyone in your household |
| movement disasters include avalanches, | | | | for at least 72 hours (3 days). It is important to |
| earthquakes, lahars, landslides, mudflows and | | | | have an emergency survival kit that contains all |
| volcanic eruptions. Blizzards, droughts, hailstorms, | | | | the products families (schools or businesses) |
| heat waves and cyclonic storms (including | | | | would need to comfortably stand firm against an |
| hurricanes, tropical cyclones and typhoons) are all | | | | emergency situation. Emergency kits should be |
| considered to be water disasters. Other disaster | | | | kept in the home (near the front door if possible), |
| situations include fire, health and disease (including | | | | car and workplace for unexpected emergencies |
| epidemics and famine), and space (impact events | | | | such as power outages, break downs, hurricanes, |
| and solar flares). | | | | tornadoes, floods, blizzards, earthquakes and |
| Natural disasters are often related. Drought can | | | | other potential disasters. |
| lead to famine and disease, tsunamis are caused | | | | Some items to consider for your survival kit |
| by earthquakes under the ocean, and volcanic | | | | should include: |
| eruptions can result in lahars and fires ravaging | | | | -easy-carry backpack or duffel bag |
| the land. All of these natural disasters can cause | | | | -emergency food and water for 72 hours (3 |
| environmental emergencies. They can strike | | | | days) |
| quickly and without warning. It can force you to | | | | -first aid kit, medications (if required) |
| evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to | | | | -flashlight(s) and batteries, emergency whistle |
| your home. What would you do if basic | | | | -heavy-duty leather work gloves, disposable vinyl |
| services--water, gas, electricity or | | | | gloves |
| telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief | | | | -FM radio and batteries or crank radio (no |
| workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but | | | | batteries required) |
| they cannot reach everyone right away. | | | | -tooth paste and toothbrush (one per person) |
| Emergency management or disaster management | | | | -disposable razors (double-blade), antibacterial |
| involves preparing for a disaster before it | | | | deodorant soap, |
| happens. You cannot put an emergency on hold. | | | | -paper tissues and toilet paper rolls, terry towel(s) |
| Effective emergency preparation relies on a well | | | | -multi-purpose scissors, note pad(s) with pencil(s) |
| thought out plan of action that will help you and | | | | and pencil sharpener |
| your family know what to do in case of an | | | | -rain poncho(s), tube-tent, emergency blanket(s) |
| emergency situation. Every household, school and | | | | to retain body heat |
| business needs an Emergency Plan. | | | | -camping stove |
| As part of your emergency plan you should | | | | -can also be used as heat-source |
| consider the following guidelines: | | | | -waterproof matches |
| -Safe exits from your home, school, place of | | | | -pocket warmers, comfortable shoes, extra |
| business and neighborhood -Meeting places to | | | | clothing |
| reunite with family members, roommates, | | | | -some extra cash |
| colleagues, etc. | | | | By having a minimum of the suggested 72 hour |
| -A designated person to pick up your children if | | | | (3 day) supply of food, water, first aid, shelter |
| you are unable to do so | | | | and other survival gear in your disaster |
| -A place for your pet(s) to stay | | | | preparedness kit, you will be able to take care of |
| -Contact person(s) close by and out-of-town | | | | yourself and your family in an emergency |
| -Pertinent health information for you, your family | | | | situation. Be Prepared - Before Disaster Strikes! |