Deployment: Family Checklist

Deployment: Family Checklist

Budgeting Tasks:                        

Managing the family budget while your spouse is away can be challenging, but it is manageable. Prior to deployment, sit down with your spouse and calculate your monthly expenses with regard to these topics:

Utility Bills: Look at utility bill statements from the past year and take an average of these expenses. This should give you a pretty good monthly estimate.

Long Distance Bills: Opportunities to call will vary depending on the spouse's duty location, but you should be able to decide how much of your budget should be set aside for long distance calls.

Rent Or Mortgage: Usually, this will be a fixed cost, although, if you have an adjustable mortgage rate, your house payments may go up (or down) slightly. Rent may also change if you do not have a lease.

Monthly Living Expenses: Calculate your average monthly expenses for groceries (less one), gas for the car, clothes, entertainment costs (such as video rentals, dining out, other purchases).

Monthly Payment To Creditors: Total up things like car and home equity loan payments, credit card payments, or bank loans.

Savings: Try not to get behind in putting money aside each month for your savings account. Less one family member in the house, you may find that you can actually save more. Use your family's savings as a "last resort" for covering unexpected expenses.

Once-a-Year Expenses:

Don't forget to include things like car or homeowner's insurance bills, because they may catch you off guard near the end of the year, just when you thought you were "in the black."

Remember that you must also figure out the potential expenses of the family member on deployment. Here are some things to think about:

• Family Separation Allowance (FSA)
  
• Rate Changes
  
• Reenlistment
  
• Longevity Pay Increases
  

For various reasons, your spouse may be required to extend their deployment. There are policies in place to provide you with compensation during their deployment.

Banking Decisions:

Consider signing up for direct deposit (if you haven't already done so). Direct transfer of money into your account can speed up your ability to cover bills. Also consider opening separate checking accounts to ease confusion over who is writing checks and when they are written.

Set credit card limits for you and your spouse. Limits will help prevent you both from adding to your credit card debt (if you have any). Also decide who will be using which cards during your spouse's deployment.

Make sure that your checking and savings accounts are in the same bank so funds can be transferred easily.

The pay allotments that the military can set up for you can be a real plus by automatically setting aside money for specific use. Listed below are some typical allotments:

• Dependent Allotment (D)
  
• Bond Allotment (B)
  
• Contribution Allotment (C)
  
• Home Allotment (H)
  
• Savings Allotment (S)
  
• Insurance Allotment (I)
  

Vehicles:

Car problems can be very aggravating if you don't know who to contact to remedy them. Here are some suggestions for the spouse on the home front:

Make certain you have the name of a trusted mechanic or automotive garage where you or a friend have taken a car for service. Repair costs can mount rapidly if you simply select a repair shop out of the phone book.

Be sure to keep a record (the refrigerator is a good place) of the correct type of battery, tires, oil, etc., for the car.

Keep track of when automotive registration, insurance, emissions inspections, or oil changes are due.

Home/Apartment Maintenance:

Know what to do or who to call if something in your home breaks down. Untested plumbing, roofing, or repair contractors can be very costly.

Before your spouse leaves for deployment, give your home a security check inside and out. This should include testing (or installing) smoke alarms, and checking door and window locks, as well as outdoor lights or motion detectors (if you have them).

If a move is expected during deployment, discuss the process for moving your household goods.

Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policies.

Family Emergency Planning

  

          

 

 

 

    RESERVE FAMILY READINESS PLANNING

 

 

THE FAMILY READINESS PLAN

A Commitment to Family Safety/ Wellbeing

 

Are you Semper Paratus? Is your family? Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, it is too late to start planning. A hazardous material spill could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tsunami, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones for days.

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives? Will they be prepared if your away performing your duty with the Coast Guard? To do your best for America and the Coast Guard, you need the peace of mind that your family is prepared.

 

 HAVE A KIT- Put together your own disaster kit or purchase a disaster kit. Either way, your disaster kit should contain essential supplies to see you through a minimum of three days. It should be checked and updated every six months.

 

*It should have a minimum of three days worth of food, one gallon of water per person per day and including a battery-operated radio, flashlight, batteries, blanket, extra clothes, study pair of shoes, ibuprofen, thermometer, alcohol-based hand wash.  

 

*Have basic items such as food, water, light, first aid kit and a blanket for your car, work or school. Include extra change for a phone booth or a prepaid phone card.

 

*Have a first-aid and special needs items in your kit like a supply of needed medications for a minimum of three days, an extra pair of eyeglasses or extra cane, surgical mask, and food/water/leash for your pet.

 

GET TRAINED- Make a plan. Prepare your family for what they should do during various disasters. Practice your evacuation. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassible or gridlocked. You should review your disaster plan periodically to make sure information is updated and check your kits food /water supply to ensure it has not spoiled, as well as batteries have not expired. Below is some information provided by the American Red Cross:_______

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

1)      Find Out What Disasters Could Happen to You?

 

Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen in your area. Learn about your community’s warning signals:

• What they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.  Also, learn which radio stations will provide emergency information for your area.

 

• Ask about animal care after a disaster.

 

 

• Find out how to help elderly or disabled person, if needed.

 

• Find out about the disaster plan at your workplace, your children’s school or childcare center and other places your family frequents. 

 

           2) Create A Disaster Plan

 

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.  Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. 

·          Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen and explain what to do in each case.

 

·          Discuss what to do in an evacuation.  Plan to take care of your pets.

 

 

·          Ask an out-of-area friend or relative to be your “family contact,” It’s often easier to call long distance following a disaster.

 

·          Pick two places to meet:

 

·          Right outside your home in case of fire.

 

 

·          Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.  Everyone must know the address and phone number.

 

·          Put Your Plan Into Action

 

·          Post emergency telephone numbers by phone

 

 

·          Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency medical services for emergency help.

·          Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches. 

 

·          Check for adequate insurance coverage.

 

 

· Install an ABC type fire extinguisher in your home, teach each family member to use it, and show them where it is kept.

 

· Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. 

 

· Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.

 

· Take a first aid and CPR class.

 

· Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.

 

· Find safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. 

 

3)      Practice and Maintain Your Plan

 

· Review your plans every six months so everyone remembers what to do.

 

· Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.

 

· Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.

 

· Test your smoke detectors monthly. Change the batteries every six months and clean the dust form the detector each time you change batteries.

4)      Build an Emergency Kit

· Store water and food/ check every six months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food

Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food for each person.  Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation.  Select food items that are compact and lightweight and rotate the food supply every six months:

 

· Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and  

  vegetables                   

· Soups- bouillon cubes or dried soups in a

  cup.

· Milk–  powered or canned

· Stress foods-sugar cookies and hard candy

· Staples– sugar, salt, pepper

· Juices– canned, powered or crystallized

· Smoked or dried meats such as beef jerky

· Vitamins

· High energy foods– peanut butter, nuts, 

  trail mix, etc.          

 

 

Water

Store one gallon of water per person, per day. Three gallons per person per day will give you enough to drink and for limited cooking and personal hygiene. Remember to plan for pets.

 

If you store tap water:

 

· Tap water from a municipal water system can be safely stored without additional treatment.

· Store water in food grade plastic containers, such as clean 2-liter soft drink bottles. Heavy duty reusable plastic water containers are also available at sporting goods stores. Empty milk bottles are not recommended because their lids do not seal well and bottles may develop leaks.

· Label and store in a cool, dark place.

Replace water at least once every six months.

 

Commercially bought water:

 

Keep in bottle, store in a dark area and check the maker’s expiration date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Aid Kit

 

You should have two first aid kits– one for your home and the other for your car.  The kit should include:

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pairs)
• Sunscreen
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Triangular bandages (3)
• Non-prescription drugs
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant.
• Non-Prescription Drugs - Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever; Anti-diarrhea medication; Antacid (for stomach upset); Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center); Laxative; and Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go Bag:       

A component of your emergency kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. While the emergency kit is built to be stored at your house, the Go-bag is designed to go with you in case you must evacuate.  Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety:

· Flashlight

· Radio – battery operated

· Batteries

· Whistle

· Dust mask

· Pocket knife

· Emergency cash in small denominations, quarters for phone calls, and or prepaid phone cards.

· Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat

· Local map

· Some water and food

· Permanent marker, paper and tape

· Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes.

· List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers.

· List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food.

· Copy of health insurance and identification cards

· Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items.

· Prescription medications 72 hours worth

· Toothbrush and toothpaste

· Extra keys to your house and vehicle

Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities.

 

 

Extra Supplies

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual
• Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
• Plastic sheeting
• Toilet paper, towelettes
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach
• Preparing Clothing and Bedding
• Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses
• Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
• For Baby* - formula; diapers; bottles; powdered milk; and medications.

 

• For Adults* - Heart and high blood pressure medication; Insulin; Prescription drugs; Denture needs; Contact lenses and supplies; and Extra eye glasses .

 

• Entertainment - Games and books

 

 Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

• Visa, sojourner's permit
• Birth certificate, naturalization papers
• Household goods inventory
• Wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
• Passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers and credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

 

Kids Activity Survival Kit

You may have to leave your house during a disaster and may sleep somewhere else for a while. It is smart to put together your own Kid’s Activity Survival Kit so you will have things to do and share with other kids. These can all be stored in a backpack or duffel bag. Just make sure you can carry it easily.

Some suggested items for the Kids Activity Survival Kit:

·         A factual book about (earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes, rain, storms, floods and fires).

·         A children's (earthquake book, book about storms, a few favorite general books which encourage comfort).

·         A few of your favorite books.

·         Non-toxic marking pens, crayons, pencils, and plenty of paper.

·         Scissors and glue

·         Manipulative toys such as LEGOS.

·         2 favorite small toys, at least 1 doll and 1 action figure.

·         1 or 2 board games, table puzzles

·         Favorite stuffed animal or puppet.

·         Small play vehicles such as an ambulance, fire truck, helicopter, dump truck, police car.

·         Small people figures to use with the trucks and emergency vehicles.

·         Favorite blanket and/or pillow.

·         Picture of the family, including pets, write names on the back.

·         "Keep safe" box with a few treasures of little things your child feels are special.

Note to Parents

Parents need to make sure to have at least three phone numbers of nearest kin in the United States. This information should be given and kept on file with the school. Parents should train their children to know the full name of the parents and the rest of the family members in the States.

 

Pet Disaster Plan

Animals, whether they are house pets, livestock, or in the wild, have often been overlooked by emergency planners and the general public.

 

I.D.'s and Licenses

Make sure your service animals and pets have I.D. tags with both your home telephone number and that of your primary out-of-town contact person. Make sure your animal's license is current.

 

Animal Care

Plan how your pets will be cared for if you have to evacuate. Pets, in contrast to service animals, are usually NOT allowed in emergency shelters due to health regulations, so have some animal shelters identified! Contact your DPO, local Red Cross chapter and your veterinarian for guidance.

Establish relationships with other animal owners in your neighborhood. In case you are not home, there will be someone to help your animal.

Alternate Mobility Cues

Pets and service animals may become confused, panicked, frightened or disoriented in and after a disaster: keep them confined or securely leashed or harnessed. A leash/harness is an important item for managing a nervous or upset animal. Be prepared to use alternative ways to negotiate your environment without them.

Animal Survival Kit (for 7 days)

Pack supplies in a pack that your animal can carry in case you need to evacuate. This kit should include: Bowl for water and food, food, blanket for bedding, plastic bags and paper towels for disposing of feces, a favorite toy, and an extra harness.

 

Storing your Disaster Supplies Kit

This can be a lot of items! Think were you can store your kit were it will be convenient and known to all family members. They most likely will not fit in one container. Some of this will be used if you shelter at your home after a disaster. A smaller amount would be taken with you if you evacuate. Please keep this in mind as well:

 

• Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
• Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months.
• Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year.
• Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

 

 

Car Kits

Since all these items are bulky it is a good idea to keep a smaller version of the Disaster Kit in the trunk of your car (you might not have the chance to go home in a disaster). Your car kit should include these basic supplies:

• Bottled or stored water
• High-protein, high-energy food
• First-aid kit
• Blankets
• Flashlight/batteries Radio/batteries
•  Basic sanitation supplies
• Warm clothing
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Raingear, hat and gloves
• Paper and pencils or pens
• In addition, be sure you’re ready for road emergencies:

              Jumper cables

              Ice scraper

              Lock de-icer

                          Flares

              Small tool kit

              Maps

              Compass

              Shovel

              Sand

               More Car Kit Tips:

Be sure to check your car kit supplies at least twice a year. Variations in heat and cold shorten the life of stored food and can deteriorate first-aid items and other materials like plastic and rubber. If you leave your vehicle, leave a note on the dashboard stating when you left, where you went and any contact information.

 

 

 

 

 

You might not be able to access your cell phone with all its recorded numbers and email addresses. Making emergency cards gives you access to the information. It establishes a local point of contact for all members of the family and an out-of-state contact. It the primary local contact cannot be reached (or the disaster has impacted them) the out-of-state contact is used. Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your “family back-up contact”. It’s often easier to call long distance following a disaster than to make local calls. Family members should call the out-of-state contact person after a disaster to report their location and situation. Likewise other family members will call the out-of-state contact person to check on the status of those who have left messages. Fill out these cards as needed:

 

.

EMERGENCY CARDS:

Name_____________________

__________________________

 

Contact #____________________

__________________________

 

Back-up Contact #_________________________

___________________________

 Out of state Contact #_____________________________________________________

 

Nearest Relatives #_________

___________________________

 

Email addresses of Nearest Relatives_____________________________________________

 

Nearest Relatives Street Addresses_______________________________________________________________________

 EMERGENCY CARDS:

Name_____________________

__________________________

 

Contact #____________________

__________________________

 

Back-up Contact #_________________________

___________________________

 

 Out of state Contact #_____________________________________________________

 

 Nearest Relatives #_________

___________________________

 

Email addresses of Nearest Relatives_____________________________________________

 

Nearest Relatives Street Addresses_______________________________________________________________________

 

  

 

 

 If                                            If Disaster Strikes

• Remain calm and be patient.

 

• Follow the advice of local emergency officials.

 

• Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio and local radio and television stations for news and instructions.

 

• If the disaster occurs near you, you should first check for injuries.  If you are trained give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.

 

• If the disaster happens you when your family is at home, they need to stay at home. 

 

• Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.  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.

 

• Confine and secure your pets. 

 

• Call your family contact but keep the call to a minimum time and should only be used for life threatening

emergencies.

 

• Check on your neighbors, especially those who you know are elderly or disabled.

 

Evacuation

If local authorities ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this request, and you should heed the advice immediately.  Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio and follow the instructions of the local emergency officials and keep these simple tips in mind:

 

1. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible from the elements.

 

2. Take your disaster supply kit.

 

 

3. Take your pets with you; do not leave them behind.  Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative’s or friend’s home, or find a “pet-friendly” hotel.

 

4. Lock your home.

 

 

5. Use travel routes specified by local authorities.  Don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.

 

 

       6. Stay away from downed power lines.

 Listen to local authorities; they will provide you with the most accurate information specific to an event in your area.  Staying tuned to local radio and television, and following their instructions is your safest choice.

If you’re sure you have time, call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive.  Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.  Leave natural gas service on unless local officials advise you otherwise.  You may need gas for heating and cooking and only a professional can restore gas service in your home once it’s been turned off.  In a disaster situation it could take weeks for a professional to respond.

———————————————

 

.  After a disaster clean water and hygiene areas are critical to maintaining health. These are the two of the keys to maintaining clean water and stopping the spread of germs.

 

Water:

In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain micro-organisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis.  You should sanitize all water of uncertain

purity before using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene.  There are many ways to sanitize water. None are perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of methods.

 

Two easy sanitation methods are outlined below.  These measures will kill most microbes but will not remove other contaminates such as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals.  Before purifying, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towel or clean cloth.

 

Boiling

  Boiling is the safest method of sanitizing water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking.

Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back in to it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers.  This will also improve the taste of stored water.

 

Disinfection.  You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms.  Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners.

 

Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes.  If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

 

The only agent used to sanitize water should be household liquid bleach.  Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

 

Stopping Germs:

Here are some simple tips to help keep respiratory infections and many other contagious diseases from spreading, especially during the cough, cold and “flu” season.  Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat and lungs; they include influenza (the “Flu”), colds and whooping cough.  The germs (viruses and bacteria) that cause these infections are spread from person to person in droplets from the nose, throat and lungs of someone who is sick.  You can help stop the spread of these germs by practicing “respiratory etiquette,” or good health manners.  Here are some tips to help prevent spreading your germs to others, and to avoid catching someone else’s germs:

 

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

 

• Discard used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.

 

• Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose or coughing or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs.  Wash hands often if you are sick

 

 

• Use warm water and soap or alcohol based sanitizers to wash your hands.

 

• Try to stay home if you have a cough and fever.

 

• See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow their instructions. Take medicine as prescribed and get lots of rest.

 

 

·    If asked, use a face mask.  One may also be provided to you when visiting your doctor’s offices or clinic’s waiting room.  Follow office and clinic staff’s instructions to help stop the spread of germs.___________________________

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power Outage

Power cuts can occur due to rolling blackouts, extreme weather conditions, or can accompany other disasters such as earthquakes. If there is no power in your neighborhood:

· Turn off and unplug appliances and computers. Leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.

· Avoid using candles, as they are fire hazards.

· Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate generators indoors (including the garage.) Both could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign.

After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days.

 

Loss of Utilities

Gas leaks can cause an explosive and flammable atmosphere inside a building.

Gas Natural gas leaks can cause fires and explosions inside a building.

· If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or if you suspect a leak, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors.

· Never use candles or matches if you suspect a leak. Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances.

· Identify the main shutoff valve, located on the gas line coming into the main gas meter. This is usually on the exterior of your home or building, or in an external closet. Your main valve may look like this:

 

· to turn gas off, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the lever crosses the direction of the pipe (see below) the gas is off.

· Keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever.

Never attempt to turn your gas back on. Wait for your utility company to do it. This may take several days

Electrocution can result from direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by these wires.

· Locate your main electric switch, which is normally in the garage or outdoors. The panel box may have a flip switch or pull handle on a large circuit breaker. Shut off electricity when:

• Arcing or burning occurs in electrical devices.
• There is a fire or significant water leak.
• You smell burning insulation.
• The area around switches or plugs is blackened and/ or hot to the touch.

• A complete power loss is accompanied by the smell of burning material.

 

 

 

 Tap Water:

• Tap water from a municipal water system can be safely stored without additional treatment.

 

• Store water in food grade plastic containers, such as clean 2-liter soft drink bottles. Heavy duty, reusable plastic water containers are also available at sporting goods stores. Empty milk bottles are not recommended because their lids do not seal well and bottles may develop leaks.

 

• Label and store in a cool, dark place.

 

• Replace water at least once every six months.

 

If you buy commercially bottled “spring” or “drinking” water:

 

• Keep water in its original container, and don’t re-store a bottle once it’s been opened.

 

• Store in a cool, dark place. If bottles are not marked with the manufacturer’s expiration date, label with the date and replace bottles at least once per year.

 

Treating Water after Disaster:

If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or the toilet reservoir tank (except if you use toilet tank cleaners). Swimming pool or spa water should not be consumed but you can use it for flushing toilets or washing.

 

Phone

Plan for how you will communicate with loved ones after a disaster.

Long-distance phone lines often work before local phone lines, so identify an out-of-state contact and provide this person with the contact information of people you want to keep informed of your situation. Share this information with your family and friends locally.

 

• Avoid making non-urgent phone calls after a disaster – even if phone lines are un-damaged, increased phone traffic can jam phone circuits.

 

• Cordless phones or phone systems require electricity; make sure you have a backup phone that requires no electricity.

 

• Keep coins or phone cards in your Go-bag. Payphones may work before other phone lines.

 

• Don’t count on your cell phone - increased traffic on cell phone networks can quickly overload wireless capacity.

 

 

• Record an outgoing message on your voicemail so that callers can be re-assured of your safety status.

 

• Learn how to use text messaging. It uses a different part of the cell phone network and it might be possible to send and receive text messages when voice channels for mobile phones and land lines are jammed.

 

 

Sewer Service

A disaster that disrupts all or part of the City’s water and/or sewer lines could affect the way you deal with human waste.

 

• If there is no water in your toilet, but the sewer lines are intact, pour 3-5 gallons of water into the toilet bowl to flush. You may use seawater, bath, and laundry or pool water.

 

• If you suspect damage to your home’s water lines, do NOT flush the toilet. Turn off water at the house so contaminated water does not enter your water system.

 

• If sewer lines are broken, line bowl with double-bagged garbage bags to collect waste. Before discarding, add a small amount of bleach; then seal the bag and place in a tightly covered container, away from people.

 

• If the toilet is unusable, use a sturdy bucket with a tight fitting lid, and line it with a double-bagged plastic garbage bag.___________________

 

 

 

 

 

Area threats for the Pacific Northwest  include:

 

Extended Power outages

 

Terrorism                                               

 

Health Epidemic

 

Floods

 

Forest Fires

 

Winter Storms

 

High Winds

 

Hazardous Materials                      

Accidents

 

Mass Casualty Accidents

 

Dam Failure

 

Land Slides

 

Earthquake

 

Volcanic Eruption                        

 

Tsunami.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shelter-in-Place

One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency such a hazardous materials spill is to shelter-in-place. This means you should stay indoors until authorities tell you it is safe or you are told to evacuate.

· Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows.

 

· Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.

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· Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Bring your family disaster supply kit and make sure the radio is working.

 

· Bring your pets.

 

· It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select (cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency).

 

· Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.

 

· Listen to your radio or television for further instructions or updates.

If you are in your car, close windows and turn off vents and air conditioning.

 

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