Three Steps to Survive a Disaster

Robert Pagliarini

Bad things happen to good people all the time. Some things we simply can't prevent. I live in Southern California, and on Easter we experienced a relatively small, but long, earthquake. One moment I was enjoying the holiday with my family, and the next I was wondering if this was the "big one."

The earthquake, the volcanic eruption in Iceland and the attempted bomb attack in New York City forced me to think about my emergency plan, and I want you to think about yours. Use the other eight hours to plan for the unexpected and protect your family in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

There are a few things you can do today to help protect your families and loved ones. The three steps the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends are: (1) get a kit, (2) make a plan, and (3) be informed.

1. Get a Kit

Get an emergency kit with a few basic supplies. According to Ready America, a partnership between Homeland Security and The Advertising Council, here is what a kit should contain:

One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days; at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food; battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both (a good option is the FR600 from redcrossstore.org); flashlight and extra batteries; first-aid kit; whistle to signal for help; Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape; moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties; wrench or pliers to turn off utilities; and can opener (if kit contains canned food).

There are several additional items that you should consider for your kit, according to Ready America:

Prescription medications and glasses; infant formula and diapers; pet food and extra water for your pet (you can't forget about them!); important family documents, such as copies of ID, insurance policies and bank account records, kept in a waterproof, portable container; cash and change; sleeping bags or warm blankets; complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes; household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant; in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water); matches in a waterproof container; personal hygiene items; mess kits, paper cups and plates, plastic utensils and paper towels; paper and pencil; and books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

2. Make a Plan

If disaster strikes and your family is not together, it's important to have a plan of action -- how you will contact one another, where you will meet, etc. Download a Make a Plan form from Ready America (www.ready.gov).

3. Be Informed

It's important to know what's happening locally in an emergency, and if there are special instructions you should follow. An AM/FM radio can keep you informed. You can also go to the Ready America site to get a list of local emergency contacts.

I consider myself an eternal optimist. In my mind, the glass is not half empty or half full; it is well on its way to becoming full. However, it's still important to focus on what could go wrong. The goal of this column is not to worry or scare you. It's simply about being prepared and doing everything you can to protect your family. Prepare the emergency kit, make a plan and review the plan with your family a couple of times a year. That's all there is to it!

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United States - Three Steps to Survive a Disaster