FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

There are many different types of disasters - earthquake, flood, airplane crashes, explosions, etc. Some are small, some large, but they seldom give warning and are always devastating to their victims. Though this guide has earthquakes as its focus the planning and preparation you and your family do before the event will be a benefit when/if any disaster occurs.

• Preparation and Training

• Inspect Your Home

• Secure water heater, refrigerator, tall and heavy furniture
  to wall studs.

• Move heavy items to lower shelves
• Install clips, latches and other locking devices on cabinet doors
• Provide strong and flexible connections on gas appliances
• Remove or isolate flammable materials

• Know How and Where to Shut Off Utilities

Gas Valve	Water Main
Main Electrical Circuit Breaker

• Draw a Plan of Your Home

• Have the floor plan of your home show the location of:

• Exit Windows
• Exit Doors
• Utility Shutoffs
• First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Emergency Supplies, Food & Clothing
• Be sure everyone in your home is familiar with the map
• Have it available and show it to baby-sitters and house guests

• Now that you've drawn up an escape plan and reviewed it with everyone, it's time to implement the plan. Practice at least 2-3 times a year. Remember talking about is just the start, you need to practice what you've learned.

• Meeting places

• Near Your Home
• Alternate Location(s)

• Neighbor
• School
• Relative
• Park

• Name and telephone number of a person that lives outside of the
  area for family members to call to report location and condition.

• Family meetings

• At least once a year have a family meeting to discuss and update
  the emergency plan. Remember to practice.
• Determine what training, supplies and equipment is necessary,
  or needs to be updated.

• Home Emergency Supplies

• Survival

• Water, 1-gallon per day, per person. 2-gallons is better.

	First Aid Kit–ample for your family and freshly stocked First Aid Book Eye pads Several triangular bandages Assorted "Band-aids" Adhesive tape Scissors/shears Tweezers Thermometer Penlight or small flashlight Disinfectant – be sure it is current Gauze pads – 2" x 2" and 4" x 4" Rolled gauze – 2" and 3" Trauma pad Blood stopper Cold packs Other Essentials Freeze-dried, or similar, non-perishable food rations Can opener Blankets, or sleeping bags for each family member Radio – portable, battery operated Flashlight Spare batteries for radio and flashlight Essential medications and glasses Watch or clock, battery or spring wound Food for pets Money (Cash) Fire Extinguisher – "ABC" Type Smoke Detectors Escape ladder (for 2nd story of home) Cooking Camp stove, barbecue, or similar Fuel for above Plastic utensils Paper cups, plates, etc. Paper towels Aluminum foil Sanitation Supplies Plastic trash bags Bar soap Liquid detergent Shampoo Toothpaste and brushes Pre-moistened Towelettes Deodorant Denture cleaner/grip Feminine supplies Infant supplies Toilet paper Household bleach Safety & Comfort Sturdy shoes – for every family member Heavy gloves Change of clothes for each family member Knife Lantern and requisite fuel/batteries Garden hose – for siphoning and for fire fighting Tent Portable toilet Hat/cap/poncho – for protection from sun and elements Deck of cards & toys for children Tools & Supplies Axe Shovel Broom Wrench for water and gas main lines Screwdriver – Assorted or "6-in-1" Pliers Hammer & assorted nails 50' of ½" rope Plastic (electrician's) tape Pen & paper Heavy duty plastic sheeting Coil of baling type wire ½" plywood Auto Mini-Survival Kit Non-perishable food Water Small first aid kit Light-sticks Emergency blanket/sleeping bag Plastic bag Flashlight Small package of tissues Portable radio Hat/cap/poncho – for protection from sun and elements Small fire extinguisher–"ABC" Type Extra clothes Sturdy shoes Local maps

• During an Earthquake

• If you are indoors get under a table, desk or bed. A closet is good, unless it's loaded with heavy object above your head.  Watch for falling, flying and sliding objects! Stay away from windows & mirrors.
• If you are outdoors move to an open area away from buildings, trees,
  power poles, brick or block walls and other objects that may fall.
• If you are in an automobile stop and stay in it until the shaking stops.
  Avoid stopping near trees and power lines and never stop under an overpass.
• If you are in a high-rise building, get under a desk until the shaking stops.
  Do not use the elevator to evacuate - use the stairs.
• If you are in a store, get under a desk, table, any sturdy object, or in a
  doorway. Avoid stopping near anything that could fall.
• Do not make a dash for the exits - choosing your exit carefully.

• After a Disaster

• Remain calm (good luck) - reassure others
• Put on heavy shoes immediately to avoid injury from stepping on glass
  and other debris
• Check for injuries and give first aid
• Check for fires and fire hazards

• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the hot water heater.
  Check all gas appliances - dryer, stove, etc.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turnoff the main gas valve,
  open windows and carefully leave the home. Do not turn on the
  lights, light matches or do anything that may make a spark.
• Do not shut off the gas unless an emergency or leak exists.
  Do not turn it back on until the gas company or a plumber has
  checked it out.
• Check for water leaks - if found, shut off water at the main.
• Check for damage to the electrical system. If damage is located
  or suspected (frayed or broken wires) turn off the main circuit
  breaker.

• Check neighbors for injury.
• Turn on radio and listen for advisories.
• Be sure not to touch downed power lines or objects that are touched by
  downed lines.
• Clean up potentially harmful materials.
• Be sure the sewage lines are intact before continued flushing of toilets.
• Check your home for damage - chimney, roof, etc.
• Open closets and cupboards carefully.
• Check on emergency supplies.
• Do not use the telephone except for emergencies.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Do not go sightseeing.
• Cooperate with public safety officials and be prepared to evacuate if or
  when necessary.

• If You Must Evacuate Your Home

• Prominently post a message indicating where you can be found.
• Take with you:

• Medicines and First Aid Kit
• Flashlight, radio and batteries
• Important papers and cash
• Food, sleeping bags/blankets and extra clothing and footwear
• Make arrangements for pets

• American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services

• Red Cross disaster assistance may be in the form of feeding stations,
  clothing, shelter, cleaning supplies, comfort kits, first aid, or the
  provision of other basic needs.
• The Red Cross supplies blood and handle welfare inquires, and as soon
  as possible, helps with the most urgent needs to enable families to
  resume living as a unit.
• Given on the basis of verified need, help may include funds for food
  clothing, housing, fuel, cooking and eating utensils, bed and bedding,
  cleaning supplies, linens, rent, necessary furniture, medical and health
  care, prescription drugs, prosthetic devices, eyeglasses, personal
  occupational supplies and equipment, transportation and minor home repairs.

For Disaster Supplies and Equipment, see this web site or contact us.

Life Safety Associates^® • 53A Bonaventura Drive • San Jose, CA  95134
Phone: 408.577.1929 • Fax: 408.577.1792 • E-mail: inquiry@lifesafety.com

• CPR and First Aid Training

• At least one member of your family should be trained in CPR and
  First Aid. Our training division is:

Life Safety Associates^® • 53A Bonaventura Drive • San Jose, CA  95134
Phone: 408.577.1929 • Fax: 408.577.1792 • E-mail: inquiry@lifesafety.com

For more information about Life Safety Associates, please call 408.573.1900 or E-Mail: email@lifesafety.com.

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