One gallon of water per day for each member of your household, canned goods, sugar, salt and pepper, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, candy bars, vitamins, cookies, cereals, instant coffee and tea.
If an infant or elderly person is in your household, his/her special dietary needs should also be included.
Mess kits, utensils, battery-operated radio and flashlights, extra batteries, cash, non-electric can opener, fire extinguisher, tent, pliers, tape, compass, paper, pencils, needles, thread, medicine dropper, a whistle, plastic sheeting and map of the area with shelter locations.
Also pack a crescent wrench for shutting off natural gas and water supply valves.
Sanitation:
Toilet tissue, soap and liquid detergent, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, trash bags, plastic bucket with lid, disinfectant and chlorine bleach.
Personal Supplies:
Work boots or sturdy walking shoes, rain suits, sleeping bags or blankets, hats and gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.
Other Items:
All family members should be considered (including pets) when planning for an emergency. If you have an infant, elderly or disabled person in your household, you may need the following items:
Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications such as insulin, heart and high blood pressure prescriptions, denture needs, contact lenses, supplies and extra glasses, games and books for entertainment.
Keep copies of important family documents in a waterproof, portable container.
If you must evacuate, you may need to leave your pet at home; public shelters will not permit pets. See http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm or contact your local library for more information.
If you plan on evacuating to a friend's or relative's home make sure you take enough food, medications, etc. for your pet.
If the siren does sound seek shelter inside, preferably with a room without windows. Turn your TV to KDKA channel 2 or radio to 1020 A.M. and listen for emergency information. You should also be prepared to evacuate. Gather your essentials supplies and store them nearby.
Do not use the telephone unless there is an emergency. Never telephone 911 unless there is a serious emergency or you require emergency assistance.
If you are instructed to evacuate, take only your essential supplies and monitor the radio for emergency and evacuation information. Emergency personnel will be available to safety direct you away from the area. Pay close attention to their directions and do not take any shortcuts. You may jeopardize your safety!
If instructed to Shelter in Place, do the following:
Go inside your home or other building, preferably in a room without windows. Do not leave!
Close draperies and blinds if explosions are possible. Stay away from windows and doors.
Seal all openings with wet towels or duct tape.
Close all windows and turn off heating, heating draws in outside air and cooling systems and fans. Close fireplace dampers.
Protect your breathing; cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth and take shallow breaths.
Keep your pets inside.
Be prepared to evacuate! Gather your essential supplies and keep them handy, as you may be required to move to a new location.
Wait for the ALL CLEAR. Authorities will give the all clear signal over the TV or radio.
You may be asked to evacuate if the situation has the potential for escalating to a point where evacuation is required to protect your health and safety. You may be given little notice, so be prepared. If you are asked to evacuate, do the following:
Pack only what you must. Take only the essentials; clothing, medicines, blankets, baby supplies, flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, cash and checkbook.
Secure your home; shut off utilities at main shut off only if instructed to do so.
Follow evacuation routes as instructed by emergency TV or radio broadcasts.
Stay off the telephone except for life-threatening emergencies. Call 911 only if emergency assistance is required.
Keep your car windows closed and your radio on. If you run your car air conditioner or heater, use the re-circulation mode only
Do not return home until told it is safe to do so!
What will happen to your children in an Emergency at School ?
Make sure the school can get in touch with you or a designated person.
Talk with your child about how school patrols can help and where Block Parent homes are located.
For Safety's sake, be informed! Become familiar with:
The names of the teachers that will be with your child.
The school procedures regarding field trips, locations, fees and supplies.
The school's calendar-identify holidays and special events.
The school's timetable-starting and dismissal times.
The school's emergency procedures and crisis management plans.
The school's student/parent handbook.
In an emergency:
Each school district and every school within the district must develop its own emergency procedures. This planning includes emergency evacuations, transportation and reunification sites for each school building. Make sure you are familiar with these plans.
Review safety issues and the school's emergency procedures with school principal.
When it is necessary to dismiss children early, radio stations are notified and school PTA telephone chains activated.
Complete school personal data/questionnaire with emergency notification information for your school. Provide updated information as changes occur (i.e. pager numbers, cell phone numbers).
Keep the lines of communication open with your school administrators.
Medications are and essential part of life for many people, and in many cases lack of medication can become life threatening. Always make sure you have a minimum of a five-day supply on hand in an easy to take pouch or container.
Special Dietary needs must also be taken into consideration. Many people cannot exist without eating special foods and liquids. Keep an adequate supply of these foods and liquids on hand.
Many medications, foods and liquids must be refrigerated. If forced to leave your home, or if the power is out for an extended time, you need to plan for a method to keep these items cool. Keep a small cooler handy and always keep a 10# bag of ice in your freezer.
Don't forget other special needs, such as diapers, heavier than normal clothing, hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, oxygen, specialty medical supplies, etc. you should keep an adequate supply of these items on hand-ready for the next emergency.
Remember that if you must evacuate your home it might be days before you can return. Also, many of the stores where you can normally purchase these items may be closed or have deleted essential supplies. Once you leave, you may not be able to get them for some time, Be prepared!
