March 20, 2003

COLLEGE STATION – Forget about duct tape and plastic sheeting. The key to preparing for emergencies is using common sense.

"Disaster can strike quickly and without notice," said Dr. Carol Rice, Texas Cooperative Extension health specialist. These disasters might be natural – such as tornadoes, hurricanes or flash floods – or more man-made – fires or explosions.

"The best way to deal with an emergency situation is to be prepared," Rice said.

First, establish a family plan, said Janet Pollard, Extension health associate:

- Discuss the kinds of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area, and establish a plan for each one. Contact local emergency management agencies such as the American Red Cross and the civil defense office. Learn about community warning signals and emergency response plans for places of employment, schools, day care and any other place where your family spends time. List important phone numbers, such as doctor, hospital, relatives, school, work and day care, and put the list where it can be easily accessed.

- Choose two places outside the home to meet. One place should be right outside the home, in case of fire or other sudden emergency at home; the other should be outside your neighborhood, in case you and/or your family can't reach the house. (Make sure everyone in the family knows the address and phone number.)

- Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your family contact, since long distance calls are often easier to make after a disaster than more local calls. In case of separation during or after an emergency, everyone in the family will call this contact person and tell him or her where they are. Make sure all family members have the contact's telephone number.

- Make sure everyone knows what to do for infants, elderly and/or disabled people and pets.

- Prepare a family supply kit for home and for the car, in case of evacuation. This supply kit should include: water, food, first aid kit, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special needs items for family members (including prescription medications, baby food and extra eyeglasses).

Each family member should have a personal supply kit with at least three-day's supply of these items, Pollard said. Keep each kit in a covered trash container, camping backpack or duffle bag.

- Water: In general, each person will need one gallon of water per day for drinking, food preparation and hygiene. Some individuals – children, nursing mothers, people who are ill and those living in hot environments –will need more. Store water in plastic containers; never use contaminated or breakable containers. Replace stored water every six months.

- Food: Each person will need a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration or preparation, and little or no water. Compact and lightweight foods are best. A can of Sterno or a camp stove and fuel (stored safely) can be included for heating foods, if desired. To help boost spirits in time of crisis, choose foods your family will eat and enjoy – ready-to-eat canned meats, vegetables and fruits; dried meats; peanut butter and jelly; crackers; health bars and granola bars; cookies; hard candies; sweetened cereals; canned or powdered juices, milk or soup; and staples such as sugar, flour, salt and pepper. Don't forget non-perishable foods and water for pets.

- First aid kit: Assemble a kit for the home and one for the car. Include medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter, such as aspirin, antacid and laxatives), medical supplies (scissors, tweezers, moist towelettes, thermometer, cleansing agents or soap, latex gloves, bandages and antiseptic), self-care books from agencies such as the American Red Cross, and home medical records for every family member.

- Clothing and bedding: Each family member should have at least one complete change of clothing and footwear, as well as blankets and/or sleeping bags. Rain gear, hats, gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses for each family member should also be included.

- Tools and emergency supplies: Include a battery-powered radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, booster cables, a fire extinguisher, maps, shovels, flares and a tire repair kit. Store these in the trunk of your car.

And remember to keep important family documents – such as wills, insurance policies, passports and family records – in a portable, waterproof container.

In the event of a disaster:

- Check for injuries and administer first aid if necessary;

- Using a flashlight, check for damage to your home. Never use matches or turn on lights until you know it's safe;

- Starting at the hot water heater, check for gas leaks; if you smell gas, get everyone out quickly, open windows, turn off the main gas valve and shut off all appliances and utilities;

- Check for fires and other household hazards; clean up spilled medicines, cleaners and flammable liquids immediately and safely;

- Confine pets to keep them safe;

- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled;

- Call your family contact and then get off the phone except for emergencies.

"In the event that you are asked to evacuate, you should follow the instructions of local officials, wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes, take your disaster supplies kit, and lock your home," Rice said.

If you have time and are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity, she added. Let someone else know where you are going; make arrangements for pets if they are not allowed in public shelters.

For more information on preparing for emergencies, visit the Web at: http://fcs.tamu.edu/disaster_preparedness.htm