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Greater Good Charities is committed to being There When It Matters® and we know the importance of being prepared. Disaster can happen at any time, so we created this checklist so you can be ready.
Preparing for Disaster
First, it is essential to discuss what types of disasters might happen in your area and learn how to protect yourself from each.
- Does your household know what alerts or sirens occur in your community during disasters?
- Keep the National Weather Service on your devices to see active alerts. Also, have a battery-operated radio on hand to access these alerts.
- Create a list of local organizations and first responders with information on how to contact them. Keep this list in an area everyone in your household can access.
Create a Disaster Plan
Create a disaster plan for your household and have multiple options based on the type of disaster and location. This ensures a plan is in place depending on whether household members are at home, work, school, or somewhere else.
- What responsibilities will each household member have?
- How will you get out of your house in case of a fire?
- Where will you meet? Pick a location inside your home, close to your home, and somewhere outside your neighborhood or city if you cannot return home. Determine what type of disaster applies to each meeting place.
- Does every household member know where emergency and disaster supply kits are kept?
- If anyone in your household has special needs, ensure they are covered in the plan.
- Include pets in your supply kit and your disaster planning.
Create a Communication Plan
- If a household member is frequently traveling, determine how to stay in communication.
- Ensure members of your household have a saved emergency contact list. Memorize the most important numbers.
- Ensure members of your household know how to dial 911 or use the emergency feature on their mobile devices.
Create a Disaster Supply Kit
Pack your supply kit in something easy to carry, such as a backpack or duffel bag. This should be prepared in advance, and you should check your supplies every few months.
Supplies to Include
Water
- One gallon per person per day.
- Three-day supply per person.
- Portable water filter or filtration straw.
Food
- Non-perishable or canned food, approximately 1,500 calories per day per person, enough for seven days.
- Food for the elderly or infants.
First Aid Kit & Medical Supplies
- Latex Gloves
- Gauze
- Band-Aids
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Soap
- Eye Wash Solution
- Scissors
- Medical Adhesive Tape
- Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
- Tweezers
- Sharp Scissors
- Safety Pins
- Thermometer
- Face Masks
Tools & Supplies
- Escape Ladder
- Compass
- Fire Extinguisher
- Toilet Paper, Towelettes, Sanitizer, Soap, Detergent
- Storage Containers, Garbage Bags, Zip Ties
- Pencil and Paper
- Hygiene Items and Feminine Supplies
- Battery-Powered Radio
- Flashlight
- Extra Batteries
- Candles
- Matches in a Waterproof Container
- Whistle
- Multi-Function Tools
- Manual Can Opener
- Duct Tape
- Two-Way Radio