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How to Prepare for an

Emergency

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Overview

Emergency situations may be created by a number of unexpected events, including natural disasters such as floods and storms, or intentional acts of crime or terrorism. When an emergency occurs, authorities may ask you to “shelter in place” for days, or evacuate your home or workplace. These unexpected events may create confusion and uncertainty, which may raise stress levels. However, knowing you are self-sufficient for up to 72 hours can help you get through an emergency and maintain a measure of control. The following steps should be taken to prepare for an emergency.

Assemble an emergency supply kit for your home and workplace

Having some essential items on hand will make you and your family more comfortable and safe. Prepare kits for the home, work and school so you’ll be prepared wherever you or your children are. Emergency supplies should be placed in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag with handles. Your kit should include:

• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, licenses, insurance policies, etc.)

• “Special needs” items for any member of your family (infant formula, medications, etc.)

• First aid supplies (Band-Aids, adhesive tape, gauze, cotton balls, Q-tips, aspirin, examination gloves, hand wipes, cortisone cream, A&D ointment, etc.)

• A change of clothing

• Sleeping bag or blanket

• Battery powered radio or television

• Flashlight

• Extra batteries

• Non-perishable food for three days (per person)

• Potable (safe for drinking) water for three days (per person)

• Whistle

• Waterproof matches

Safety during a radiological or biological threat

The safest place in our home during an emergency involving radioactive materials is a centrally located room or basement. This area should have as few windows as possible. The further your shelter is from windows, the safer you will be. Store your emergency supplies in this area.

Establish an out-of-area phone contact

Choosing a contact person that you and your family can reach in the case of an emergency will provide reassurance that family members and loved ones are okay. Your contact person will be most helpful if he or she lives far enough away to be considered unlikely to be involved in the same emergency.

• Make a list of several contacts and keep the list available at home, work and/or school.

• Get in touch with your contacts to let them know they are on your emergency contact list.

Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures at your child’s school

• Confirm the school’s regulations regarding the release of a child after an emergency situation.

• Ask school officials if they are storing personal emergency supply kits for children.

• Prepare an emergency supply kit for your child to leave at school. Include all elements of your home and work kit, plus a list of contact names and phone numbers the school can reach regarding your child.

For more information about emergency preparedness

American Red Cross Web site ( http://www.redcross.org )
US Department of Homeland Security (http://www.ready.gov)
Montana EDEN: Extension Disaster Education Network (www.montanahelp.org )

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