Learn about the hazards specific to your area and how to respond during and after an event. Download Hazard Worksheet (pdf)

Fill out the Family Emergency Plan and Communications Plan (FEM) (CP)

Learn First Aid, CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillation)

Join your community CERT or a community volunteer group. (CERT)

Plan for those with disabilities and other special needs. Know if you have neighbors who may need help during a disaster.

Put together a Disaster Emergency Kit - Disaster Kit

Plan for your pets. Take them with you if you evacuate. Make sure you have extra food and water for them. Be aware that pets (except service animals) are not permitted in emergency public shelters.

Keep a full tank of gas when possible, but never less than half a tank.

Find out if your community has a disaster plan.

Know your community warning signals.

Know your local emergency broadcasting station. (1610AM)

Know your child's school emergency plan. How will the school communicate? Is the school prepared to shelter in place? Where do they go if they have to evacuate?

Utilities - Know how and when to turn off water, electricity, and gas at the main switches or valves. (Never actually turn off the gas as a learning experience. If that happens only a qualified professional can turn it back on.)

Keep a non-electric phone. If it's not being used store it in a closet.

Fire Extinguisher - Have and be sure everyone knows how to use an ABC type extinguisher and where it is kept. (Remember P-pull A- aim S - Squeeze S - Sweep)

Smoke Alarms - Replace batteries every year and replace unit every 10 years.

Insurance Coverage - Re-evaluate your insurance policy. Make sure you have adequate coverage. Rebuilding costs have skyrocketed and are as high as $250 per square foot in the mountain areas. Don't be caught with a massive shortfall.

Inventory All Your Possessions - Make an inventory and take pictures or video.

Vital Records should be kept in a safe deposit box or other safe location. Keep copies of important documents in your Disaster Preparedness kit.

Secure cabinets and bookshelves to wall studs, secure heavy objects on lower shelves and hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.

Store chemicals, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.

Have chimneys cleaned annually.

Store firewood 30 feet from any structure and practice defensible space procedures.

Attachments:

File	Description	File size
Hazard Worksheet	This document will help you chart hazards specific to your area	30 Kb