Be Prepared

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.

Families can--and do--cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Follow the steps listed below to create your family's disaster plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and YOUR responsibility.

Follow these links to learn more:

YOUR FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

Four steps to safety

1. Find Out What Could Happen to You

Contact the American Red Cross or your county emergency management agency. Be prepared to take notes:

• Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
• Learn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
• Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
• Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
• Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or day-care center and other places where your family spends time.

2. Create a Disaster Plan

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
• Pick two places to meet:

2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

• Ask an out-of-town friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
• Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
• Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

3. Complete This Checklist

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.)
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (A-B-C type) and show them where it's kept.
• Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.

4. Practice and Maintain Your Plan

• Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
• Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

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ARE YOU READY FOR A RESIDENTIAL FIRE?

Fire is one of the most common disasters. It causes more deaths than any other type of disaster. However, fire doesn't have to be deadly if you have early warning from a smoke detector and everyone in your family knows how to escape calmly.

Please be serious about the responsibility of planning for and practicing what to do in case of a fire. Here are tips to help you prepare for such an emergency.

Make your home fire safe

• Smoke detectors save lives. Install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
• Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. Replace batteries at least once a year.
• Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Get training from the fire department in how to use it.

Plan your escape routes

• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
• If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it.
• Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
• Once you are out, stay out!

Escape safely

• If you see smoke in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape.
• If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, use your second way out.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

Home Fire Fact Sheets

• FIRE SAFETY Fact Sheet (PDF)
• ESCAPE Planning (PDF)
• THANKSGIVING Fire Safety (PDF)
• HOLIDAY Fire Safety (PDF)
• HOME HEATING Fires (PDF)
• COOKING Fires (PDF)
• CHILDREN and Fires (PDF)
• SMOKE ALARMS (PDF)
• CANDLE Safety (PDF)
• CO Poisoning (PDF)

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ARE YOU READY FOR A THUNDERSTORM?

Before lightning strikes

When a storm approaches

• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose. Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!
• Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

If caught outside

• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

Protecting yourself outside

• Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.
• Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• Be a very small target. Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them.
• Do not lie flat on the ground -- this will make you a larger target!

After the storm passes

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

If someone is struck by lightning

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
• Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
• The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places.
• Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.

Learn first aid and CPR

• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. Call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.

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ARE YOU READY FOR A FLOOD?

Regardless, the rule for being safe is simple: head for high ground and stay away from the water. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is to try walking, swimming, or driving through such swift water.

Here's what you can do to prepare for these types of emergencies:

Know what to expect

• Know your area's flood risk -- if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
• Floods can take several hours or days to develop --
  • A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
  • A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
• Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop --
  • A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
  • A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan

• Check your homeowner's or renter's insurance to see if it covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places such as a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.

When a flood WATCH is issued

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a flood WARNING is issued

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

When a flash flood WATCH is issued

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

When a flash flood WARNING is issued

• Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades -- they are there for your safety.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

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ARE YOU READY FOR A TORNADO?

With winds swirling at 200 miles an hour or more, a tornado can destroy just about anything in its path. Generally, there are weather signs and warnings that will alert you to take precautions. Here's how you can prepare for such an emergency.

Prepare a home tornado plan

• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement, or if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
• If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
• Conduct periodic tornado drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.

Stay tuned for storm warnings

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Know what tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS mean:

• A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
• A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.

In Franklin, Madison, Pickaway, and Fayette counties the tornado sirens are activated during a tornado WARNING. The current ten minute pattern is three minutes of siren followed by seven minutes of silence, repeated during the duration of the WARNING. Check with your local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to learn your county's siren patterns.

When a tornado WATCH is issued

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a tornado WARNING is issued

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot get to a shelter, a recent study suggests that you get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive at right angles to the storm movement and out of the path. If strong winds and flying debris occur while you are driving, pull over and park, keeping seat belts on and the engine running. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible. If you are unable to get to a building or vehicle, as a last resort, lie in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the tornado passes

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the media for information and instructions.
• If safe, use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.

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ARE YOU READY FOR A WINTER STORM?

Winter storms bring ice, snow, cold temperatures and often dangerous driving conditions. Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency.

Prepare a winter storm plan

• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
• Stay tuned for storm WARNINGS.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Bring pets indoors and limit exposure to elements. 
• Know what winter storm WATCHES and WARNINGS mean:
  • A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
  • A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
  • A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!

When a winter storm WATCH is issued

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel, for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.

When a winter storm WARNING is issued

• Stay indoors during the storm.
• If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rate, lowering body temperature.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must

• Have emergency supplies in the trunk.
• Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If you do get stuck

• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up into the car. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

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ARE YOU READY FOR A HEATWAVE?

Know what these terms mean:

Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.

Heat index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal muscles or legs. It is generally thought that the loss of water from heavy sweating causes the cramps.

Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals may be cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat stroke (aka Sunstroke): Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals may be hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.

If a heat wave is predicted or happening

• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool, so you should drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which actually dehydrates the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Treatment of heat emergencies

Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.

Heat stroke: Body temperature can be very high -- sometimes as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry. Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give them anything to eat or drink.

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ARE YOU READY FOR AN EARTHQUAKE?

• Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan.
• Select a place everyone would meet following an earthquake.
• Designate an out-of-town family member or friend to be your family contact person so that each of you can call him or her to say you're safe or to relay messages.
• Conduct periodic earthquake drills and review your Home Earthquake Plan every so often.
• Make these simple improvements around your home --
  • Strap the water heater to a wall.
  • Bolt bookcases and other tall, heavy furniture to the wall.
  • Put bolts or latches on cabinet doors.
  • Take a first aid and CPR course from the Red Cross chapter.

When the shaking begins

If you are inside, go only a few steps to a safe place you have already picked. It could be a heavy desk or table you could crouch under (and hold on to) to be safe from falling objects or just an inside corner of a room. Pick a place away from windows, bookcases, or tall, heavy furniture that could fall on you.

If you live in a high-rise building, don't be surprised if the fire alarms and sprinklers go off during a quake.

If you are outside, find a clear area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

If you are in a car, drive to a clear area and stay in the car until the shaking stops.

After the shaking stops

• Be prepared for aftershocks.
• Check people for injuries. Give first aid.
• If safe, inspect your home for damage.
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Go to a Red Cross shelter if your home is unsafe.

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ARE YOU READY FOR A HURRICANE?

Know what hurricane WATCH and WARNING mean

• A hurricane WATCH means conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
• A hurricane WARNING means conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

In coastal areas, install hurricane shutters or precut 1/2" outdoor plywood for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.

Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

If you are visiting a coastal area know what to do when a hurricane WATCH is issued

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare to bring indoors lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover ALL windows. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking; so taping windows is not recommended.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Check batteries and stock canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.

If you are visiting a coastal area identify what to do when a hurricane WARNING is issued

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
• Complete preparation activities.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
• Be aware, the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds that blow from the opposite direction.
• Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during and after a hurricane passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of the building, in a closet or room without windows.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Know what to do after a hurricane is over

• Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
• If you evacuated, return only when local officials tell you it is safe to do so and inspect building for damage.

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FOOD SAFETY IN POWER OUTAGES

Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially when they are prolonged. Perishable foods should not be held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned, but how do you save your food when the refrigerator is out for longer times? Being prepared can help. By planning ahead, you can save your perishables.

What do I need?

• One or more coolers. Inexpensive styrofoam coolers can do an excellent job as well.
• Shelf-stable foods, such as canned goods and powdered or boxed milk. These can be eaten cold or heated on the grill.
• A digital quick-response thermometer. A digital thermometer should be a necessity in your kitchen anyway. With these thermometers you can quickly check the internal temperatures of food for doneness and safety.

What to do...

• Do not open the refrigerator or freezer. Tell your little ones not to open the door. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.
• If it looks like the power outage will be for more than 2-4 hours, pack refrigerated milk, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, gravy, stuffing and left-overs into your cooler surrounded by ice.
• If it looks like the power outage will be prolonged, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.

Q’s and A’s
What should be discarded after a power outage? As soon as the power returns, check temperatures. If the food in the freezer has ice crystals and is not above 40 degrees you can refreeze. Perishable foods in the refrigerator should not be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. More on food safety.  

What if I go to bed and the power is still not on? Before you go to bed, pack your perishables into your coolers if you haven't already done so and put in as much ice as you can. Also, when you go to bed, leave a bedroom light switched on. When the power goes back on, it will wake you, so you can check the condition of your foods in the freezer.

What if the power goes out while I’m at work or out of the house and it has been more than a few hours before I get home? Try to determine how long the power has been out. Check the internal temperature of the food in your refrigerator with your quick-response thermometer. A liquid such as milk or juice is easy to check. Spot check other items like steaks or left-overs also. If the internal temperature is above 40 degrees, it is best to throw it out.

What if the power goes out and comes back on while I am out? If your freezer is fairly full and you know it was not longer than 24 hours, the food should be OK. There will be loss of quality with refreezing, but the food will be safe. If the refrigerator was out for more than 2-4 hours, you are best to discard the perishables.

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CHEMICAL EMERGENCIES

Under certain conditions, chemicals can be poisonous or have a harmful effect on your health. Some chemicals which are safe and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions.

You may be exposed to a chemical in three ways:

1. Breathing the chemical

2. Swallowing contaminated food, water or medication

3. Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things which have touched the chemical

Remember, you may be exposed to chemicals even though you may not be able to see or smell anything unusual.

Major Chemical Emergencies

A major chemical emergency is an accident which releases a hazardous amount of a chemical into the environment. Accidents can happen underground, on railroad tracks or highways and at manufacturing plants. These accidents sometimes result in a fire or explosion, but many times you can not see or smell anything unusual.

In the event of a major chemical emergency, you will be notified by the authorities. To get your attention, a siren could sound, you may be called by telephone, or emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker. Officials could even come to your door. Listen carefully to radio or television emergency broadcast stations and strictly follow instructions. Your life could depend on it.

One of the basic instructions you may be given in a chemical emergency is to shelter-in-place. This is a precaution aimed to keep you and your family safe while remaining in your home. If you are told to shelter-in-place, take your children and pets indoors immediately.

While gathering your family, you can provide a minimal amount of protection to your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. Close all windows; turn off fans, heating and air conditioning systems; close the fireplace damper; go to an above ground room with the fewest windows and doors; take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit with you; wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors, tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents; if there is a danger of explosion, close shades, blinds or curtains and stay away from the windows; stay in the room and listen to your radio until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.

There are many organizations which help the community in an emergency, such as police, fire and sheriff departments, American Red Cross and government agencies. All these groups coordinate their activities through the local office of emergency management. In many areas there are local Hazardous Materials, or Haz-Mat, Teams who are trained to respond to chemical emergencies. In such an event it is very important you follow the instructions of these highly trained professionals. They know how best to protect you and your family.

Home Chemicals

The most common home chemical emergencies involve small children eating medicines. Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing suggest that taking hazardous materials out of sight could eliminate up to 75 percent of all poisoning of small children.

Keep all medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products and other household chemicals out of sight and out of reach of children. If your child should eat or drink a non-food substance, find any containers immediately and take them to the phone. Call the Poison Control Center, or Emergency Medical Services, or 9-1-1, or call the operator to get this information. Follow their instructions carefully. Often the first aid advice found on containers may not be appropriate. So, do not give anything by mouth until you have been advised by medical professionals.

Other home accidents can result from trying to improve the way a product works by adding one substance to another, not following directions for use of a product or by improper storage or disposal of a chemical. The first precaution you can take is to avoid mixing common household products. Some combinations of these products, such as ammonia and bleach, can create toxic gases.

A second important precaution is to always read the directions before using a new product. Some products should not be used in a small confined space to avoid inhaling dangerous vapors. Other products should not be used without gloves and eye protection to help prevent the chemical from touching your body.

Another effective way to protect yourself and your family is to store chemical products properly. Non-food products should be stored tightly closed in their original container so you can always identify the contents of each container and how to properly use the product.

Never smoke while using household chemicals. Don't use hair spray, cleaning solutions, paint products or pesticides near the open flame of an appliance, pilot light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood burning stove, etc. Although you may not be able to see or smell them, vapor particles in the air could catch fire or explode.

If you should spill a chemical, clean it up immediately with some rags, being careful to protect your eyes and skin. Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors in a safe place, then dispose of them by wrapping them in a newspaper and then placing them in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of these materials with your trash. If you don't already have one, buy a fire extinguisher that is labeled for A, B and C class fires and keep it handy.

Buy only as much of a chemical as you think you will use. If you have a product left over, try to give it to someone who will use it. Take care to dispose of it properly. Improper disposal can result in harm to yourself, members of your family, other people or can accidentally contaminate our local water supply.

It is also important to dispose of products properly to preserve our environment and protect wildlife. Plus, some products can be recycled to further protect our environment.

Many household chemicals can be taken to your local household hazardous waste collection facility. Many facilities accept pesticides, fertilizers, household cleaners, oil-based paints, drain and pool cleaners, antifreeze and brake fluid. If you have questions about how to dispose of a chemical, call the facility or the environmental or recycling agency to learn the proper method of disposal.

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CREATE YOUR OWN
DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

WATER

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation) and keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

FOOD

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno and matches. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. If you store powdered items, store some extra water. Remember vitamins and foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets.

FIRST AID KIT

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Include non-prescription drugs found in your medicine cabinet, and necessary prescription drugs.

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

A battery-operated radio and flashlight, both with extra batteries, are essential. In addition, food preparation supplies and eating utensils, an emergency preparedness manual, cash or traveler's checks, change, non-electric can opener, utility knife, camping supplies, storage containers, signal flare, playing cards or other activities, tools to turn off utilities, whistle, plastic sheeting, matches in a waterproof container and sanitation supplies are recommended. For sanitation, include toilet paper, towelettes, soap, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, plastic garbage bags, disinfectant and household chlorine bleach.

CLOTHING AND BEDDING

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Include sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, work gloves, hat and gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.

SPECIAL ITEMS

Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Include their food, medicines and personal care items. Important family documents should also be kept in a waterproof, portable container.

CLOSING REMINDERS

• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
• Keep the items in air tight plastic bags.
• Change and replace your stored water and stored food every six months.
• Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year.
• Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

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