How Would You Survive for 72 Hours?

How would you survive for 72 hours? In a major disaster, it might be at least three days before vital services are restored.

Steps to Plan and Prepare for Any Disaster

Assemble emergency kits. (See Basic Emergency Supplies.) Keep copies of important documents in an offsite location such as a safety deposit box. o (Passport, driver license, social security card, marriage license, will, deeds, etc.) To facilitate insurance recovery, o Include an inventory of your valuables with photographs or video. Learn how and when to shut off your utilities. (See Utilities.) Discuss all possible exit routes from each room, building and neighborhood. Ensure that your family has at least two exits from each. Decide where you will reunite after a disaster. o Choose two places, Ã’Ò§ One outside your home Ã’Ò§ Outside your neighborhood, Like a park other open area. Conduct emergency drills and practice “DROP, COVER and HOLD” at least once every six months. Always keep your car’s gas tank at least half full.

Steps to Make Your Home Safe

Be sure your home’s street number is visible from the street, so emergency vehicles can find you. In your home, install at least one smoke alarm outside of each sleeping area and one additional alarm on each additional living level, including the basement. If hallways are longer than 40 feet between the sleeping and living areas, use two smoke alarms. Test every six months and replace batteries once each year. Keep at least one ABC type fire extinguisher on each level of your home. Learn how and when to use them. Check the pressure gauges annually to ensure they are fully charged. Keep hallways and exits clear for easy evacuation. Ensure that all window safety bars have emergency releases. Store hazardous chemicals (e.g. gasoline, bleach, paint thinners) away from open flames and secure them to prevent spills.

Basic Emergency Supplies

You can buy pre-made disaster kits from a range of sources, or you can assemble one yourself using items you already own. Either way, make sure to familiarize yourself with your kit’s contents and to replace any perishable items before they expire.

Divide your emergency supplies into a Household Disaster Kit to share at home and personal Go-bags for individual family members in case of evacuation.

Store your Household Disaster Kit in a place that will still be accessible if your home is damaged and unsafe to enter (e.g. a backyard shed). If this is not an option, put it in an easily accessible location inside your home.

Store your household’s Go-bags in a location that is easily accessible in the event you must evacuate your home.

Household Disaster Kit Checklist:

If your home is structurally sound following a disaster, your Household Disaster Kit will allow you to remain in place, even without utilities. Put contents in a watertight container that you can move easily (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with wheels).

Include:

ü Sanitation supplies (e.g. towels, washcloths, unscented bleach with eyedropper and heavy duty garbage bags) ü Flashlights and battery-operated lanterns (with extra batteries & bulbs) ü Plates, utensils and paper towels, etc. ü Cooking supplies (manual can opener, camp stove, fuel, ü lighter, pots, etc.) ü Items to protect you from the elements, (e.g. warm clothing, raincoats, sleeping bags, mats, blankets, sturdy shoes and a tent or heavy-duty sheet plastic) ü Work gloves, goggles, crowbar, hammer, staple gun, adjustable wrench

Go-bags:

Each household member should have his or her own Go-bag as a part of the Household Disaster Kit. Go-bags are designed for use:

At home, so you can remain in place even without utilities; If you must evacuate your home; or If you cannot return home. Because you may be away from home when disaster strikes, you are advised to keep a Go-bag at work and in your vehicle

Every Go-bag should include:

Food and water (as much as you can practically carry) Portable radio and extra batteries First aid kit and handbook 5-day supply of any medications you take regularly and a copy of your prescriptions Whistle (to alert rescuers to your location) Personal hygiene supplies (including toilet paper) Emergency lighting (e.g. glow sticks, flashlight, headlamp) and extra batteries Large garbage bags and paper towels Change of clothing and a hat Sturdy shoes, in case an evacuation requires walking long distances Dust mask Pen, paper and tape Cash in small denominations Copy of health insurance card and driver license or identification card Photos of family members for reunification purposes List of emergency contact phone numbers

More tips:

In children’s Go-bags, include medical consent forms, a family photo for reunification purposes and a favorite toy, cards or book. Include flares and jumper cables in your vehicle’s Go-bag. Remember to make a Go-bag for your pet! (See Tips for Pet Owners.)

Prepare to Communicate Post-Disaster

Designate an out-of-area contact person who is unlikely to be affected by the same disaster. Instruct family members inside the affected area to contact this person with their status following a disaster. This person will act as a liaison between the family members affected by the disaster and others who need to be informed of your family’s status. Keep at least one standard fixed telephone in your home portable phones rely on electrical power and will not work during a power outage. Display emergency numbers beside each telephone. Learn how to use your mobile phone’s text messaging feature. Text messaging uses a different part of the cell network and it might be possible to send and receive text messages when voice channels for mobile phones and land lines are jammed. Store enough food for everyone in your family to last for at least 3 days. Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special “emergency” food. Consider any dietary restrictions you may have. Ideal foods do not require refrigeration or cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies, cereals, dried fruit, canned soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk). Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have a manufacturer’s expiration date on the package. Include baby food, formula or other special diet items for infants and seniors. Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place. Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months. Do not consume food from cans that show any signs of deterioration (rust or bulging). After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days.

In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated.

Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at least 3 days.

Store one gallon of water per person, per day.

This amount will be adequate for general drinking purposes.

Three gallons per person per day will give you enough to cook and for limited personal hygiene. Remember to plan for your pets.

If you store tap water:

“Ò¢ Tap water from a municipal water system can be safely stored without additional treatment.

“Ò¢ Heavy duty, reusable plastic water containers are also available at sporting goods stores.

“Ò¢ Empty milk bottles are not recommended because their lids do not seal well and bottles may develop leaks.

“Ò¢ Replace water at least once every six months.

If you buy commercially bottled “spring” or “drinking” water:

“Ò¢ Keep water in its original container, and don’t re-store a bottle once it’s been opened.

“Ò¢ Label bottles with their replacement date, and store in a cool, dark place.

“Ò¢ Replace water at least once each year if bottles are not marked with the manufacturer’s expiration date.

Treating Water after Disaster:

If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or the toilet reservoir tank (except if you use toilet tank cleaners).

You cannot drink swimming pool or spa water, but you can use it for flushing toilets or washing.

Treatment Process:

Begin by straining any large particles of dirt by pouring the water through a couple of layers of paper towels or clean cloth.

Next, purify the water one of two ways:

“Ò¢ Boil – bring to a rolling boil and maintain for 3-5 minutes. After the water cools, pour it back and forth between two clean containers to add oxygen back; this will improve its taste.

“Ò¢ Disinfect – If the water is clear, add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water. If it is cloudy, add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon. Make sure you are using regular bleach- 5.25% percent sodium hypochlorite- rather than the “ultra” or “color safe” bleaches. Shake or stir, then let stand 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste and smell is normal.

Gas

Natural gas leaks can cause fires and explosions inside a building. If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or if you suspect a leak, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors. If you suspect a leak, never use candles or matches, and do not turn on electrical switches or appliances. Identify the main shutoff valve, located on the gas line coming into the main gas meter. This is usually on the exterior of your home or building, or in an external closet.

Your main valve may look like this:

To turn gas off, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the lever crosses the direction of the pipe (see below) the gas is off. Keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever. Once you turn off the gas, never attempt to turn it back on yourself. Wait for your utility company to do it, but be aware that it may take several days for it to be turned back on.

Electricity

Electrocution can result from direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by these wires.

Locate your home’s main electric switch, which is normally in the garage or outdoors, where the power lines enter the home. The panel box may have a flip switch or pull handle on a large circuit breaker. Shut off electricity when: o Arcing or burning occurs in electrical devices. o There is a fire or significant water leak. o You smell burning insulation. o The area around switches or plugs is blackened and/ or hot to the touch. o A complete power loss is accompanied by the smell of burning material.

Water

After a major earthquake, shut off water at the house to protect the water in your water heater, toilet tanks, and house pipes. Cracked pipes may allow contaminants into the water supply. In addition, water leaks can create property damage and electrocution hazards.

The water shutoff is usually located in the basement, garage or where the water line enters the home. The water shutoff is located on a riser pipe and is usually a red or yellow wheel. Turn wheel clockwise to shut off. If you need to access water in your water heater, look for a drain line on the bottom of the water heater.

Sewer Service

A disaster that disrupts all or part of the City’s water and/or sewer lines could affect the way you deal with human waste. If there is no water to your toilet, but the sewer lines are intact, pour 3-5 gallons of water into the toilet bowl to flush. You may use seawater, bath, laundry or pool water. If you suspect damage to your home’s water lines, do NOT flush the toilet. Turn off water at the house so contaminated water does not enter your water system. If sewer lines are broken, line the bowl with double-bagged plastic garbage bags to collect human waste. Before discarding the bag, add a small amount of bleach; then seal the bag and place in a tightly covered container, away from people. If the toilet is unusable, use a sturdy bucket with a tight fitting lid, and line it with a double-bagged plastic garbage bag.

Get to know your neighbors. Find out if anyone has specialized equipment, like a power generator, or expertise such as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis. Identify neighbors who might need assistance after a disaster. Make arrangements with your neighbors to check on each other’s home or pets if one of you is away when a disaster strikes.

“Ò¢ Set up a Personal Support Network: Designate someone to check on you in an emergency and to help with evacuation or sheltering-in-place.

“Ò¢ Prepare and carry with you an emergency health information card: Carrying health information with you will help to communicate to rescuers what they need to know about you if they find you unconscious or incoherent, or if they need to quickly help evacuate you. Include information about your medications, adaptive equipment, blood type, allergies and sensitivities, insurance numbers, immunization dates, communication difficulties and preferred treatment, as well as contact information for your health providers, personal support network and emergency contacts.

“Ò¢ Personal Care Assistance: If you receive assistance from a home healthcare agency or in-home support provider, find out how the provider will respond in an emergency. Designate backup or alternative providers that you can contact in an emergency.

“Ò¢ For Persons Using a Wheelchair: Plan for how you will evacuate in an emergency and discuss it with your Personal Support Network. If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a manual wheelchair as a backup.

“Ò¢ For Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired: Keep an extra collapsible cane by your bed. Attach a whistle to the cane; use it if you need to attract attention. Exercise caution when moving around after an earthquake; items may fall and block paths that are normally unobstructed.

“Ò¢ For Persons who are Hearing Impaired: Keep extra batteries for your hearing aids with emergency supplies. Consider storing your hearing aids in a container attached to your nightstand or bedpost, so you can locate them quickly after a disaster.

“Ò¢ For persons with Communication Disabilities: Determine how you will communicate with emergency personnel if you do not have your communication devices. Store paper, writing materials, copies of a word or letter board and preprinted key phrases specific to anticipated emergencies in all your emergency kits, your wallet, purse, etc.

Include your children in preparing for an emergency so that they know what to do and how to get help following a disaster.

Provide your children with emergency contact numbers and teach them how to call 9-1-1. Warn your children never to touch wires that are hanging on poles or lying on the ground. Tell your children to leave the building if they smell gas. Practice skills by including your children in emergency drills and evacuation/reunification planning. (See “Steps to Plan and Prepare for Any Disaster.”) Make arrangements to have your children picked up from school or daycare if you are unable to do so. Regularly update your child’s school with current information regarding emergency contacts and persons authorized to pick up your child from school. Learn the emergency plans and policies at your child’s school or daycare facility.

Plan

Keep a collar, current license and up-to date ID tags on your pet at all times. Consider having your pet micro-chipped. Make sure your pet is comfortable being handled and is used to being in an appropriate carrier, box or cage for transport. Keep an updated list of trusted neighbors who could assist your animals in case of an emergency. Tighten and secure latches on birdcages. Fasten down aquariums on low stands or tables.

Kit

Make a Go-bag for each pet. Include: Sturdy leashes and/or carriers for transport. A pillowcase is a good option for transporting cats and other small animals. Muzzles for dogs Food, potable water and medicine for at least one week Non-spill bowls, manual can opener and plastic lid Plastic bags, litter box and litter Current photos of your pet, for reunification purposes Names and phone numbers of your emergency contact, local emergency veterinary hospitals and animal shelters Immunization records and information on any medical conditions and/or behavior problems Pet First-Aid kit and handbook Portable fencing or baby gates

Respond

Remember that animals react differently under stress. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide and try to escape or even bite or scratch. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed and transport cats in carriers or pillowcases. If your pet is lost, contact the nearest animal shelter to report your pet missing as soon as possible. When it is safe, return to your neighborhood to search and distribute “Lost Pet” posters.

Evacuation:

Do your best to locate all your animals and keep them with you. If you must evacuate to a disaster shelter, be aware that some shelters will only allow service animals for persons with disabilities. If you must leave your pets behind: Inform animal rescue workers of your pets’ status: On your front door or in a highly visible window, use chalk, paint or marker to write the number and types of pets in your residence. Include their location in your home and the date that you evacuated. Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over. Leave plenty of food in timed feeders to prevent your pet from overeating. Do not tie up your pet in your home.

Whatever you do, stay calm.

STOP what you are doing. LOOK around you and carefully assess the situation. LISTEN for instructions by tuning in to a radio news source, For your own protection, cooperate fully with public safety officials and keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. Do not use your phone except in life-threatening situations. Visually inspect your building’s structural integrity. If there is major damage to the walls or roof, evacuate the structure. Using a flashlight, inspect your building for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source. (See Utilities.) Consider changing the voicemail message on your phones to include your family’s status. If your loved ones can’t get a call through to you, they may still be able to hear your outgoing message.

Call 9-1-1 to request emergency medical, police or fire help.

During major disasters, 9-1-1 may be flooded with calls. Be prepared to wait. Be ready to answer questions from 9-1-1 operators. Stay on the line until the operator hangs up.

If you are indoors when shaking starts:

“DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.” If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects. If you are inside, remain indoors during the earthquake. If you are in bed at the time of the earthquake, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. In high-rise buildings, be aware that the fire alarms and/or sprinklers may activate. If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head.

If you are outdoors when shaking starts:

Move to a clear area if you can walk safely. Avoid power lines, buildings and trees. If you’re driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overhead hazards (e.g. bridges, overpasses, power lines or large overhead signs). If you are on the beach or another low-lying area close to the ocean or bay, you could be in the path of a tsunami. (See Tsunami.)

Once the earthquake stops:

Check those around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger. Keep them warm with blankets or additional clothing. Evacuate buildings using stairs; avoid elevators. Check around you for dangerous conditions, such as fires, downed power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have fire extinguishers and are trained to use them, put out small fires immediately. Avoid broken glass. Use extreme caution around spilled hazardous materials, such as bleach, lye, garden chemicals, paint, gasoline or other flammable liquids. When in doubt, leave the area. Replace phones that may have shaken from their cradles.

If you are trapped in debris:

Move as little as possible so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.

If your smoke alarm goes off or you see a fire:

Remain calm and get out. If you see smoke under the door, find another way out. Feel the door with the back of your hand before you open it. If it is hot, find another way out. Drop to the floor to avoid smoke and fumes. Crawl to safety. If your clothes catch on fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL over and over to smother the flames. Call 9-1-1 from a safe location. If you are trapped in a burning building, stay near a window and close to the floor. If possible, signal for help. Do not go back inside the building unless instructed that is safe to do so.

Severe storms can cause landslides or flooding. Avoid lower elevation streets, drainage channels and other areas that may flood.

If flooding is likely, and time permits, move valuable household possessions to the upper floors of your home. If water has entered a garage or basement, do not walk through it. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you must walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Stay clear of water that is in contact with downed power lines. Do not allow children to play around high water, storm drains or any flooded areas. If you are asked to leave your property, shut off electric circuits. If advised by your local utility, shut off gas service as well. (See Utilities).

A terrorist’s primary objective is to create fear. You can keep yourself and your family safe with accurate information and basic emergency preparedness.

Be Responsible:

Be aware of your surroundings. Note the location of emergency exits, pay phones, fire alarms and fire extinguishers. Whatever your location, consider the best means of evacuation. Report suspicious objects, vehicles or persons to public safety authorities.

If There Is a Terrorist Attack or Threat:

Stay calm. Be vigilant. Look out for secondary hazards such as falling debris, suspicious packages or persons. Report any concerns to public safety authorities. Follow the instructions of emergency service personnel. Avoid spreading rumors – confirm information with a credible source.

Immediate risk:

If you smell gas or smoke, see fire, or otherwise fear for your safety, evacuate immediately. Once you are in a safe location, call 9-1-1 and report the incident.

General evacuation orders:

If local officials issue evacuation orders, use the evacuation routes and methods specified. Carpool whenever possible. If time allows:

Put on sturdy shoes, long-sleeve shirts and pants. Bring car keys, credit cards, road maps, mobile phone, charger and important phone numbers. Bring your “Go-bags”. (See Go-bags.) If you have a pet, make sure it is wearing a collar, bring it in a pet carrier labeled with your name and the pet’s name. Bring a small amount of food, medications and water for your pet. (See Tips for Pet Owners.) Lock your home and shut off the water and electricity, but leave gas on unless instructed otherwise. Tell a neighbor where you are going. Call your out-of-area contact person.

If your neighborhood experiences a power outage:

Turn off and unplug appliances and computers. Leave one light on in the house or building to indicate when power has been restored. Avoid using candles, as they are fire hazards. Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate generators indoors (including the garage). Either action could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign. See the Food section to learn about food safety when your refrigerator’s power is off.

Shelter-in-Place

If there is a release of hazardous materials, officials may recommend that you shelter-in-place.

Go inside immediately. Shut all windows and doors, including the fireplace damper. Turn off air conditioning/heating and ventilation systems. Listen to your radio for further instructions. Remain indoors until local authorities tell you it is safe to go outside.

Disaster Shelters

In an emergency, you should remain at your home or workplace if it is safe to do so, as these will provide a more comfortable environment if shelter is necessary. If your home or workplace is unsafe and you do not have an alternative, evacuate to emergency shelters as designated by local officials.

Tell a neighbor or family point of contact where you are going. Take your Go-bag with you to the shelter. (See Personal Go-bags.) Initially, emergency shelters may not be able to provide basic supplies and materials. Consider bringing extra items (e.g. blanket, pillow, air mattress, towel, washcloth, diapers, food, water and supplies for infants). Provide for your pet: Animal Care and Control staff may be available at human shelters to help with pet sheltering needs. (See Tips for Pet Owners).