Emergency Preparedness

Your Family Disaster Plan

Emergencies and disasters can occur anytime, anywhere. Planning ahead and making provision for your family's needs can make a big difference in your ability to cope with emergencies. Families can - and do - cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team.

Communications, transportation, utilities and other essential services could be disrupted by disaster, forcing you to rely initially on your own resources for food, water, first aid, transportation and shelter. Your key to surviving is to be prepared for it. You can lessen an emergency's impact by knowing what to do before, during and after one occurs.

Perhaps the most basic thing to remember is to keep calm. It may mean the difference between life and death. In many disasters, people have been killed or injured needlessly because they acted thoughtlessly or did nothing at all.

Taking proper action may save your life. Take time to think, and then take action appropriate for the situation. This should be an action that you have planned in advance, or the action you are instructed to take by local authorities. 

Step One: Be Informed

By reviewing the information contained on this website, you have taken the first step in learning about disaster preparedness. Additional information is available in the form of brochures, booklets and videotapes that can be obtained from the Midland County Department of Emergency Services.

• If you have children, become familiar with emergency plans at their school and day care center.

• Learn your workplace emergency plan.

• Post all emergency plans and telephone numbers in a prominent place both at home and at the office.

• Learn first aid and CPR.

Step Two: Develop A Family Disaster Plan

• Meet as a family to discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the hazards of severe weather, floods, fires and chemical emergencies.

• Select a place to meet outside if a sudden emergency such as a fire forces you out of the house.

• Select a location to meet at if an emergency happens while the family is away from home and cannot return. Make certain that each family member knows the address and telephone number of the location chosen.

• Make arrangements with someone outside of your community (or even out-of-state) to act as a central point of contact for your relatives and friends who may attempt to call you following a disaster. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance than to call locally. As soon as possible after a disaster, get word of your situation to the contact person.

• Each family member should know the contact person and telephone number in case the family is separated. Family members can each call the contact person and tell him or her where they are. Make certain that all your close friends and relatives know who the contact person is and how to reach him or her.

Step Three: Keep Emergency Supplies

• An emergency could isolate you in your home for several days. Make sure you have at least a three-day supply of food and water for each family member.

• Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Since refrigeration and cooking facilities may not be available, food should be non-perishable goods such as canned or sealed package items. Rotate foods into your regular pantry supplies, and replace stored water every few months. You also might want to consider stocking the following equipment and supplies:

  • Special medicines or foods required by members of your family, such as insulin, prescription medicine, baby food or food required for special or limited diets.

  • Battery powered radios and television. Stock extra batteries.

  • A flashlight for each family member and extra batteries.

  • First Aid kit and manual.

  • All purpose A-B-C fire extinguishers. Five lb. or larger are best.

  • Candles or oil lamps and kitchen matches.

  • Camp stove or small gas grill for food preparation.

  • Auxiliary heating devices such as kerosene heaters. Make certain you follow manufacturer's instructions and that the heater is properly ventilated.

  • Emergency generator for providing electricity to at least a portion of your home.

  • Have a 72-hour kit ready in case you must evacuate.

Step Four: Be Prepared To Evacuate

In certain situations, you may be advised to evacuate your home or workplace. There are a few important things to consider to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

• Keep a list of prescription medications for all family members. Also list the name and telephone number of your doctor. This type of information is easily kept in a calendar book or planner that you may normally carry with you.

• At home, have a 72-Hour Disaster Kit stocked and read to "grab and go".

• Keep vital family records such as mortgage papers, medical records, insurance policies, birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, stock and bond certificates, tax records and other irreplaceable items in one easily accessible location where they can easily be transported if you must leave quickly. Important papers should be stored in a water and fire proof container.

• Keep your car fueled. Don't let the gas tank fall below half full.

• Listen to radio or television broadcasts for emergency instructions. Follow recommendations of local authorities promptly and carefully.

• Before you leave, post a note indicating when you left and where you are going. Be specific.

• Once in a shelter or safe area, stay there until authorities give you permission to return home.

Step Five: Have A Car Emergency Kit

Cars should be equipped with supplies which could be useful in any emergency. Consider the following for your car emergency kit:

• Battery operated radio with extra batteries

• Blanket

• Booster cables

• A-B-C fire extinguisher

• First aid kit with manual

• Flashlight, extra batteries

• Non-perishable snack food

• Maps

• Shovel

• Tool kit

• Flares

• Water

• Extra clothing