Preparedness Starts with You!

A Family Disaster Plan and Personal Survival Guide

As the hurricane that hit New Orleans and Mississippi showed, disasters can happen at any time, anywhere. Unfortunately, only 30 percent of Californians are prepared for disasters that occur naturally in this state, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and winter storms.

To prepare for those disasters, and even the possibility of terrorist attacks, the County Office of Emergency Services urges all San Diegans to create a Family Disaster Plan. The plan should discuss what steps families should take before, during and after a disaster. There are helpful tips for evacuating your home, suggestions for home emergency supplies, and a location to list important telephone numbers.

A Family Disaster Plan includes:

• A list of emergency contact numbers for family members
• An out-of-area contact for family members to call following a disaster
• Pre-identified meeting areas near and away from the home, in case family members become separated.
• basic necessities, Food, water, first aid kit . . .

Go to  http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/community/families/ for more information and complete guidance for emergency preparedness

Are we prepared in San Diego for a disaster?

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they can not reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones, may be cut off for days or even weeks. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you will need. A Disaster Supplies Kit can help your family stay safe and be more comfortable after a disaster.

What is a Disaster Supplies Kit?

A Disaster Supplies Kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household would probably need in the event of a disaster. The items are stored in a portable container(s) near, or as close as possible to, the exit door. Every household should assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit and keep it up to date. The number of people in a household and their ages and abilities and special “health needs” will determine how many containers will be required to carry the kit items. Following a disaster, having the right supplies can help to your family safety

Basics in a Disaster Supplies Kit

For use at home or in case you must evacuate.

• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra, fresh batteries.  

• Flashlight and extra, fresh batteries
• First aid kit.                                                          
• Cash and coins.
• Copies of personal identification, such as driver’s licenses, passports, and work identification badges, and copies of   medical prescriptions and credit cards.
• An extra set of car keys and house keys.             
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Map of the area marked with places you could go and their telephone numbers.
• Items for infants, such as formula,  diapers, bottles, pacifiers, powdered milk, and medications not requiring refrigeration.
• Special items, such as denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries.                   

• Items for seniors, disabled persons, or anyone with serious allergies.
• Food—a three-day supply in the kit and at least an additional four-day supply readily accessible for use if you are  confined to home. You may want to consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water in your home
• WATER—three gallons per person  in the kit and an additional four gallons per person readily accessible for use if you are confined to home.
• Household liquid bleach.
• Kitchen accessories: manual can opener; mess kits or disposable cups, plates, and utensils; utility knife; sugar and salt; aluminum foil and plastic wrap; resalable plastic bags.
• For each person, one complete change of clothing and footwear, including sturdy work shoes or boots, raingear, and other items adjusted for the season, such as hat and gloves, thermal underwear, sunglasses, dust mask.
• Blankets or sleeping bag for each person.
• Tube tent, compass, small shovel.
• Paper, pencil; needles, thread; small A-B-C-type fire extinguisher; medicine dropper; whistle; emergency preparedness manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items: toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, comb and brush, lip balm, sunscreen, plastic garbage bags (heavy-duty) and ties (for personal sanitation uses), medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach. 
• Entertainment, such as games and books.
• Duct tape, plastic sheeting, scissors, and modeling clay.

Tips for Preparing Your Disaster Supplies Kits

Keep items in separate airtight plastic bags. This will help protect them from damage or spoiling.

• Observe the expiration or “use by” date on stored food and water. If you have prepared you own containers of water, replace them every six months to ensure freshness.

• Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update medicines, clothes, etc.

• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

• You may find that the best solution is to gradually acquire a reserve by refilling prescriptions a little early, but always using those on hand first to avoid having the expiration dates lapse. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label. It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited. Keep copies of essential prescriptions with you at all times.

• Use easy-to-carry containers for the supplies you would most likely need for an evacuation. Label them clearly. Think about using:  -Large trash container with handles and a cover -Camping backpack -Duffel bag -Cargo container that fits on the roof of your vehicle -Insulated cooler that protects stored items in hot climates

• Store water separately to prevent damage from leakage.

• Always keep your cell phone with you, if you have one. Do not pack it in the kit. Consider getting an extra cell phone battery to keep with your Disaster Supplies Kit.

First Aid Kit

• Assemble a first aid kit for your home and for each car.

• (20) Sterile adhesive bandages in various sizes

• (2) 5" x 9" sterile dressing

• 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4 to 6 each)

• Triangular bandages (3)

• 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roll bandages (3 rolls each).

• (1) conforming roller gauze bandage.

• (2) triangular bandages.

• (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.

• (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.

• (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage.

• Safety pins

• Cold pack. 

• Cleansing agent/soap

• (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (6) antiseptic wipes.

• pair large medical grade non-latex gloves. (2 pairs)

• Mosquito repellents containing DEET

• Sunscreen

• Scissors (small, personal).

• Tweezers

• Needle

• Moistened towelettes

• Thermometer

• Tongue depressor blades (2)

• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.

Medications for Your Disaster Supplies Kit

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, ASHP, recommends that consumers be aware of their medication needs as they prepare for any emergency. Following the tips below can help you be ready:

• Keep a list of all your medications in your wallet (include lists for your immediate family members, and drug name, strength, dosage form, and regimen).

• Wear your medical-alert bracelet or necklace.

• Store 3-5 days of medications that are important to your health.

• Include any medications used to stabilize an existing medical condition or keep a condition from worsening or resulting in hospitalization, such as medications for asthma, seizures, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, psychiatric conditions, HIV, and thyroid disorders. Carry these with you, if possible, in a purse or briefcase in labeled containers.

• Don’t store your medications in areas that are susceptible to extremes in heat, cold, and humidity (e.g., car or bathroom). This could decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

• Use child-resistant containers and keep your purse or briefcase secure.

• Rotate these medications whenever you get your prescriptions refilled to make sure they are used before their expiration date.

• Refill your prescriptions while you still have at least a 5-7 day supply of medications left. Keep in mind that some sources, such as mail-order pharmacies, have a longer lead time to refill.

• If your child takes medications, talk to your school system to find out their emergency preparedness plans.

• If you are being treated with a complex medication regimen, talk to your physician or pharmacist to create appropriate emergency preparation plans.

• Such regimens include injectable medications, including those delivered by pumps (e.g., insulin , analgesics, chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition), medications delivered by a nebulizer (e.g., antibiotics, bronchodilators), and dialysis.

• Nonprescription drugs, including aspirin and nonaspirin pain reliever, antidiarrhea medication, antacid, laxative, vitamins, sore throat and allergy medications, optical drops, antibiotic ointments and mosquito repellent. Because the storage requirements of prescription drugs vary, some may have to be added to the kit at the last minute. You may need a note to reminding you to take along prescription drugs if you have to evacuate.

 Foods to Stock for Your Disaster Supplies Kit

You need to have these items packed and ready when disaster strikes. Include both compact, lightweight items which are easy to carry if you must evacuate. Choose foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking.

Familiar foods can lift morale and help people feel secure in time of stress. Try to include foods that everyone will enjoy “comfort foods” such as hard candy, sweetened cereals, candy bars, and cookies. Look for foods high in calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Look for canned foods with high liquid content in case water is scarce.

Pack at least a three-day supply! Specifically, consider packing:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, canned juice, milk, and soup and  snack-sized canned goods, which generally have pull-top lids or twist-open keys.

• High-energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, and energy bars, trail mix, compressed food bars, and whole-grain cereals (oatmeal, granola, multi-grain).

• Prepackaged beverages. Those in foil packets or boxes are sealed and will keep for a long time if the seal is not broken. Also Instant coffee and tea bags.

• Foods for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets.

• Nonperishable foods for pets and other animals.

When selecting foods, keep in mind that:

• If your water supply is limited, you should avoid eating those foods high in salt, fat and protein, because they require more water for the body to metabolize and will make you thirsty.

• Commercially dehydrated foods often require a lot of water for reconstitution and effort to prepare.

• Food packaged in glass bottles and jars is usually heavy and bulky, and the glass can easily break.

• Meal-sized canned foods are usually heavy and bulky.

• Whole grains, beans, and dried pasta require water and cooking.

 Keeping Refrigerated Food Safe if the Power Goes Out

 The loss of power from high wind, fire, flood, or even a traffic accident can be sudden and without power to run, your refrigerator and freezer, the safety of your food could be a concern.

Knowing ways for keeping food safe when the power goes out will help reduce the  worry about what is safe to eat and minimize the potential risk of food poisoning.

If your electricity goes off and you lose refrigeration: First, use perishable food from the refrigerator, then, use the food from the freezer and finally, begin to use the nonperishable foods. Be prepared for an emergency by keeping on hand items. 

If the Power Goes Out

•  Always keep your refrigerator at or below 40° F (4° C) and your freezer at or below 0° F (-18°C). 

• If your freezer is not full, keep items close together to helps the food stay cold longer.

• Keep frozen meat and poultry items on the lowest shelf of the freezer, and separated from other food so that thawing meat or poultry juices will not contaminate the other food and discard any items in either the freezer or the refrigerator, that have come in contact with raw meat juices.

• Discard any perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, leftovers and any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture, or feels warm to the touch “Remember, you cannot rely on appearance or odor” Never taste food to determine its safety. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature too long, bacteria that cause food-borne illness can begin to grow very rapidly. Some types of bacteria produce toxins that are not destroyed by cooking.

• Food from the refrigerator and freezer are not safe outdoors, even in cold weather or snow because:

• The outdoor temperature could vary hour by hour and refrigerated food may become too warm and food-borne bacteria could grow and you always have to discard any food that has come in contact with an animal.

Discard any food and water exposed to Floodwater, Fire, and Chemicals and wear gloves, boots, and a long-sleeved shirt and long pants when cleaning up.

You need to have water packed and ready
 in case there is no time to fill water bottles
when disaster strikes

Storing Water for Your Disaster Supplies Kit

 Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. The following guidelines will help you ensure that members of your household have sufficient water in an emergency situation.

 Keep at least a three-day supply of water

 The amount of water needed will depend on their sizes and the conditions. That is, a minimum of three gallons per person. It is strongly recommended that you store more if possible. Each person should have one-half gallon per day for drinking and one-half gallon for cooking and sanitation. A normally active person needs to drink at least one-half gallon of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will also need more. Be sure to include drinking and clean-up water for your pets.  Remember that pets often drink more water than usual when under stress.

• To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended that you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it.

• Store bottled water in the original sealed container and observe the expiration or “use by” date.

 How to Store Water

Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.

• If you chose to use your own storage containers, chose two-liter, plastic soda bottles—not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them.

• Do not use glass containers because they can break and are heavy.

• Do not use cardboard containers, because they can leak easily. These containers are not designed for long-term storage of liquids.

• Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place.

• if not using commercially bottled water replace the water every six months

• Store your three-day supply in a handy place.

 If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).

 Listen to a local radio or television station for announcements from appropriate authorities about the safety of drinking water. Follow their directions.

You can drink water from the community water system unless you have been told or have reason to suspect it has become contaminated.

 Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut it off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.

 If the water is contaminated:

• Use your emergency supply of water.

• Purchase bottled water, if necessary, until you are certain that your water supply is safe.

• Consider all water from wells, cisterns, and other delivery systems in the disaster area to be unsafe until tested.

• Water from melted ice cubes made before the disaster occurred is generally safe to drink.

• Water from undamaged hot water tanks and water pipes is generally safe to drink.

• Turn off the main water valve before draining water from these sources.

• Bottled juices and the liquid from canned fruits and vegetables are another source of water.

• If you need to find drinking water outside your home, you can use rainwater; streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water; ponds and lakes; and natural springs. If you question its purity, be sure to treat the water first. Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it first. You should not drink flood water.

• Boiling is the safest method of treating water. Strain water through a clean cloth to remove bulk impurities. Bring water to a rolling boil for about one full minute. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.

San Diego County Office of Emergency Services   (858) 565-3490.