FEMA Disaster Preparation
The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages individuals, families and communities to prepare for potential disasters. Disaster threats include natural hazards, technological hazards and terrorism. Preparedness helps people recognize and respond to threats in a calm and collected manner, which may minimize loss.-
Types
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Be aware of potential hazards common to your area to help you prepare. Information about geographical specific risks is retained by local emergency management offices and the American Red Cross. Three categories of events with the potential for disaster are indicated by FEMA. Natural hazards include floods, hurricanes, thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, winter storms, extreme cold, extreme heat, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunamis, fires and wildfires. Technological hazards include hazardous materials incidents, household chemical emergencies and nuclear power plant emergencies. Terrorism threats include explosions, biological threats, chemical threats, nuclear blasts, and radiological dispersion device events.
Communication
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Disaster preparedness includes communicating with your family, community, children's school and your employer. Review disaster plans with family members and ensure each family member is aware of appropriate contact information. Find out if your community has a disaster plan and review the plan with your family. Parents with school-aged children should be aware of the school's disaster plan. Know how the school will communicate with you about your children and if the school is adequately prepared. Know how to evacuate from your place of employment and what plans your employer has in place to handle disasters.
Supplies
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Supply kits should be assembled and kept at home, work and in your car. FEMA recommends storing adequate provisions for each person for at least three days. Provisions should include at least 1 gallon of water per person per day and non-perishable ready-to-eat food. FEMA additionally recommends supply kits include first aid supplies, non-prescription medications, sanitation and hygiene supplies, equipment and tools, clothing, bedding, important documents, keys and currency.
Special Needs
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In addition to basic supplies, individuals should consider any special needs. Special needs items may include prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution and hearing aid batteries. Infants require items including formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers. Climate specific items include jackets, long pants, long sleeve shirts, sturdy shoes, hats, mittens, scarves and a sleeping bag or warm blanket. If evacuation is required and you are not able to evacuate independently, it is essential to plan ahead to determine who may be able to assist you.
Animals
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Household pets and livestock must also be considered when disaster strikes. Prepare by storing adequate pet supplies, ensuring your pet is current on vaccinations, keeping a copy of your pet's health record, having identification for your pet, purchasing a pet carrier and determining a shelter plan in the event of a disaster. Similar plans should be considered for livestock. Ensure adequate transportation and trained handlers are available to assist with livestock evacuations.
Recovery
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Knowing what to do after the immediate impact of an event is essential. Health and safety should be your first priority. Enter your home or other buildings only when positive it is free from safety and structural concerns. Primary resources for recovery assistance include FEMA, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. These organizations can provide information and essential supplies. They may also help link you to resources that will help you and your family cope with the emotional suffering a disaster and its recovery efforts create.
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