|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

Disaster Management Procedures

Millions of people in the United States face disasters and their terrible aftermaths every year, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Whether your home is struck by a tornado or a terrorist has detonated a bomb in a city near your home, you need an action plan if you are going to survive.

  1. Disaster Plan

    • Construct a disaster action plan tailored to possible disasters. Designate a safe place where your family can go. If possible, everyone should meet first at your home. In the event your home is unsafe, you need to have a back-up place to meet, such as a friend or relative's home. Have family members call you if they are unable to meet at the chosen location. If you cannot reach them by cell phone due to cell tower damage, talk about using a back-up land-line. Be sure an out-of-state relative knows to call you in case of disaster. You can relay to them what extra supplies you need after the event.

    Emergency Kits

    • Put together emergency kits for your home and car. Include a hand-crank radio that moonlights as a flashlight and cell phone charger, food bars, bottled water, a small tent, waterproof matches, candles, band-aids, duct tape, aspirin or ibuprofen, peroxide, water purification tablets, a siren or whistle, and disinfectant wipes. For terrorist-specific kits, include gas masks for you and your family as well as potassium chloride tablets, which can be swallowed to limit the amount of radiation absorption into the body. Gas masks, food bars, water purification tablets, sirens, and potassium chloride tablets can be purchased on-line at any survivalist store. Pack all of these things into a five gallon bucket, which can substitute as a toilet should you not have indoor plumbing for a few days.

    Supplies for Young Children

    • If you have infants, remember to have bottled water and dry formula on hand, as well as diapers, baby wipes, infant and children's ibuprofen, and some toys. It is a good idea to have ID bracelets for your children, in case they are separated from you. Their bracelets should also include the phone numbers of other family members besides yourself, in case you are incapacitated.

    Remember Your Pets

    • Purchase dog or cat food with a shelf life of three to five years. Remember to include in a pet emergency kit collapsible water and food bowls, a leash, a harness (for dogs), and pillowcase or blanket (for cats), bags to hold feces, and a few toys. According to the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, it is imperative that your cat or dog wear its collar and ID tag at all times. This will help a good Samaritan bring your pet home, should it become separated from you.

    Personal Safety

    • During catastrophes, police and emergency personnel are overwhelmed and may not be able to keep order. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "the increased stress associated with disruptions in families; challenges in meeting daily needs such as food, water, and shelter; as well as disruptions in health and law enforcement services can increase the possibility of violence."
      The CDC suggests that you stay in a group, and never go anywhere alone. You should also seek out areas where there are a lot of people. The CDC advises intervention when possible in violent situations, or to alert someone in charge when your own safety is at risk.

Public Health - Related Articles