How to Prepare for Natural Disasters and Terrorist Attacks

We live in a turbulent world. Terrorist attacks are a very real threat. So are natural disasters like earthquakes, wild fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. At any time an unknown force can strike, wreaking havoc and causing confusion. Wise citizens prepare in advance for events that they hope will never happen. To insure the safety of your family and home, it's best to get ready now. If a state of emergency is declared due to terrorist actions or weather disasters, advance preparation may be the key to survival.

On The Home Front
First, protect your home environment. Make a list of local and regional emergency numbers. Post a copy near all telephones and make a copy to carry in a purse or wallet. Make another contact list with information for all family members. Include the family that lives with you at home and extended family. Again, post one copy by the phone and carry another at all times.

Make your home visible. Invest in large, clear address numbers to post on your home. Check to see if street signs are well lit and easy to see. In the event of emergency, rescue and response crews must be able to pinpoint your location.
Create a neighborhood list. Know who your neighbors are and be aware of who might need assistance in case of emergency. Be aware of how many children other families have in their home and make special note of those who might need assistance such as senior citizens, young children, or anyone with a disability.

Make an emergency kit. It should contain water supplies for up to 5 days. Allow one gallon of water per person per day. Stockpile food that will not spoil and doesn't need to be cooked. Foods like canned meats and dry goods are ideal. Add a first aid kit and try to have enough necessary prescription medication for several days.
Include a battery-powered radio, preferably one that will receive television audio. Have at least one cell phone and make sure it is in working order. An emergency kit should also include a durable flashlight and additional fresh batteries. Don't forget to include toilet tissue, plastic garbage bags, maxi-pads, and other personal items. A portable generator is also advisable.

Have an evacuation plan for your home. Develop more than one exit route. Have a fire route, a storm route, and a terrorist route and drill family members until they know where to go in case of emergency. Children in particular must know how to get out if necessary. Apartment dwellers should be familiar with building evacuation routes. Choose a meeting place for family members to gather after escape. Make advance plans on what to do with pets. Keep in mind that many emergency shelters do not allow any animals other than service animals so plan what to do with the dog or cat. And, learn how to turn off utilities such as water, electricity, and natural gas. The ability to shut off the source may prevent a fire or other tragedy in the event of unexpected emergency.
Put together a package of the treasured pictures you must have along with birth certificates, insurance information, driver's licenses, marriage certificates, and other documents.

Every exterior door in your home should have a strong, deadbolt lock. Have your lawn and yard areas well lit and keep the outside areas clean. Teach your family to report any strange or unusual activity around your home or in the neighborhood. Warn children about stranger danger.
Keep kids connected. Know where your children - of all ages - are at all times. Ask them to keep in touch. Even young children need to know their own address and phone number. Teach children procedures to call parents at work if necessary. Designate safe places to go - neighbors, relatives, friends, a law enforcement facility, church or synagogue, or school.

Teach kids how to use 911 emergency phone systems. Tell children that police officers and other emergency personnel are there to help. Teach them to respect the officers and to rely on them in an emergency.
Consider forming a Neighborhood Watch Program. Such programs not only deter crime but can also bring neighbors together. Should a disaster or other emergency occur, your neighbors can be allies who will work together for safety.

At Work And Beyond
Home is not the only place to prepare for possible disaster. Make sure that you are current on your employer's emergency plans. Know evacuation routes within the building or on the premises. If exits are not easy to find, suggest that they be brought up to speed. Check to see if exits are blocked and if so, alert the appropriate person immediately. Learn where all fire extinguishers and first aid or medical kits are located. Keep a list of important phone numbers at your desk or workstation and in your briefcase. Keep a few emergency supplies in a desk drawer or locker. Items should include a flashlight, a small supply of non-perishable food, walking shoes, and at least one bottle of water. Your cell phone should always be on your person. Create an office listing of all personnel and make plans with co-workers what reactions will be if an unexpected event should happen.

If a natural disaster should strike during working hours or you find that the nation is under another terrorist attack, stay calm and follow a few simple steps. Leave the area by one of the evacuation or exit routes. In the event of fire, crawl below the smoke. Never open a door when fire is suspected unless you feel first for heat. Do not ever use elevators or escalators during a fire. Employees who find themselves trapped in a work place should try to locate a window or exit. If possible and phone lines are operable, find a telephone. Help others to escape and draw attention to yourself when rescuers arrive on the scene.
In the community as a whole, there are many steps you can take to be safe and to increase the potential of surviving a disaster. Stay alert. Keep contact information current with employers, schools, medical offices, and other points. Get involved with local organizations that strive toward readiness. Many volunteers maintain local civil defense, the Red Cross, and many other entities.

Determine a meeting point for your immediate and extended family members in the community. Choose a park or church or other landmark that is central to all. Make sure that everyone is aware of the rendezvous place.
Keep a few items in your car that you may need. Items that may be useful in an emergency include bottled water, a blanket, non-perishable food items, and a flashlight. Try to keep your tank at least half-full; full if possible.

Learn CPR and first aid through community resource centers. Your knowledge may save your life or the life of someone dear to you.
Even in your place of worship you can help prepare for potential disaster. Learn about evacuation plans current in the temple or church or mosque that your family attends. If there is not a plan in place, urge leaders to create one. Find out if the place of worship may become a community shelter. If it is, urge members to have supplies on hand just in case. Suggest that the congregation host a drive to stockpile supplies. Organize members with special training or skills into a team that could respond in the event of disaster.

Learn what evacuation routes are indicated, if any, in your city or place of residence. If events could occur that would cause a mass evacuation, make a plan where your family would go. Know a destination should you ever need one.
Keep credit card amounts well below limits to provide emergency funds if necessary. Have a cash fund put away to use in times of need as well. In a major emergency it may not be possible to access bank accounts or ATM machines.

With preparation, Americans can lessen the impact of a major disaster whether it is a terrorist attack or a tornado. Having a plan in place will help keep you calm and know what to do. Many will never need to put their plans into action but it is better to have a plan than to be confused when the unexpected happens.