INFORMATION SHEET
PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES
Why It’s Important
Since emergencies can occur quickly and without warning, Delawareans should be prepared to respond to them. All Delawareans should be prepared with a family disaster plan and a disaster supplies kit.
Write a Family Disaster Plan
Meet with your family to explain what emergencies can occur. Choose emergency escape routes from your home and where to meet. Make sure everyone understands your plan. If family members are not together when a disaster strikes, determine now how you can reach one another. Creating phone wallet cards that list family numbers is one idea. Include an out-of-state family member or friend’s number, too, in case phone lines in your region are down.
Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit
Find an easy-to-carry container such as a plastic storage container or a duffel bag. Label it clearly as ‘Disaster Supplies Kit’ and include in it:
- At least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation). Store the water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
- Also pack a three-day supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food per person. Pack ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soup and juices and high-energy foods. Remember a manual can opener. If you have a pet, be sure to plan for them as well.
- Household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. (Only this type of bleach can be used to disinfect water, should it be needed for drinking.) Do not use scented bleaches, colorsafe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. Print out instructions for purifying water from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s website: www.state.de.us/dema/default.shtml .
- Matches packed in a waterproof container and some cans of sterno for heating food.
- A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes for every family member.
- Blankets or sleeping bags, and pillows. (Inflatable pillows will store flattest.)
- A first aid kit, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications that might be helpful, such as pain and sinus medicine and vitamins.
- Duct tape (2-3 rolls) and up to six yards of plastic
- An extra pair of glasses and an extra set of car keys
- Hardware, such as pliers and a hammer. Also a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries that fit both. Remember hearing aid batteries
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
- Credit cards and cash
- A list of family physicians, their phone numbers, and photocopies of insurance cards. Include necessary health information such as the style and serial number of pacemakers.
- The names, addresses and phone numbers of family, friends and business associates in case you need to reach them during your emergency.
- Copies of important family documents (stored in a waterproof container), including each family member’s social security card, birth and marriage certificates and passports. Also include a list of bank account and credit card account numbers and companies.
- Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so.
- Board games, crossword puzzles, cards and books. Include paper, pens and pencils.
For more information about assembling your household disaster kit, please contact DEMA at (302) 659-3362 or (877) 729-3362 ( Delaware only), or www.state.de.us/dema/default.shtml. You may also want to contact the American Red Cross at (302) 472-6245 or www.redcrossdelmarva.org.
011404. Produced by Delaware's Division of Public Health. Reproduction authorized.
