PREPARING A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN: 

Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. The best way for families to work through a disaster is by preparing in advance and work together as a team. The Redding Fire Department strongly recommends that you spend some time preparing a disaster plan for your family.  Click here to obtain a Basic Emergency Planning Document.

FIND OUT WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU:

• Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.

• Learn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when your hear them.

• Ask about animal care after a disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.

• Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.

• Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center, and other places where your family members spend time.

CREATE A DISASTER PLAN:

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

• Pick two places to meet at:

1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.

2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
   

• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

• Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

COMPLETE THIS CHECKLIST:

[  ] Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.)
[  ] Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
[  ] Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
[  ] Check if you have adequate insurance.
[  ] Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
[  ] Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
[  ] Conduct a home hazard hunt
[  ] Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
[  ] Take a Red Cross fist aid and CPR class
[  ] Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
[  ] Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

PRACTICE AND MAINTAIN YOUR PLAN:

• Quiz your kids every six months on your family disaster plan so they remember what to do.

• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills -- make sure everyone knows where to meet.

• Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.

• Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to manufacturer's direction.

• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

TERRORISM - IF DISASTER STRIKES:

• Remain calm and be patient.

• Follow the advice of local emergency officials.

• Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.

• If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.

• If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.

• Shut off any other damaged utilities.

• Confine or secure your pets.

• Call your family contact -- please do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.

• Please check on your neighbors, especially those living alone, elderly or disabled.
  

EVACUATION:

• If local authorities ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this request and you should heed the advice immediately.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible.

• Take your disaster supplies kit if you can quickly do so.

• Take your pets with you, do not leave them behind. Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative's or friend's home, or find a "pet-friendly" " hotel.

• Lock your home.

• Use travel routes specified by local authorities - don't use shortcuts.

• Stay away from downed power lines.

For further information contact the Redding Fire Department at 530-225-4141