Sample Family
Disaster Plan
Please take a few moments to complete yours at:
www.FloridaDisaster.org,
Congratulations!
You've taken the first steps in preparing your family, pets, and home in the
event of a disaster. As residents of Florida, we may not be able to prevent
disasters from occurring, but by planning ahead we can help save lives,
property, and reduce the time it takes for our communities to recover.
After a disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right
away. In some cases it may take 3 or more days for help to arrive. Your family
disaster plan is the guide that will help to prepare your family to endure
these difficult times.
In creating a disaster plan, it is important to carefully consider the needs
of the people who live in your home. Using the information you provided at
www.FloridaDisaster.org, we've created this customized Family Disaster Plan.
It will help you prepare for future disasters by providing useful planning
tips, suggestions, and checklists.
Included in your Family Disaster Plan is important
information about:
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Food and water supplies recommended for your family
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Tips and supplies for planning for pets
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Important documents and files to collect and protect
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Disaster Kits and what to have in them
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Your local evacuation routes
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Contact information for local emergency providers
-
Checklist of important things to do before, during and
after a disaster, and more!
Be sure to update your Family Disaster Plan regularly as
your family information changes by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.org!
My
Household Members
This Family Disaster Plan has been prepared for the
residents of:
John & Jane Doe
Florida's East Coast
Somewhere, FL
555-555-5555
youremail@domain.com
Listed below are the People that have been included in
your Family Disaster Plan:
|
|
Person |
Gender |
Year Born |
|
Wife |
Female |
1961 |
|
Daughter |
Female |
1983 |
|
Son |
Male |
1985 |
|
|
Pet Name |
Pet Type |
|
Brewster |
Dog |
|
Bo-Jangles |
Dog |
|
Bear |
Cat |
|
You should discuss your Family Disaster Plan as a group so everyone
understands what to do in the event of a disaster. Also, be sure to carefully
consider the different needs of each person in your household and make sure
any special needs are included in your plan. Members of your household that
might have special needs include babies, infants, small children, elderly
persons, and any persons with disabilities.
My
Family Meeting
Location/Out of Town Contact
Your family may not be
together when a disaster occurs, so it is good to plan ahead and choose a
place where you could meet after a disaster or how you will contact one
another if you are separated. When you discuss your Family Disaster Plan as a
group, be sure everyone knows and reviews what you will do in different
situations.
|
My Out of Town Contact
Your Friend or Family Member
Home: 555-555-5555,
Cell# 555-444-5555
State of (USA)
|
My Family Meeting Location
Hotel, Relatives, Motorhome, etc. in State of...
Street Address.
We will be in a 1992 Coachmen A Class Motorhome
City, State, Zip
Telephone # of the above destination
Your Cell#
|
My
Pets
All pet owners should
make arrangements for their pets if they plan to evacuate. Remember, many
disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations,
so be sure to contact your local shelter to find out about their pet
policies. Service animals for people with disabilities are an exception. For
shelters that allow pets, you must provide proof of updated license and
vaccinations. Do not wait to have your pet vaccinated, since many vaccinations
can take 3-4 days to take affect and may not be acceptable by disaster
shelters if performed at the last minute. All pets must also be in an
"airline approved" pet carrier.
If you can't take your
pets with you, make arrangements ahead of time with a clinic or kennel to care
for your pet. These arrangements should be made well in advance because
available spaces can fill up quickly during times of disaster.
Here are important items
to have for your pet in the event of a disaster:
Pet Disaster Supply List
-
Vaccination papers
(Be sure your vet includes
vaccinations for Kennel Cough, Parvo, and Distemper)
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Leash
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Collar with Pet's Identification Tag
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Pet food and water
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Food and Water Bowl
-
Medications
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Name and contact information of you're pet's
veterinarian
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Recent Picture of Pet
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"Airline Approved" Pet Carrier
(Carriers should be large enough for the
animal to stand up, sit, and turn around)
-
Cat Litter and Pan for Pooky Bear
-
Muzzle for Bailey & Bentley
Never leave your pets at your home if you choose to
evacuate. Remember, "If it's dangerous for you, it's dangerous for them."
For more information about pet disaster planning, write
to:
The Humane Society / Disaster Services
2100 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
Also, you can call (202) 452-1100 or visit
www.hsus.org
My
Food
It is recommended to have a three-day supply of
non-perishable food. Non-perishable means food that can stay good for a long
time without needing to be in the refrigerator. It is also good if the food
doesn't need to be cooked. Keep food in a dry, cool location.
Remember to replace your food supplies every six months to ensure freshness. A
good way to remember when to replace your foods is by doing so at the same
time when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings.
Here are some suggestions of foods to have prepared:
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Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
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Canned juice, milk and soup
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High energy foods, like peanut butter, granola bars,
trail mix
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Powdered coffee or tea
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Dried fruits and nuts
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Bread and crackers
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Vitamins
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Sugar, salt and pepper
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Fun foods! Like cookies, hard candy, lollipops
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Special food for babies or older people
Along with your food supply, it is necessary to collect
all the items that are necessary for food storage, cooking, eating, and
cleaning.
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Camping stove with extra gas
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Pots, pans, plates and utensils
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Sponges, soap and other cleaning supplies
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Napkins, towels and paper products
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Manual can opener
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Ice cooler / Ice chest
My
Water
Drinking Water
Storing drinking water is one of the most important
things you can do before a disaster. In a disaster, water pipes may be broken
or the water may become contaminated. To be ready, you should have at least a
3-day supply of drinking water at your home. Plan to have at least one gallon
of water for each person per day.
Based on the people you have included in your disaster
plan, you should have:
9
gallons of drinking water stored
for a three day supply
Water Storage Tips
Buying 1 Gallon
jugs of bottled water is suggested, but you can fill your own water containers
if needed. Be sure to store your water in plastic containers. Plastic soft
drink bottles are fine for use, but don't use milk cartons or glass bottles!
Cooking and Hygiene Water
(For cooking meals/ brushing teeth/ bathing)
You will also need one gallon of water for each person
per day for things like cooking and personal hygiene (like brushing your
teeth). And don't forget extra water for your pets!
Based on the People you have included in your disaster
plan, you should have:
9 gallons of
cooking/hygiene water stored for a three day supply
Water Storage Tips
Buying 1 Gallon
jugs of bottled water is suggested, but you can fill your own water containers
if needed. Be sure to store your water in plastic containers. Plastic soft
drink bottles are fine for use, but do not use milk cartons or glass bottles!
Total gallons of water needed for your Family Disaster Plan:
18
gallons
My Ice
Ice is an important item
to have in times of disaster, especially when living in a hot, tropical
climate such as Florida. To be prepared, you should have a 3-day supply of
ice ready. Plan to have about one bag of ice for each person per day.
Based on the people you
have included in your disaster plan, you should have:
9
bags of ice stored for a three day
supply.
MY FIRST
AID KIT
During a disaster, you or a family member may become
injured. A First Aid Kit will be needed to treat an injured person, so be sure
to keep a first aid manual and basic medical supplies in your First Aid Kit.
Having these basic supplies will allow you to assist someone who has been
injured. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require
immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a
difference in an emergency. Also, it is recommended that you and other family
members take a first aid class.
Here are the things you should have in your First Aid
Kit:
-
First Aid Manual
-
Sterile adhesive bandages of different sizes
-
Sterile gauze pads
-
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
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Triangular bandages
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Scissors
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Tweezers
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Sewing needle
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Moistened towellettes
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Antiseptic
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Thermometer
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Tube of petroleum jelly
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Safety pins
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Soap
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Latex gloves
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Sunscreen
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Aspirin or other pain reliever
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Anti-diarrhea medicine
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Antacid
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Laxative
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Activated charcoal
Suwannee
County Evacuation Routes
Always try to use evacuation routes which have been pre-selected by local
authorities. Using shortcuts may cause evacuation delays due to roads
impassable, dangerous, or unknowingly closed. Below is a map of Suwannee
County and your designated evacuation routes.
Click here for
Evacuation Maps!!!
My
Local Emergency Contacts
In planning for a disaster, you should learn about the
emergency departments in your community and their services. Before, during,
and after a disaster, listen closely to the information they provide. They
will supply you with details regarding the disaster event; including shelter
openings/closings, safety tips to consider, and instructions to follow to
ensure your safety. These emergency departments are here for your
protection; please be sure to listen closely and follow their instructions in
a disaster event.
Here are the Emergency Management contacts for Suwannee
County and the State of Florida:
|
Suwannee County Emergency Management
|
|
Florida Division of Emergency Management
|
|
John G. Wooley
13530 80th Terrace
Live Oak, FL 32060
Phone: 386-364-3405
Fax: 386-364-3488
http://N/A
|
|
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
http://www.FloridaDisaster.org |
When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Suwannee County
Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health/mental health services to address
basic human needs. They also feed emergency workers, handle inquiries from
concerned family members outside the disaster area and help those affected by
disaster to access other available resources. The Red Cross can also provide
you with emergency shelter information.
Checklist of Things to Do BEFORE
a Disaster Event
 |
Create a Family Disaster Plan at
www.FloridaDisaster.org |
 |
Meet with your family and discuss your Family
Disaster Plan, including your designated Meeting and Check-in locations
after a disaster |
|
|
Create a Disaster Supply Kit with the following:
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Battery-powered radio or television
-
Flashlight(s)
-
Extra batteries for radio, television, and
flashlights
-
First Aid Kit and first aid manual (see First Aid
section of your plan)
-
3 changes of clothing and sturdy pairs of shoes
(one for each person in your plan)
-
3 Pillows and 3 blankets/sleeping bags (one for
each person in your plan)
-
Feminine supplies
-
Fire extinguisher
-
Manual can opener
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Disinfectant
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Household bleach
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Credit card and cash
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Personal identification
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An extra set of car keys
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Matches or lighter in a waterproof container
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Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (household
gas and water)
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Whistle or signal flare to signal for help
-
Map of your local area
|
|
|
Get Cash (without power, credit cards
are unusable. Get small bills - $5,10,20's) |
|
|
Locate gas and water shut off valves |
|
|
Take pictures or home videos of your home contents
for insurance purposes |
|
|
Fill up the gas tank in your vehicle |
|
|
Make copies of important documents and keep them in a
waterproof container:
|
|
|
Listen to emergency announcements and follow their
directions |
Checklist for Pets
|
|
Contact your local emergency shelter to find out if
they accept pets
(If not, make separate
arrangements to shelter your pet) |
|
|
Have pets vaccinated and checked as required by your
local shelter |
Checklist of Things to Do
AFTER a Disaster Event
|
|
If you evacuated the area, listen for the local
authorities to announce the "ALL CLEAR" letting you know it is safe to
return home |
|
|
Check
for damage in your home
(Use
flashlights-do not light matches, candles, or turn on electrical switches
in case of a gas leak) |
|
|
Contact your insurance provider to report any damages |
|
|
Clean
up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids
immediately |
|
|
Call
your Out of Town Contact and other family members to let them know you are
OK |
|
|
Check
on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons |
|
|
Repair or block off access to anything in your home
that is damaged and could cause injuries |
|
|
Stay away from
downed power lines |
|
|
Visit
www.FloridaDisaster.org to update your Family Disaster Plan and learn
more about how to prepare for disasters |
Checklist
for Pets
|
|
Confine or secure your pets during the clean up
period after a disaster - your pet could come into contact with spilled
chemicals or dangerous debris which would cause them harm or even death |
|
|
Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to
their home - often familiar scents and land marks may be altered and pets
could easily be confused and become lost |
|
|
If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the
local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be
recovered. Be sure to bring along a picture of your pet if possible |
