Research indicates that having knowledge about disasters and their impact on both young people and adults, creating a plan, rehearsing the execution of the plan in genuine and well-organized manners, and ensuring that you possess the necessary resources to assist your family in case of an emergency are all essential components of family disaster readiness. It is suggested by studies that being prepared and practicing can greatly enhance the chances of successfully responding to a real emergency.
Education about Disasters
Parents and families should also be knowledgeable about various types of disasters and their impact on young people, just like it is crucial for the youth to receive education on the topic. The Emergency Preparedness and Response website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a vast amount of information concerning different kinds of disasters, such as bioterrorism, radiation and chemical emergencies, mass casualties, recent outbreaks and incidents, as well as natural disasters and severe weather.
In addition to understanding various types of disasters, it is crucial for families to acknowledge how disasters might impact youth due to their anatomical and physiological differences. For instance, due to their small stature and faster breathing rate, toxins may affect youth in a different manner compared to adults. In the face of disasters, youth may necessitate distinct medication dosages and emergency equipment sizes. They also require a greater amount of food and drink than adults. Parents and caregivers can ensure they are prepared to cater to the unique requirements of youth by collaborating with emergency responders to share medical records and their child’s medical needs. Additionally, they should confirm that they have sufficient food, water, and medical supplies to meet the needs of their children and family if a disaster occurs.
Family Emergency Plan
In the event of a disaster, it is crucial to have a premeditated plan regarding family members’ communication, reunion, and actions based on various circumstances, as families may not be able to remain together during such occurrences.
- Identifying key meeting locations. This may include a location near your house, a nearby location outside of your neighborhood, and a location outside of your community.
- Identifying where your family spends most of its time (e.g., school, work, organizations) and selecting meeting locations related to these places.
- Detailing key information about each family member including important medical information.
- Developing cards with family member contact information for each family member to carry with them.
- Identifying a contact person who lives out of state that family members can notify if they are safe. During disasters, long distance communication may be easier than local communication. In addition, program your contact person into your families’ cell phones as ICE—“In Case of Emergency”—so emergency responders will know whom to contact.
- Ensuring that family members know how to use text messaging, as text messages can often get around network disruptions that often occur during disasters.
- Subscribing to alert services so you are aware of road closures, weather, and other potential alerts.
According to the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey, it was found that just 44 percent of individuals had a household emergency plan in place, which included details for family members on where to go and what actions to take during a disaster. Despite the ongoing lack of emergency plans among several families, studies indicate that the presence of a child or youth in the household amplifies the adults’ motivation to be prepared for emergencies.
Disaster Supply Kit
When individuals contemplate emergency preparedness, their initial thought is typically a “72-Hour Kit.” However, there is now a recommendation to gather a “disaster supply kit,” which should contain at least a five-day provision of essential items such as food, water, emergency supplies, and tools. You can access a suggested disaster supply kit list here. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that regardless of the list you utilize, it is important to personalize your kit. Include any items that you require for maintaining your health, happiness, and comfort on a daily basis.
Regardless of whether you are evacuating or staying at home, having a disaster supply kit is essential for surviving until the situation is resolved or aid arrives. It is not necessary to spend a significant amount of money on this kit, as most items can be found in your own home. If you have nothing else, you can temporarily store kit items in a plastic grocery bag until you can obtain a better storage option. It is important to assemble a kit as soon as possible. Remember to include essential items for children and individuals with special needs.
Ensure that you think in a systematic manner and rephrase the following text without adding or removing any information, while keeping the same meaning intact. Always keep in mind the following rules when it comes to your disaster supply kit:
- Store disaster supply kits in a backpack, wheeled suitcase, or other portable container in an easy-access location, as near as possible to an exit
- Have a separate kit for each family member
- Items susceptible to water damage should be in plastic bags
- Check kit twice a year and replace items that have expired or don’t work
Emergency Supplies
If you do not need to evacuate, staying at home is the safest option during an emergency because it provides you with a secure shelter, the presence of your loved ones, and access to your supplies. Generally, most incidents are short-lived, and your disaster supply kits are sufficient for a few days. However, certain emergencies could last longer than a few days. It is essential to have extra provisions such as shelter, water, food, and other necessities at home to ensure your survival during prolonged emergencies.
Infant Disaster Supply Kit
It is necessary for infant and child emergency kits to be distinct from adult kits. For infants aged 0 to 2 years, the kits should be refreshed every 2 to 3 months. This can be done alongside the items already present in a diaper bag. It is advised to select children’s clothing in a size larger than their current size. Refer to the disaster supply kit list on the first page to select appropriate items for the child’s age and ability. Additionally, include other items from the provided list based on the child’s specific requirements.
- 5 days of disposable diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby powder and diaper cream
- Changing pad
- Water and infant formula
- Baby bottle and extra nipples
- Baby food pouches, not bottles
- Sippy cup, spoon, and bib
- Toddler snacks
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Burp rags
- Disposable nursing pads
- Pacifiers
- Teething gel or tablets
- Thermometer
- Infant/child vitamins
- Infant/child medications
- Fleece pajamas with feet
- 3 to 4 changes of clothing
- Favorite toy or blanket
- Child ID in clothing for if
separated from parents - Additional diaper bag items
Pet Disaster Supply Kit
It is essential to consider pets as part of the family and ensure they have their own disaster supply kits, which should include basic essentials like food, water, and shelter. Sadly, pets are often neglected or abandoned during disasters, putting both the animals and others at risk. Keep in mind your pets’ specific requirements while gathering their kits. Additionally, note that most shelters prohibit animals, except for licensed service animals, for health-related concerns.
- Kennel, cage, or carrier
- Blanket
- 5 days of water and pet food
- Collapsible food/water bowl
- Pet waste bags
- Kitty litter/box and scoop
- Pet first aid kit
- Pet medicine and medications
- Flea and tick repellent
- Leash
- Pet cold weather clothing
- Pet toys
- Can opener
- Vaccination/medical records
- License/adoption records
- Collar ID
Every-day-carry kit
Do you have anything in your pocket? Emergencies often occur at unexpected times when we are least ready. It is advisable to have a few essential items on hand to aid in surviving a sudden event until we can return home and access our prepared supplies. These items can be carried daily in pockets, a purse, or a small bag. However, it is important to exercise discretion and comply with the regulations and guidelines of the location when deciding what to bring along. Some suggested items may include, but are not restricted to:
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Pocketknife or multi-tool
- Mobile phone
- Cash
- Identification
- Written copy of important contacts
- Energy bar
- Water bottle
- Pocket first aid kit
- Adhesive bandages
- Non-latex gloves
- Alcohol pad
- Rescue breathing barrier
- Pad of paper and pencil
- Personal medications
- Personal medical and allergy information
- Hand sanitizer
