Disaster Preparedness:In Your Home

Presenter, Sheri SomervilleAlaska State Library

March 16, 2009

Alaska Earthquake March 27, 1964. Hillside

Apartment Building in Anchorage. Later razed.

Alaska Earthquake Photo # 20ct

Courtesy of the USGS Photographic Library

One clear lesson on September 11 is that individual civilians need to take responsibility for maximizing the probability that they will survive, should disaster strike.

~ pg. 311 of “The 9/11 Commission Report”

What made a difference?

• Knowing the escape routes (stairwells)• Having access to tools (flashlights)

What to Do to Prepare

1.Get a Kit

2.Make a Plan

3.Be Informed

* Taken from Ready.gov

Get a Kit

1.Get started now

2.Keep it simple

3.Be sure to put copies of identification in kit

4.Find an easily accessible spot for the kit(s)

Make a Plan

1.Use prepared plans to get started

2.Involve the whole family3.Pick an out-of-town contact4.Make evacuation plan5.Accommodate special needs6.Make decision now regarding

your pets7.Involve neighbors 8.Practice the plan together

Be Informed

1.Contact your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office.

2.Find out what types of disasters are most likely to happen in your area.

3.Learn about your community's warning signals and disaster plans

4.Find out the location of the emergency shelters.

5.Know your neighbors and work together.

6.Learn first aid and CPR.7.Know and practice your plan!

Preparing Youth

1.Make packing the kit fun (e.g. scavenger hunt games)

2.Add activities to the kit to keep kids occupied

3.Put copies of the parent’s identification in kid’s kits

4.Involve them in planning stages5.Practice plan together6.Address fears before and after a

disaster

Older Americans

1. Medications: list medications & allergies, treatments during emergencies, and list other supplies

2. Create a support network: share emergency plan, keys and practice using equipment

3. Emergency documents in waterproof container and with friend or family member: copies of medical insurance and cards, list of medical devices with serial #’s, if there is a communication disability put notes in with documents Prepare to be on own for a time and possible evacuation

Disabilities & Special Needs

1. Medications: list medications & allergies, treatments during emergencies, and list of medical contacts and stock up on health supplies

2. Create a support network: share emergency plan, keys and practice using equipment

3. Contact local emergency information management office to be on list

4. Emergency documents in waterproof container and with friend or family member: copies of medical insurance and cards, list of medical devices with serial #’s, if there is a communication disability put notes in with documents

5. Wear medical tags or bracelets

Get Involved:Local Emergency Planning

Committees

Get Involved:Community Emergency Response

Teams(CERT)

Get Involved:Red Cross Connections

Wrapping Up

Any questions?

Thank you for attending!

Feel free to contact me:

Sheri SomervilleAlaska State LibraryEmail: sheri.somerville@alaska.govPhone: 907-465-2916