Survival Goods

Preparing for Any Disaster

This is the First Step
Disaster Preparedness Planning
Step 1 Being Prepared
This book is designed to teach you how to prepare and why it is important to prepare for a disaster.

Step 2 Necessary Supplies

In order to prepare for a natural disaster, there are certain supplies you will need to survive.
You may already some of these items available but if not, this book will give you a good idea
of what you will need. www.survival-goods.com

Survival Goods www.survival-goods.com

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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: Planning and Preparation

Disaster Planning
• Be knowledgeable about the area you live it (is it prone to floods, tornadoes?)
• Creating your plan
• Practice and keep it up to date.
• Important Numbers (Post this information by the phone)
Is your home safe?
• Checklist
• Utilities (how to shut them off)
Necessary Items
• Quick Evacuation Kit.
• Making a First Aid Kit
Emergency Water
• Required Quantity
• Purification Methods
• Storage Methods
• Emergency Water Sources
Implement ASAP
Emergency Reporting
Evacuation procedures
• Pre-evacuation preparation
• How to evacuate
• Checksheet
Plan of Action Checklist
• Everyone in the household should understand the checklist

Chapter 2: How To’s for various natural disasters

Acts of Violence: Nuclear or Other Wars
• Nuclear War preparation
• Dangers of Radiation
• Seeking Shelter
Terrorism, Riots, Looting, Bomb Threats and Other Violence
• Dangers of these events
• Seeking Shelter
Hazardous Chemical: Transportation accidents, Accidental spills, Intentional
• Dangers of Chemical spills and accidents
• How to handle the situation
Earthquakes
• Preparation Methods

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• What do you do?

Extreme Weather: Hurricane, Tornado, Winter Storms, Lightning & Thunder, Drought &
Extreme Heat.
• Preparation
• What do you do?
• What are the dangers
• After the storm
Famine
• Preparation Methods
• Action Steps
Plaques
• What is it?
• Preparation methods
• What do you do?
Floods
• Preparation methods
• Before and after the flood
• The dangers

CHAPTER 3: Recovery
How to Reduce Anxiety and Fear.
• Preparation methods
• Steps to take
How to Recover (Children).
• Key things to know
How to Recover (Adults).
• What you need to know
CHAPTER 4: Long Term Preparations
Food
• Water
• Clothes
• Finance
• Shelter
Heat
Light
Fuel
Cooking
Sanitation

CHAPTER 5: Important Websites

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CHAPTER 1

Planning and Preparation

Have you ever worried about where you and your family where will
be when a natural disaster strikes in your area? Will you be
prepared? This chapter will cover planning and preparation so that
you and your family will know what to do should you ever find
yourselves in the midst of dealing with a disaster.

Disaster Planning

Contact officials in your area to determine what types of natural

disasters could happen in your area. Find out what the warning
signals are in your area and what they sound like. You will also need to know what to do when
you hear them.

Find out about how the local disaster plans are set up. Schools, daycare centers, and a lot of other
places use disaster preparedness plans. Check into animal care if you have animals because some
facilities will not allow pets during and after the disaster. It might also be a good idea to find out
how to help the elderly and disabled.

Create your own Disaster plan for you and your family

Discuss the different types of natural disasters and the evacuation steps for each one that may
affect your area. After the steps of evacuation, discuss the places outside of the home and outside
of the area to meet with your family if you get separated.

Ask an out-of-state family member or friend to be your family’s “Contact Person”. After a disaster,
communications can be difficult. Many times it is easier to get through to your contact person out of
state than to make a local call. If your family members become separated in a disaster, have them call
this person and let them know where they are and if all is well with them.

Practice your plan and keep it up to date

• Practice emergency drills

• Familiarize yourself and your family periodically
• Make sure all fired extinguishers in the home are in working order
and that everyone knows how to use them.
• Rotate the food in your emergency kit at least every 6 months.
• Test smoke detectors monthly. Change batteries every 6 months.
• Never panic

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Important Phone Numbers

(Post by each phone in your house or office)

My Name

My Phone
My Address
My City
Nearest Intersection to my house
Ambulance
Paramedics
Fire
Police
Sheriff
Search and Rescue
Highway Patrol
Coast Guard/Harbor Patrol
Hospital
Children’s Hospital
Trauma Center

Burn Center

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Cardiac Center

Family Doctor

Dentist

Veterinarian

Pharmacy

Employer

Father’s Work

Mother’s Work

Other Relatives

Neighbor

Out-of-Town Contact Person

Out-of-State Contact Person

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Gas

Power

Telephone

Handyman

Electrician

Plumber

Mechanic

Family Attorney

Accountant

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Banker or Financial Advisor

Insurance Agent

Mortgage Company

Landlord

Emergency Roadside Assistance

Taxi

Public Transportation

Weather

Road Conditions

Avalanche

Forest Service

Snow Removal

Time and Temperature

Animal Control

American Red Cross

Disaster Cleanup Company

Disaster Hotline

Social Worker

Health Department
Others

My Important Phone Numbers

My Phone Number_________________
My City__________________________
My Zip Code______________________
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Is Your Home Safe?

You should always do periodic safety checks of your home to

eliminate potential hazards. A survival kit and the following
checklist will help you identify hazards in your home. By taking
special precautions and checking for hazards before a disaster
strikes, you will be much more likely to stay safe.

Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
Oily rags should be placed in covered metal cans.
Ensure that there aren’t any flammable materials close to the various heat sources.
Check for defective wiring.
Secure large furniture and appliances to the walls or floor.
Place heavy objects on lower shelves and make sure all shelves are securely fastened.
Do not overload electrical outlets or run electrical wires under carpets or rugs.
Secure anything that is hanging from the ceiling or wall.

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Utilities

Know how to shut off your utilities

Locate the main valves in and outside of your home. They include the Electric Fuse Box (inside
home), Electrical Meter (outside of home), the Gas Main Valve and the Water Main. The Gas
MV is located outside of the home where the gas line enters the house. The water main is
located inside the house as well as outside is located outside.

Make sure that everyone living inside the home knows how to safely shut off all utility valves.
They should be shut off in the following order: Electricity, gas, and water. Attach a wrench to
the gas meter so you will have one readily available in case of emergency. You should also have
the proper tool attached located near the water main so that it can be turned off.

After the emergency situation has passed, make sure to turn off the utilities if you believe that the
lines might be damaged. Make sure to turn off electricity from a safe point but look out for
standing water. Loose wires and water make for a bad combination. The gas valve should also
be turned off immediately if you smell or hear gas. Contact the gas company and ventilate the
home by opening windows and doors. Finally shut off the water main but only if the line is
broken.

Quick Evacuation Kit

There may not always be advanced notification of a natural

disaster. You may have to evacuate your home at any given time without being able to grab the
necessary supplies. Depending on the nature of the disaster, you may not be able to return home
for several days either. Therefore, you should create a quick evacuation kit.

The quick evacuation kit should contain items that you would need to keep you alive for the first
few critical hours after a natural disaster has occurred. Make the kit light enough so that even a
child could carry it. See list on following page.

First AID Kit

Every home should have a first aid kit. The kit should be checked at least every six months to
make sure that medications have not expired and that supplies are replenished. When putting a
first aid kit together, you should take into account the specific health care needs of each family
member. If specific medication is needed for a family member then it should be included in the
kit. Your family should also be familiar with what is in the kit and how to use it.

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Talk with your family doctor about any special needs that you or your family members may
have. Either your doctor or pharmacist can explain how to use, store, and rotate medication.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION KIT

Food: Water: First Aid Kit

MREs for 3 days Water Purification (see page 15)

Instant Cereal Tablets

Sanitation:

Instant Hot Chocolate Heat/Light: Toilet Paper

Food Bars Pocket Hand Warmers Soap/Shampoo
Shelter/Bedding: Matches/Candles Toothbrush/Paste
Tube Tent Propane Stove Personal Hygiene Items
Rain Poncho Fire Starter Kit Communications:
Space Blanket Flashlight Battery Powered

Wool Blanket Gloves Radio

Sleeping Bags Extra Batteries

FIRST AID KIT

First Aid Manual Sterile Adhesive Bandages Sterile Gauze Pads

Hypoallergenic Adhesive
Triangular Bandages Roller Bandages - 2 & 3 inches
Tape
Scissors Tweezers Needle
Thermometer Tongue Blades Assorted Sizes of Safety Pins
Latex Gloves Antiseptic Soap Rubbing Alcohol
Cotton Disposable Diapers Insect Repellent
Moistened Towelettes Antiseptic-Cream Neosporin
Petroleum Jelly Aspirin or Non-Aspirin Pain Reliever
Laxatives Syrup of Ipecac -
Anti-Diarrhea Medication
To induce vomiting if advised
by Poison Control Antacid
in assorted Sizes
Sterile Adhesive Bandages Special Medications for Family

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Emergency Water

An individual needs no less than 1 gallon of water per day for cooking and drinking. When
creating an emergency evacuation kit, it is recommended that at least 3 gallons per person be
included. This amount does not account for emergency water needed for bathing and washing.

Before drinking, the water needs to be purified. There are two methods you can use to purify
water but first, you must filter out debris by running it through a clean cloth.

The first way to purify water is to boil it. Boil the water at a full rolling boil for at least 5
minutes. Add an additional 1 minute per 1000 ft that you are above sea level. After boiling, you
can improve the taste of the water by pouring it back and forth between containers to aerate it.

Another way to purify water is to add bleach. Use bleach that has sodium hypo-chlorite as its
only active ingredient. Add the following amount of bleach per the table below and let stand for
30 minutes. If the water is properly treated, a slight odor of chlorine should be apparent. If you
do not smell any chlorine, add a little more until a smell is detected. Clear 2 Drops
8 Drops.

Germicidal Tablets

QUART GALLON

Clear 2 drops 8 drops

Cloudy 4 drops 16 drops

Iodine 2% Tincture

Clear 3 drops 12 drops

Cloudy 6 drops 24 drops

You can also use bleach tablets to decontaminate water. The usual dose is 1 tablet per quart. If
the water is very cloudy, use 2 tablets. You can buy these at most
drug stores.

Finally, you can filter water by the use of mechanical filters. Prices
are usually between $10.00 and $600.00. One of the better
mechanical filters is the Katadyn PF Pocket Filter. Its standard
filtration time is 1 quart of water per minute and it is about the size of
a flashlight.

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Storing Water

Water Storage Container

Good water storage containers don’t allow in gasses, vapors, odors, or light. These containers
include: Plastic drums approved by the FDA, Mylar bags, glass bottles or jars, and water
heaters.

Containers that are Poor to use for water storage pick up odors, vapors, and light. They are also
biodegradable and will leak. These containers should not be used and include: Polyethylene
plastics (Milk, water, and bleach containers.

Other: A few other storage methods that can be used include: water beds, toilet tanks, and
pipes. If in doubt purify this water before using.

Below are some little things that are overlooked and very important.
Take action and have this information in a safe place

Bank Statements sales receipts

Credit Card accounts Copies of your inventory video,
Bank Loan agreements photos and written copy
Tax records Computer back up tapes
Important guarantees, warranties and Insurance policies
Mortgage documents Photocopy of documents that you
have in your wallet or purse Stocks,
Bonds and other securities
Certificates of birth, marriage,
and Accounts receivable information
Purchase contracts
All contracts
death
School transcripts, diplomas
Deeds
Vehicle Titles and Bill of Sales
Wills and Trusts
Medical records
Employee benefit information
Letter of Instruction in case of death
Funeral and burial plans
Copy of your family’s Disaster Plan
Journals & Family Histories
Cherished family items: photos,
slides, videos, books, scrapbooks
Safe deposit box location, number,
inventory of contents, key
Investment portfolio
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Record of gold, sliver, collectibles

and Jewelry
Net Worth Statement

Insurance

Make sure you always carry the right type and amount of insurance including Renter’s,
Homeowner’s, fire, flood, earthquake, etc. depending on the type of situation you are in and the
area you live in.

Immunization

Keep all immunization records for your family up to date and in a safe place with your other
documents. A safe deposit box, freezer, or hidden safe is a good place for these documents.

Important Information to Know and Have on You at All Times

Name tag
Driver’s license or other identification
Medical problems
Prescription medication (name, dosage, prescription
number and date prescribed)
Eyeglass/contact lens prescription
Blood Type
Doctor’s name, number and address

Make Sure Vehicles are Always Prepared

Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times.

Have an extra set of keys in a place where all family
members will be able to find them.

Keep Cash on Hand

It is a good idea to have at least $100 dollars in small

bills available for emergencies.

VITAL FAMILY DOCUMENTS

Inventory

Keep an inventory of the items you have at home, in your garage, and at work. Make an
itemized list of all the contents. The more information you have the better so be sure to Include
serial numbers, make, model numbers, physical description, where and when you purchased
them, price and current value. It is also a good idea to take picture and tape all these items in
their normal locations.

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Duplicating Important Documents

Have duplicates made of your photos, videos and other written documents and store in a different
location such as a safe deposit box of relative’s house in a waterproof document protection bag.

(It is Also Important to Make Copies of Any Other Documents That are Important to You
and Your Family)

Reporting an Emergency

DIAL 911
Always remain calm and collected. Speak slowly, and clearly so the operator can understand
you. Let the operator know what kind of emergency you are having.

Information to give the operator:

Where the emergency is.
What happened
How many people are involved.
What condition are they in.
What is being done.
Your name, address and phone number.

Ask the operator if there is anything you can do to help and they may be able to walk you
through some of the steps for the procedures listed below:
How to perform CPR.
Controlling bleeding with direct pressure.
Heimlich maneuver for someone choking.
How to keep the victim(s) warm.
Cool them off if heat stroke.
Prevent further injury a victim with a neck
injury or broken bones.

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What to do if These Specific Accidents Occur

Fire:
Get out of the building ASAP
Call 911 and give them the address of the fire.
Tell them what is on fire.
Try to account for everybody to see if anyone is left in the building.
Give them your name, address and phone number.
Medical Emergency:
Call 911 and give them the address of the.
Tell them what has happened.
Check to see if the victim is conscious and breathing.
Let them know if the victim is male or female.
Give them your name, address and phone number.
Ask what you can do to help.
Traffic Accident:
Call 911 and give them specific information about where the accident is.
Tell them how many vehicles were involved and if there are any people injured, if so, how many.
Let them know if the victims are conscious and breathing.
Let them know the placements of vehicles and if any are on fire.
Tell them if there are any downed power lines or hazardous materials involved.
Give them your name, address and phone number.
Let them know if any of the vehicles are unstable or underwater.

Do Not Hang Up Until the Person on the Other Line Says it is OK to Hang
Up

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Evacuation Plans
It is essential to have an evacuation plan for your home as time does not always permit planning
at the time of an event. Use these simple steps below to make the evacuation as simple and
smooth as possible.

1. Find 2 ways to get out.

2. Have whatever tools are needed to be able to reach the ground (Walk out, ladder, rope, roof,
etc.)
3. Make sure everyone in the family knows the evacuation plan.
4. Make sure everyone in your family knows the disaster plan.
5. Never have less that ½ tank of gas in your vehicle(s).
6. Place working smoke detectors on each level of your home (be sure to test them regularly).
7. Keep a whistle in each room to warn others.
8. Have the appropriate fire extinguishers.
9. Do the action plan check.

Evacuating Correctly

These are the proper steps to take only if time permits:

1. Put on protective clothing such as jackets and wear sturdy
shoes.
2. Shut off electricity, gas, and water if time permits.
3. Get your pets out with its pet emergency kit.
4. Take your evacuation-kit with you.
5. Post a note advising others where you are going.
6. Lock your home.
7. Use a specified heavily travelled route. Do not use shortcuts as they may be unsafe and it may
be hard to find you if something happens.

HOUSE PLAN

Draw your house plan and evacuation plans on this sheet to study with
your family.

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ARE YOU READY?

Use this Checklist to See if You are Ready for a Disaster

Yes No
You know your family disaster plan.
You know your family evacuation plan.
You know how to turn off electricity, gas & water.
You have Emergency numbers posted by phones.
You have a First Aid Kit.
You know how & when to call 911.
Everyone in the family is trained in CPR & First Aid. (Red Cross)
You have a 3 Day Evacuation Kit?
You know where to go if city sirens go off.
You have working smoke detectors on each level of your home.
You have fire extinguishers and know how to use them.
You have whistles in every bedroom.
You know how to eliminate fire hazards.
Immunizations are up to date.
You have adequate insurance coverage. (Home, life, fire, etc.)

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CHAPTER 2

You may be able to save lives if you know what to do in each of the following disasters and
know how to take the appropriate action.
(Before - During - After)

Acts of Violence:
Nuclear or Other Wars, Riots, Looting,
Bomb Threats, Terrorism

Hazardous Chemical Spills

Earthquakes

Extreme Weather:
Hurricane, Tornado, Winter Storms,
Lightning & Thunder, Drought & Extreme Heat

Fires

Famine

Plagues

Floods

VIOLENCE

1. NUCLEAR OR OTHER WARS, RIOTS, LOOTING, BOMB THREATS,

TERRORISM, ETC.

In our tough economy, violence is increasing at great rates. Even conflict in different countries
can have a negative impact on our country. Therefore, there are several things your family
should know incase violence breaks out in your area.

BEFORE VIOLENCE EVEN BREAKS OUT:

1. Learn if there is a lot of violence in your area and the effects it has on the area.
2. Know the local authorities plan of action for violent crimes.
3. Know your evacuation plan.
4. Have access to your 3-day evacuation kit.
5. Know your disaster plan.
6. Always be sure windows and doors are locked at night and when you are away.

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7. Have a safe place in your home where everyone can go that is away from windows, has an
exit, is safe from fallout, is equipped with protective devices for defense, and has extra supplies.
8. It is essential to practice your family evacuation plan.
9. If possible, have everyone in your family get First Aid & CPR training.

WHAT TO DO DURING A VIOLENT ACT:

1. Nuclear War:
A. Some of the warning signs include: seeing a flash, hearing a blast, feeling the heat, or
hearing a warning signal on the TV or radio.

B. There are many dangers associated with an explosion that is some distance away:
1. A heat wave could arrive within seconds and cause serious burns.
2. A blast wave can occur within 30 seconds.
3. Lastly fallout/radiation arrives causing serious injuries.

C. To protect yourself from being burned by the heat, thrown by the blast, or struck by
flying debris, take cover immediately following a threat.

D. To increase your chance a survival, take cover in any one of these places as soon as
possible:
1. In a building.
2. Cellar.
3. Ditch or culvert.
4. Parked car, truck, train, etc.
5. Freeway under or over pass.
6. Any object that is stable and not flammable.

E. What to do after the heat and blast waves have passed:

1. Go to the closest shelter that is safe from fallout. Most cities have a designated area
2. Be prepared to stay at the shelter for anywhere up to 2 weeks.

If your community does not have a shelter, you may build one with dirt or concrete to decrease the
radiation you receive. As little as 2.4 inches of concrete or 3.6 inches of dirt over your shelter can
decrease radiation dramatically, usually by half. Protect from radiations with a shelter.

The longer you can stay in the shelter the better, as the dangers from fallout ration decreases over time. In
fact, after just 2 hours the level drops about 50%. After about 48 hours, all threats of fallout radiation is
diminished.

2. OTHER VIOLENCE FROM RIOTS, BOMB THREATS, LOOTING, AND

TERRORISM ALSO NEEDS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY

A. Dangers from the above include but are not limited to:
1. Injury.
2. Loss of life.
3. Damage to property.

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B. Find safety quickly by:

1. Following your Disaster Plan.
2. Evacuating the area if possible.
3. If you cannot leave, go to the designated safety area in your house.
4. Lock all doors and windows and stay inside.
5. If at school or office, find safety safely and quickly. Take appropriate action.
6. Remain calm.

Chemical Spills

When hazardous chemical spill, it is harmful to the environment as well as our health. Although
most hazardous chemicals are controlled, accidents do happen and this is when they become
dangerous to us.

Dangerous chemical spills usually happen by one of the following ways:

1. Transportation accidents involving vehicles that haul chemicals such as trucks or trains.
2. Spills caused by faulty equipment.
3. Intentional spills.

Chemical spills can cause fire, explosions, contamination and fatalities.

Therefore, it is important to make sure that your emergency evacuation
kit is ready. You should also have a 14 day supply of emergency food,
water, and fuel available. Like any other disaster, you should know your
disaster plan and the local warning signals and evacuation route.

During a chemical spill it is important for the safety of you and your
family to stay away from the scene of the spill (accident). Inhaling gas,
fumes, or smoke can be dangerous so it is important to keep from inhaling fumes. Do not ever
touch the material at a chemical spill and listen to local authorizes. If an evacuation plan in
implemented then you should follow it. You may encounter victims of the chemical spill. If you
do, try to treat them if it is safe. You should also protect your food, water, and clothing so that
they do not become contaminated.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can occur anywhere in the US. They also happen without warning.

Before an Earthquake

1. If you live in an area which is on a Fault zone, then make sure your family develops and
earthquake drill. You should know which areas of your home are the safest and the most
dangerous.
2. Bolt furniture items such as bookcases and heavy furniture to the wall or floor and place
heavier items on the lowest shelved. Glass bottles should be stored in low cabinets that

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can be kept closed and/or locked.

3. Used closed loop hoops to hand pictures and plants so they do not fall off of the wall.
4. Make sure that you and your family members know how to shut off the utilities in case of
an earthquake.
5. If you are indoors, take cover under a sturdy desk or table and shield your head and face
from falling debris. Stay away from doors and anything that can fall.
6. If you are outdoors then move away from things such as trees, buildings, and power lines.
7. If you are in a moving car, pull alongside the road quickly and safely. Stay away from
areas that could break, fall, or crumble.
8. Do not use items that could fall and catch fire. Examples would be candles, matches and
other flames.
9. If you are inside a high-rise building, get underneath a desk. Do not try to rush to exit the
building because stairways me be full or people or even broken.

When the Shaking Stops

1. When the shaking stops, you will still feel some aftershocks. They are small trembles
that are usually much small than the main part of the earthquake.
2. Check others for injuries and if you do notice someone is hurt, do not move them unless
they could be hurt further if not moved to a safe place. Be prepared to administer first
aide.
3. If you see small fires then put them out. For larger ones, alert neighbors and call 911.
4. Check thoroughly for damage and hazardous conditions.

Dangerous Weather

Dangerous weather can include hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, lightening & thunder,
drought & extreme heat.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are tropical storms with high winds that can reach up to 754 miles per hour.
Hurricanes range from 1 – 5 in strength and are capable of creating large waves and torrential
rain. Hurricanes are produced by tropical storms that are most popular along the Atlantic
Seaboard and Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane watches when hurricane conditions are possible. A Hurricane warning is issued when
a hurricane is expected within 24 hrs. The safety procedures you have put into place should be

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followed whenever a hurricane warning is issued. The

radio and television are a good source of
information and will issue advisories as needed. If a
hurricane warning is issued, take the following
precautions:

1. Make sure all pets and children are indoors.

2. If you live in a mobile home, check the tie
downs to make sure they are secured.
3. Board up windows or cover them with storm shutters.
4. If necessary, turn off all utilities.
5. Secure as much of your outside property as you can if time allows.
6. Stay indoors and away from windows and doors. Stay inside until the storm has passed
and it is safe to do so.

Observe safety precautions after a hurricane; downed power lines, broken water, gas, or sewer
lines, do not enter buildings unless you know they are safe, and stay off of roadways until they
are safe to travel on.

Tornados

Tornadoes are common in a small percentage of states, perhaps the most recognizable being
Kansas. About 69% of tornados are either light to moderate in degree of strength. Stronger
tornados, with winds up to 205 miles per hour. The strongest tornados last more than 20 minutes
and the winds exceed 205 miles per hour. These types of tornados count for about 25 % of
tornado related deaths.

Tornados develop quickly but modern weather surveillance radar systems have been able to
detect tornados sooner. Just a few minutes of advanced warning has saved many lives. Paying
attention when a tornado watch is given will play a vital role in ensuring your safety.

Staying Safe – tornado watches are issued when a tornado is possible in your area. Local radio
and TV stations will issue weather advisories and updates as they arise. Tornado warnings are
issued when a tornado has been sighted. It is important to move to a safe area if you see a
tornado or receive notice of a warning. Some things you can do to keep yourself and your family
safe are as follows:

1. Follow your disaster plan which should include areas to go to for shelter in case of a
tornado.
2. Pay attention to the local radio and television stations to stay up to date on the weather
status.
3. Learn the community warning signals for tornados and the evacuation plan for your area.
Tornados can strike with very little warning so paying attention to warning devices and
acting quickly can save your life.
4. If you are at home, the safest place to go is the interior of the basement. Unless of
course, you have an underground shelter. If you do not have a basement, go to the

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interior most portion of the home. Stay away from doors and windows.
5. If you are in a public building, go to the innermost area on the lowest floor. Again, stay
away from doors and windows. Do not use elevators and crouch down, protecting your
head.
6. If you are in a car, get out of the vehicle and find shelter in a low spot such as a ditch.
Avoid trees and DO NOT go underneath the care. Lie flat and put your arms over your
head.
7. Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable so see shelter instead of trying to stay inside the
home.
8. If you are in an open building, seek shelter inside a restroom. The concrete will offer the
greatest protection. Remember to always protect your head.

Winter Storms: Conditions consisting of extreme snow, ice,

and sleet.
Lightening & Thunder: These are discharges of electricity
inside a storm cloud, accompanied by large amounts of rain
and/or hail. Thunderstorms can cause tornados and flash
flooding.
Drought: A drought is a very long period of time without
rainfall. This can be detrimental to plant-life and water
supplies, often times accompanied by extreme heat.
Extreme heat: When temperature increase to about 10 degrees above the average high
temperature and last at least several weeks. Learn to prepare for extreme heat.

Fire

Fires can occur by accident or intentionally. Most of the time, fires are accidental. In order to be
prepared for a fire, follow these steps:

1. Make sure you have your evacuation kit prepared and you know your disaster plan.
2. Practice fire drills with your family
3. Make sure to do a home safety inspection and purchase fire
insurance.

If you find yourself in a situation involving fire, you should take

these steps:

1. Call 911 for the Fire Department

2. If it is safe to do so, contain the fire. If this is not possible
then leave the building immediately.
3. Warn others of the fire.
4. If you are in a building engulfed in flames, stay low to the ground to avoid smoke
inhalation.
5. Check doors before opening them. If they are hot then keep them closed.
6. If you catch on fire, do what you learned in school, STOP! DROP! And ROLL!

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If you are outside then do not run into the burning building and
call the Fire Department. If children are around, make sure
they do not run inside the building. Finally, do not ever reenter
a building that has caught fire unless it has been inspected and
deemed safe.

Flood

Floods are caused by winds, storm surges, and rains from tropical storms and hurricanes. Types
of floods include urban floods; which occur when storm sewers are unable to handle a torrential
downpour. Flash floods are the most dangerous type of flood, usually occurring within minutes
of a huge rainfall or even a dam failure. Flash floods are strong enough to wash away bridges,
houses, uproot trees and cause tremendous damage. Believe it or not, flash floods account for
about 120 deaths per year.

Preparing for a Flood

When you first move into a home, understanding the elevation of your home and the risk flood is
a huge step in the preparation process. If you live in an area prone to flooding, then you should
make sure that your insurance policy covers flood damage. Special flood insurance is also
available through the Federal National Flood Insurance Program.

There are weather advisories for floods just as there are for
hurricanes and tornadoes. A flash flood or flood watch means that a
flood is possible in your area. A flood or flash flood morning means
that flooding is occurring or is imminent in the warning area.
Immediate precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of you and
your family. The same precaution should be taken for a flood that
would be taken in the case of any other natural disaster. However,
there are additional precautions that are unique to surviving a flood.
They are as follow:

1. Evacuate immediately if told to do so, before escape routes are shut down.
2. Stay clear of areas prone to flash flooding. Areas such as rivers, ditches, and canyons can
become very dangerously, very quickly.
3. Low levels of water can still be very dangerous so stay vigilant if you are outdoors.
4. Avoid crossing flowing water on fit if the water is above your ankles and never drive on a
flooded road. Just two feet is enough to carry away and automobile.
5. Do not remain in your car if it stalls and be careful driving at night.

After a flood

1. Tap water may not be drinkable after a flood. Check with local officials on whether the
water is safe to drink. If you aren’t certain, purify your water.

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2. If you have food that has come into contact with flood water, do not
eat it. Discard it right away.
3. Be careful of downed power lines and report them to the authorities.
4. Never use matches or open pen flame because there may be a gas leak of
something flammable inside as a result of the flood.

Famine

Famine is unheard of these days. However, famine does not only occur in third world countries.
It could happen so we must be prepared.

In order to prepare for famine, you should learn about gardening and canning. Growing your
own vegetables as well as canning can will help you survive should the world’s food sources
diminish. You can plan ahead by learning how to store food and water as well, up to a year.
Think about what type of water source you will use and have at least a year’s worth of food
stored.

If famine does occur, there is no telling how long it will last. Therefore, learning how to ration
supplies and continuing to plan seeds and sto
store
re food could mean the difference between death
and survival.

Plague

The idea of a real plague happening again probably seems impossible.

However, do not rule it out. A plague is a large scale epidemic that affects
large groups of people in the same aarea.
rea. It can also be spread worldwide.
The disease that causes a plague can be transmitted by people, animals,
insects, and rodents.

Ensuring that family members have their shots and practices good hygiene, will give your family
a better chance of stayingg healthy.

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Chapter 3
Recovery
Natural disasters can be devastating and may strike without warning. Recovering from disaster
can be just as difficult as going through it. Do all that you can to make your chances for
recovery go smoother.

1. Know the things to do as outlined for the various disasters in this book.
2. Make sure to do your home safety inspections and make sure your family knows how
everything works, what to do, and what not to do.
3. Teach your children the things they need to know, including important numbers.
4. Try to stay strong to provide guidance and stability for your children. Do not panic.
5. Prepare for a disaster before It happens.

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Chapter 4
Preparations for the Future

Food will be an essential part of survival & preparedness should you find yourself in the
midst of a natural disaster. If you stock up on food and plan for the future then you will
have a much better chance for surviving should you become trapped or lose your home in
an accident.

Think about the types of food you need to store, how you will store them and what your
need as far as quantities are. Some of the basics needed for survival are grains, powdered
milk, sugar, salt, oil, beans, rice, vegetables, and canned fruits and vegetables.

The types of storage containers are also important because the storage containers will
need to protect the food and keep it safe and edible. Rotation is also very important.
Check your food supply and rotate at least every six months to make sure that nothing is
expired.

Other things you will need in case there is a natural disaster is water and clothes.
Considering having enough small bills on hand to tie you over for a short period of time.
Think about where you would go if you needed somewhere to stay and how you would
stay warm should you lose heat. Store extra heater or blankets and make sure you have
matches and wood on hand. You will need to think about how you will be able to
prepare the foods you’ve stored and how everything will stay sanitary.

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