Disaster Preparedness Orientation and Drill

What is Disaster?
A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community
or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses that exceed the
community's or society's ability to cope using its own resources. Though often caused by
nature, disasters can have human origins. Many people and agencies take part in emergency
response operations including local populations and community-based organizations, Civil
Defense and national emergency structures, fire brigades, Red Crescent/Red Cross Societies,
international agencies, NGOs and others. The National Societies need to recognize that disaster
preparedness, particularly in terms of post-disaster response, is primarily a government
responsibility but that the National Society, as an auxiliary of the public authorities, can also
make an important contribution. Therefore, National Societies should communicate and
coordinate their plans with those of other government agencies and nongovernmental
organizations involved in disaster preparedness and response.

Disaster Preparedness Tips

Communicate where you will be. Contact someone outside the affected area to tell them where
you will be for the duration of the event. Business owners should remind employees of their
roles in helping to get the business back up and running, and how they will be notified when
the facility is open again.
Know the warning signs and alert signals for your area. Stay tuned to your local television or
radio station or community alert system for emergency information.
Check your emergency survival kit. Make sure your emergency survival kit is stocked with
essential items and kept in an easily accessible location.
Collect emergency building materials. Depending on the type of disaster, you may want to have
emergency materials on hand, such as plywood, sandbags and waterproof tarps.
Fuel up your vehicles and equipment. If you have an emergency generator, make sure you have
fresh fuel on hand. Depending on your situation, you may need a supply of extra fuel. If so, be
sure to store the spare fuel in an approved container in a safe location. Never use a generator
inside or even in a garage. Make sure it is located a safe distance from windows, doors and
vents.
Be sure you have car chargers for your cell phone, smart phone and other portable devices.
Having car chargers available can assist you in staying in communication with others if your
electricity goes out. Do not forget to fully charge devices before a storm.
Secure all outdoor objects or move them inside. Grills, patio furniture and flowerpots are
common household items that can become airborne in high winds. Do not use grills inside or
store propane tanks inside the house or garage. Business owners should also remember to
secure outdoor signage, benches and equipment to help minimize potential damage.
Know how to shut off all utilities. It is always a good idea to know how to turn off the gas,
electricity and water in your home or place of business. If you need to evacuate suddenly, it
may be prudent to turn off utilities before leaving. Before doing so, consider equipment that

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can help minimize damage and should therefore not have utilities interrupted, such as
electricity to sump pumps or fire protection equipment.

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