Preparing for a national security emergency

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Abstract

Immediately after an emergency, essential services may be cut off and local disaster relief and government responders may not be able to reach everyone right away. Knowing what to do to protect oneself and one's household is essential. This effective practice outlines how to prepare for any kind of disaster. It is excerpted from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's, Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness.

Issue

Making certain that citizens know what to do in the event of a national security emergency.

Action

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Guide to Citizen Preparedness, take the following steps to be ready for any kind of security emergency:

Developing a household disaster plan.

1. Learn about the natural disasters that could occur in your community from the local emergency management office or the American Red Cross chapter. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond.
2. Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans.
3. Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation.
4. Plan how your household would stay in contact if you were separated. Identify two meeting places — one near your home and another away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
5. Pick a friend or a relative who lives out of the area for household members to call to say they are ok.
6. Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two escape routes from each room.
7. Post emergency telephone numbers by telephones. Teach children how and when to call 911.
8. Make sure everyone in the household knows how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. Consult with local utilities if there are questions.
9. Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information.
10. Reduce the economic impact of disaster on your property and household's health and financial well-being. Review property and life insurance policies before disaster strikes. Be certain health insurance policies are current and meet the immediate needs of the members of your household.
11. Consider ways to help neighbors who may need special assistance, such as the elderly and disabled.
12. Make arrangements for pets.
  - A disaster supply kit with essential food, water and supplies for at least three days should be kept in a designated place and be ready to "grab and go" in case you have to leave your home quickly.
  - Additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to two weeks.
  - A disaster supply kit at work that is in one container and ready to "grab and go" in case of evacuation.
  - A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water to be kept in the car at all times.
  - Stocking water reserves should be a top priority.
  - Individual needs vary, but it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household.
  - Remember that water will be needed for drinking, sanitary purposes, and possibly for cooking.
  - Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass, or enamel-lined containers.
  - Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Change stored water every six months.
  - If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period or without food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
  - Remember to include a manual can opener for opening canned food items.
  - To protect boxed foods from pests and to extend their shelf life, store the food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
  - Replace items in the food supply kit every six months. Date each item with a marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
  - Food items to include in the disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk and soup; high-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, low sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins, food for infants or those on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk.
  - First aid manual
  - Sterile adhesive bandages
  - Assorted sizes of safety pins
  - Cleansing agents
  - Antibiotic ointment
  - Latex gloves
  - Petroleum jelly
  - Sterile gauze pads in various sizes
  - Triangular bandages
  - 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages
  - Cotton balls
  - Scissors
  - Tweezers
  - Needle
  - Moistened towelettes
  - Antiseptic
  - Thermometer
  - Tongue depressor blades
  - Sunscreen
  - Prescription and nonprescription drugs: Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Be sure to store them according to instructions on the label and be mindful of expiration dates. Nonprescription drugs such as aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, syrup of ipecac, laxative, and vitamins should also be a part of a first aid kit.
  - A portable, battery powered radio or television and extra batteries
  - Flashlight and extra batteries
  - Signal flare
  - Waterproof matches
  - Shut off wrench, pliers, shovel
  - Duct tape and scissors
  - Plastic sheeting
  - Whistle
  - Small canister, A-B-C type fire extinguisher
  - Tube tent
  - Compass
  - Work gloves
  - Paper, pens, and pencils
  - Needles and thread
  - Battery operated travel alarm clock
  - One complete change of clothing and sturdy footwear for each household member. Rain gear, hat and gloves, extra socks, extra underwear, thermal underwear, and sunglasses.
  - Blankets or sleeping bag and pillows for each household member.

Context

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's, Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness is based on the most reliable hazard awareness and emergency education information available. However, the guide cannot cover every factor or situation. Additional sources of information are listed in the "For More Information" chapter and in the "Resources" section below.

Outcome

As each citizen participates in community and family preparedness, the entire nation becomes better protected for any disaster situation.

Evidence

According to The Federal Emergency Management Agency, "disaster preparedness works."

Posted On

May 19, 2003

For More Information

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

500 C Street SW

Washington, DC 20472

Phone: (202) 566-1600

Website: http://www.fema.gov/

Resources

To obtain the following publications Visit FEMA online at http://www.fema.gov/library/ Or Phone: 1-800-480-2520.

Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness [H-34]Emergency Preparedness Checklist [L-154] Provides a checklist of suggested disaster preparedness steps and activities. Also available in Spanish.

Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit [L-189]Provides a checklist of emergency supplies that should be kept in the home and contained in a Disaster Supplies Kit. Also available in Spanish.

Your Family Disaster Plan [L-191]Provides guidelines and instructions to help families develop a disaster plan. Also available in Spanish.

Emergency Food and Water Supplies[L-120]Explains how to choose food for an emergency kit, emergency cooking, water purification, where to locate emergency water, and how to store emergency food and water supplies in the home.

Source Documents

Related Practices

Related sites

Citizen Corps

Keywords:

Community-based

Public safety