Crisis Preparedness Checklist

Water (four liters/one gallon per person per day -- change water every three to five months)
Food (canned or pre-cooked, requiring no heat or water -- (consider special dietary needs, infants, the elderly, pets)
Flashlight (with spare batteries and bulbs)
Radio (crank or battery operated with spare batteries)
Large plastic trash bags (for trash, waste, water protection, ground cloth, temporary blanket)
Hand soap and/or disinfecting hand cleansing gel that does not require water
Toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies, infant supplies
Essential medications as required (glasses if you normally wear contacts)
Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, cooking foil, plastic wrap and paper towels
First-Aid kit with instructions
Córdobas and/or U.S. dollars in small bills (ATMs may not work after a disaster), with coins and phone cards for public phones
Place emergency supplies and your telephone in places where they are less likely to be knocked over or buried by falling objects (on the floor under a strong table is a good choice).

Secure water heaters, refrigerators and tall and heavy furniture to the walls to prevent falling.
Move heavy items to lower shelves, and install latches or other locking devices on cabinets.
Install flexible connections on gas appliances.
Remove or isolate flammable materials.
Move beds and children's play areas away from heavy objects which may fall in an earthquake.
Register at the Embassy or Consulate serving your area

Draw a floor plan of your home showing the location of exit windows and doors, utility cut-off points, emergency supplies, food, tools, etc. Considering sharing it with domestic employees and guests.
Establish family meeting points with alternate sites inside and outside of your home for all members to gather in the event of an evacuation.
Establish reunion sites with alternate sites for when the family is not at home, e.g, neighbor's house, park, school.
Designate a person outside of your immediate area for separated family members to call to report their location and condition if separated.
Learn or establish disaster policy/planning at your children's school.
Know your neighbors.
Learn where the nearest designated shelter for your neighborhood is.
Photocopy passports and other important documents. Store copies away from home (for example, at work).
Learn how to contact the police, fire and rescue services in Spanish. Be able to provide your address in Spanish.

Check your immediate surroundings for fire, gas leaks, broken glass and other hazards.
Open doors and/or windows to avoid being locked in if there are after-shocks.
Contact one friend or relative in the United States, and ask them to inform other parties of your situation.
Monitor local TV and radio for evacuation information.

Follow this link for a printer-friendly version of the Checklist.

Acrobat Reader is required to print this checklist. The latest Acrobat software is available for a free download.

Embassy of the United States Managua, Nicaragua