Before/During/After A Disaster

The information in this section is divided into the following topics:

• What to Do Before A Disaster

• What to Do During A Disaster

• What to Do After A Disaster

You don't have to spend lots of money to get prepared. The following are supplies and/or tools that you should consider having at minimum in case of an emergency: 

• Get a First Aid Kit Ready - if you don't have one, you can learn how to put a basic kit together here. 

• Prepare Your Police Scanner - If you don't have one, you may want to consider getting one, it can save your life! If you already have one, get it ready by programming emergency frequencies for your area. Learn more about preparing your scanner here.

• Get a Disaster Plan Ready - A disaster plan is key in any emergency situation. If you don't have one, you can learn why you need one and how to put one together here. 

• Have Flashlights & Batteries Ready - have a few battery-operated flashlights or lanterns on hand and readily available. Make sure that all family members know where they are located and have plenty of batteries to last a few days, preferably long-lasting type such as Duracell or Energizer brands.

• Have Alternate Light Sources Ready - Tap lights are battery-operated and can be found at major department stores. Place a tap-light near the entrance of your house or apartment, stairways, bathrooms, kids' play room, kitchen, other key places. 

• Have Candles Ready - keep a good supply of candles and water-proof matches, they are a necessity!

Other Considerations:

• Non-Cordless Phone - keep a non-cordless phone in the house. During a major emergency, power may be out but phone lines may be still operational. If you have a cordless phone, your cordless will not work because they need power to work. Yes, that feature-filled neon colored cordless phone is instantly transformed into a useful paperweight. By having a non-cordless phone available, you will still be able to make calls.

• Cellular Phone - if possible, also keep a charged cell phone in case phone service is interrupted. By having a cell phone, you will still be able to make calls.

• Uninterruptible Power Supply - if you have a computer or other sensitive equipment, I strongly suggest investing in a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) unit. A UPS protect against data loss by providing up to 20 minutes of back-up power during a power outage allowing you to save data and properly shut down your computer. In addition, a UPS unit can protect your computer and any sensitive equipment power surges when the power is restored. If you run a home-business like I do, it's a necessity!

Disasters and other emergencies can strike at anytime. They can last from several seconds as with an earthquake to several hours as with a hurricane. Knowing what to do during a major disaster or other emergency is just as important as being prepared. Here are some helpful tips should a major disaster or other emergency occur near you. 

• Remain Calm - as hard as this may be, try and remain calm. It will help you focus on your situation and surroundings. Again, know what the dangers are! By knowing what can happen, you will be better prepared to deal with the situation.  

• Monitor Your Police Scanner - make sure it's on and monitor your local police and fire for any critical information described above. If you don't have a scanner, turn on your radio or television and listen for news and important information. Learn more about police scanners and preparedness here.

• Follow the Advice of Local Emergency Officials - if local authorities ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this request, and you should heed the advice immediately. Again, monitor your scanners or listen to your radio or television and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. 

Knowing what to do after an emergency disaster is just as important as being prepared. Here are some helpful tips should a major disaster or other emergency occur near you. 

• Remain Calm - as hard as this may be, try and remain calm. It will help you focus on your situation and surroundings. Again, know what the dangers are! By knowing what can happen, you will be better prepared to deal with the situation.  

• Monitor Your Police Scanner - make sure it's on and monitor your local police and fire for any critical information described above. If you don't have a scanner, turn on your radio or television and listen for news and important information.  Learn more about police scanners and preparedness here.

• Put Your Disaster Plan Into Action - if you don't have one, you can learn more on why you need one and how to put one together here. 

• Check for Injuries - check for any injuries and give first aid or get help for seriously injured people.

• Call Your Family Contact - Tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. 

• Check for Damage -  if the disaster occurs while you are at home, check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches, candles, or turn on electrical switches until you check gas leaks. Check for fire hazards, broken glass, unstable objects, and other household hazards. Stay away from downed power lines and wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible. 

• Check Utilities - check for water and gas leaks. Places to check include your water heater and stove. Leave natural gas service ON unless local officials advise you otherwise. You may need gas for heating and cooking, and only a professional can restore gas service in your home once it's been turned off. In a disaster situation it could take weeks for a professional to respond. check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly. Gas leaks can be detected by a "rotten-egg-like" smell. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, get everyone quickly outside of the home and open windows for ventilation. Be sure to shut off any other damaged utilities. 

• Turn Off All Gas Appliances - to prevent damage to appliances, turn gas off at the appliance valve. The valve is located between the wall and the appliance. If you are unable to shut gas off at the appliance valve, then you should shut it off at the meter. If you don't know how, click here for instructions.

• Check On Neighbors - especially those who are elderly or disabled.

• Check On Pets - don't forget about pets. Be sure they are safe and confined so that they don't run away. Remember, because of heath regulations, animals are not allowed in emergency shelters. Make some kind of arraignment for your pets. 

• Turn Off Electricity - to prevent damage to appliances, turn off electricity at the main electrical panel. If you don't know how, click here for instructions. WARNING: Never touch a circuit breaker while standing in water or with wet hand.
  
• Unplug or Turn-off All Power Appliances - this includes, microwaves, TV's, computers, washers, dryers, etc. This will reduce the risk of an overload and prevent damage from any surges when power is restored.

In the event of a major earthquake or other disaster causing widespread damage, many homes or apartment buildings may be red-tagged because of severe damage. Authorities will provide you with the locations of emergency shelters set up by the American Red Cross for residents affected by the quake. 

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