Feature

Get Prepared: How to Plan Today for a Disaster Tomorrow

by Emily Landes

The first 72 hours after a disaster—be it an earthquake or an act of terrorism—are the most important. Experts say this is how long we should expect to act self-sufficiently after such an event, yet most people are unprepared for three days without running water, refrigeration, telephones and medical attention for noncritical injuries. But there are easy ways to mitigate the impact of a disaster; just follow these simple instructions to create your own home-safety plan, emergency kit and evacuation “to-go” bag. Clip this page for your records and distribute copies to your tenants. This article is based on information from the San Francisco Office of Emergency Services. For more safety tips, check out the office’s emergency preparedness web site, www.72hours.org.

Home-Safety Plans
Make your home and family as safe as possible by doing some careful planning before a disaster strikes. When you view your home with an eye toward safety, you’ll begin to notice all kinds of potential hazards that never caught your attention before. Following are some easy ways to make your home safer.

Install smoke detectors and change their batteries every six months.
Beds should be kept away from windows, and mirrors and heavy items should not be hung over areas where people sit or sleep. Secure all wall hangings, bookcases and filing cabinets and place heavy items on your lowest shelves.
Arrange furniture so that all exits and hallways are clear.
Keep a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
Strap your water heater down and fit it with a flexible gas-supply line. Know how and when to switch off these utilities.
Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals securely and separately from each other.
Get a phone with a cord. Cordless phones require electricity, which you may not have.
Tie a plastic bag to the leg of each bed and fill it with shoes and a flashlight, in case there is an emergency evacuation during the night.

Other home-safety planning takes a bit more thought, but is just as important in preparing for an emergency.

Designate a contact person who lives far enough to be unaffected by the same emergency. This person will need the names and contact information of the people you want informed of your whereabouts and situation. Tell your loved ones to contact this person if you are separated from them, so that you may contact this person to find them.
Make copies of all your important documents, like your birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, social security card, will, credit cards, prescriptions and insurance information. Keep these documents, as well as an inventory and pictures of your valuables, either in a safe-deposit box or with someone you trust.
Create a family evacuation plan that involves everyone in your home. Choose two places to meet in the event of an emergency (one outside the home and one outside the neighborhood if you have to evacuate) and determine two escape routes from your home. Practice using your escape routes and meet-up spots. Make sure everyone knows who the out-of-state contact person is and how to get in touch with this person. Create emergency response cards for each family member.
Determine how to shut off your gas. The main shutoff valve for natural gas is located next to the main gas reader. Only turn off the gas if you smell a leak or the unmarked wheels on the gas meter are spinning. Keep a crescent wrench nearby and use it to give the lever of the shut-off valve a one-quarter turn; when the lever crosses the direction of the pipe, the gas is shut off. Never attempt to turn the gas back on. Wait for PG&E to do it.
Know where your main electric switch is and shut off the electricity when you smell insulation burning. In this case, the area around switches and plugs becomes blackened or hot to the touch, or there is a complete loss of power.
Learn how to shut off water if there is a severe leak in your building. The water shutoff is usually located in the building’s basement, garage or alley and is a red or yellow wheel. Turn the wheel clockwise until the water is turned off.

Emergency Kit
Home-safety planning is only part of the preparation equation. To truly have a prepared home, you should have several emergency kits placed in different parts of your home, so that if one area becomes inaccessible after a disaster, you still have access to a kit. These kits should include the following items.

One gallon of water per person and pet per day. This water should be refreshed every six months. Also, unscented liquid household bleach should be in your kit in the event that you need to purify water.
Food that is ready to eat or requires minimal preparation and water. Some good options include: canned fruits, vegetables and tuna; granola bars; peanut butter; dried fruits; and comfort items for children, like animal crackers. Also, be sure to have a manual can opener.
A first-aid kit that contains disposable gloves, soap, antibiotic and burn ointments, bandages, eye wash, prescription medications and specialized supplies like syringes for diabetics, extra prescription glasses and hearing aids. Toilet paper and feminine hygiene items should also be included, as well as diapers for babies.
A flashlight and radio, plus the batteries to power them.
Cash in small denominations, as well as coins for using pay phones.
Copies of house and car keys, important documents and phone numbers.
A blanket or sleeping bag, warm clothes, sturdy shoes and rain gear.
Plastic sheeting, duct tape and a utility knife are useful items for covering broken windows. Large plastic bags are needed for waste and garbage.
A local map.
If you have pets, also include food and water bowls, cat litter, an extra leash, pet carrier, toys and veterinary records. Have your pets microchipped, so you can more easily find them again if you are separated.

Evacuation To-Go Bag
In some emergencies, like an earthquake or fire, you will need to have a smaller emergency kit that you can take with you if your home is no longer habitable. It should be easy to carry and have an ID tag. You should have one for each family member, plus a to-go bag for your work and vehicle, in case you are not at home at the time of the disaster. The to-go bag should contain the most important items that you also have in your emergency kit, as well as several items that are necessary if you are mobile and without permanent housing.

Canned food, water and a can opener continue to be the most important items, but you should have smaller quantities than in your emergency kit so that the to-go bag does not become cumbersome.
A basic first-aid kit and hygiene supplies.
A flashlight and radio, plus the batteries to power them.
Cash in small denominations, as well as coins for using pay phones.
Copies of house and car keys, important documents (particularly ID and insurance documents) and phone numbers.
Recent pictures of family members and pets.
Sturdy shoes, warm clothes and rain gear.
A pocket knife, whistle and dust mask.
Pens, paper and tape are key items for leaving loved ones messages about your whereabouts.
If you have children, include a favorite toy or book, an emergency card with a predetermined reunification location and out-of-area contact information in their to-go bags.
For pets, remember dry food and water, plus veterinary records.

Extra Tips for Parents, Seniors and the Disabled
Emergencies are hard enough for able-bodied adults; children and people with mobility concerns complicate emergency planning even further. Parents should remember to include their children in family discussions about emergency planning, emphasizing the importance of remembering their basic personal information (like home telephone number and address) and how essential that information will be if they become separated from the rest of the family. Make plans to have other people pick them up from school or daycare if you are unable to, and make sure they know who those people are. Teach your children what gas smells like and that they should tell an adult if they ever smell it. Make sure they know how to dial 9-1-1.

Seniors and persons with disabilities have their own additional concerns. Let neighbors know if you have mobility issues and make arrangements to have numerous people check in on you after a disaster. If you have a home health worker, be prepared that they may not be able to reach you after an emergency. Keep a three-day supply of all medications (more for oxygen) and inquire with your medical supply company about a backup power source for medical equipment requiring electrical power.

By following these simple rules you’ll be in a much better position after a disaster. Remember, you need to be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours after such an event. But a little time and money spent now can save you from tremendous aggravation and even danger later.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the SFAA or the San Francisco Apartment Magazine. Emily Landes is the assistant editor of the San Francisco Apartment Magazine. Copyright � 2006 by the San Francisco Apartment Magazine. All rights reserved.