The Basic Components of a
Family Disaster Plan

From The Wildfire Survival Guide
and Living on Flood Plains and Wetlands

Every family should be prepared for wildfire and floods with a disaster plan created ahead of time. Parents and children should know exactly what to do because this reduces the danger and helps everyone remain calm. Panic and fear are the greatest enemy during these stressful times.

Arrange a safe meeting place, and if possible identify a second location as well. Determine the best way to get there from home, school or business. Arrange a place for pets and livestock if you must evacuate such as farms or a kennel. Identify a friend's home outside the area that can become a family "message center". If members of the family are separated there is no way to contact each other, but with the message center everyone may call in their status.

When the order comes to evacuate it is essential you be prepared to do so at a moment's notice. For this reason never allow your auto gasoline tank to be more than half empty to insure there's enough to get you to safety. Knowing what to take in an evacuation makes the situation easier and you should keep a fully stocked survival kit at all times.

The more complete your survival kit, the more able your family will be to cope with the emergency. Store these items in a strong, easily carried container, backpack or duffle bag. You may also keep these and other emergency equipment in the trunk of your car or at another location.

• A 3-day supply of water allowing one gallon per person per day.
• Packaged food that won't spoil without refrigeration. Foods that do not require cooking will be the most versatile.
• One change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes for each person.
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person
• First aid kit
• Portable radio (battery operated)
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Extra set of car keys
• Credit card or spare cash
• Prescription drugs and other medications
• A mess kit with paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Infant care items such as formula and diapers
• Manual can opener
• Utility knife
• Toilet paper
• Hand soap and detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Supplies for dentures and contact lenses
• Rain gear
• Whistle
• Entertainment such as games and books
• Additional optional equipment: a tent, camp stove, lantern, cooking pots, ice chest, large drinking water container, towels and warm clothing.

It's also important that insurance policies and other important documents be kept where they will be safe from damage. A safe deposit box, in a neighbor's home or other locations will insure their safety. Don't forget that banks too can be flooded.

The most important documents include: Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, bonds, passports, birth certificates, social security cards, immunization records, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, important phone numbers for friends and relatives, family doctor etc.

Things Needed After a Flood

• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Battery operated radio
• Waterproof boots or waders
• Safety clothing: hard hat and gloves
• Boots or shoes with hard soles
• Dust mask
• Camera or video camera to record damage
• Tools: crowbar, hammer, saw, pliers, crescent wrench, screwdriver
• Drinking water
• Trash bags
• Cleaning supplies
• Fire extinguisher
• Strong tape (duct tape is ideal)
• Plastic sheeting
• Liquid chlorine bleach
• Plastic bucket with a tight lid
• Aluminum foil, paper, pencils, needle/thread
• A wooden stick for turning things over, scaring away snakes and small animals, and moving electrical wires.