Family Pre-Disaster Evacuation Plan
Preparation is the key to your family’s success in an emergency. Your pre-disaster plan can help reduce the stress and anxiety of an emergency situation, especially for your children. This guide will help you develop a plan which will enable you to survive a variety of disaster situations. Remember to re-evaluate your disaster plan annually with your family.
1. Before the Disaster:
A: Prepare your 72 hour kits and have them readily accessible.
B: Know how to shut off all utilities–gas, water, and electricity.
C. Learn basic first aid skills and CPR.
D. Have a family picture in your 72 hour kit with complete descriptions on the back of each family member including height, weight, eyes, etc.
E. Have a copy of important records in your 72 hour kit. (Try to have another copy at a location outside of your home as well.)
F. Plan an evacuation route to get out of your house, and have a meeting place outside of your home that is away from power lines, trees, etc.
G. Draw a map of your house. Outline an escape route for all members of your family.
2. Location of Emergency Supplies:
A. 72 Hour Kit_________________________________________________________________
B. First Aid Kit_________________________________________________________________
C. Flashlight/Batteries____________________________________________________________
D. Radio/Batteries_______________________________________________________________
F. Water_______________________________________________________________________
G. Food_______________________________________________________________________
H. Tools_______________________________________________________________________
I. Blankets/Sleeping Bags_________________________________________________________
J. Cooking Equipment____________________________________________________________
K. Sanitation Supplies____________________________________________________________
L. Prescription Medication________________________________________________________
M. Other______________________________________________________________________
3. Location of Utility Shut Offs:
A. Main Gas Valve______________________________________________________________
B. Main Water Valve____________________________________________________________
C. Main Circuit Breaker__________________________________________________________
D. Wrench of Shut Off Tool_______________________________________________________
E. Other_______________________________________________________________________
4. Home Reunion Location:
A. Meet Here___________________________________________________________________
B. Alternate Location____________________________________________________________
5. Practice and Maintain Your Plan:
A. Conduct Family Drills
B. Test you fire extinguisher and smoke detectors at least twice a year.
(Courtesy of American Red Cross: www.redcross.org)
