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Prepare your Home
Emergency Supplies
- Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.
- Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation.
- Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags or covered trash containers.
Utilities
- Locate the main electric fuse or breaker box, water service main and natural gas main.
- Teach all responsible family members how and when to turn these utilities off.
- Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
- Turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so.
- If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
- Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives.
- If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity.
- Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.
- Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home.
Home Hazard Hunt
- Inspect your home at least once a year for anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire.
- Fix any potential hazards or possible dangers that you find.
Evacuation
- Evacuate immediately if told to do so
- Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Take your family disaster supplies kit.
- Lock your home.
- Use travel routes specified by local authorities; don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
- If you're sure you have time:
- Shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
- Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
- Make arrangements for your pets.
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