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12 steps to become better prepared for disasters

Ada City-County Emergency Management
Being prepared for disaster can seem like an overwhelming task that will never be needed.

Then tragedy will strike a part of the nation; a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, wildfire, landslide or a severe storm will destroy property, take lives and leave survivors without services for a long time. With 24-hour-a-day news cycle it's hard not to witness these events as they take place in other locations. But someday, that disaster location could be here.

Make 2013 the year you take one step a month to be better prepared.

1.) Learn about and discuss potential disasters with household members.
ACCEM Hazards Webpage
ACCEM Emergency Preparedness Guide

2.) Create a Family Communications Plan. Know how you will contact one another after an event.
DHS Family Communications Template
Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan Template

3.) Develop and practice a Family Disaster Plan. Perform family meeting place drills.
Red Cross Family Disaster Plan
Operation Hope- Personal Preparedness Guide

4.) Review the plan to ensure that the needs of all family members and pets are addressed.
Preparing for Disaster for People with Special Needs
Ready.gov/animals

5.) Stock the household emergency water supply.
Pointer - Water When You Need It

6.) Build a 72-hour kit for each member of the household.
Ready.gov - Build A Kit Webpage

7.) Locate and learn how to safely shut-off household utilities.
Ready.gov - Utility Safety Webpage

8.) Learn what to do during a power outage.
Red Cross - Power Outage Checklist

9.) Review shelter-in-place actions for home, school and work.
Red Cross Shelter-in-place Fact Sheet

10.) Create vehicle emergency kits for all seasons.
Ready.gov-Kit Locations: Go to the vehicle section

11.) Sanitation in an emergency.
Emergency Sanitation

12.) Take a First Aid/CPR Course.
Courses are available through a number of providers locally.

Take the steps in whatever order works best for your personal needs. The links or information provided is meant only as a starting point for each one. More in depth information is available in the FEMA book, “Are You Ready?” Make a resolution this year to take action and be better prepared.