Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. You should plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places you frequently stay. Ask about their emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. If they do not have an emergency plan, consider helping develop one. Disaster preparedness is no longer the sole concern of earthquake prone Californians and those who live in the part of the country known as "Tornado Alley." For Americans, preparedness must now account for man-made disasters as well as natural ones. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. Following are some tips from www.ready.gov, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Water and Food

Water Food

	One gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
	Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
	If you live in a warm weather climate, more water may be necessary.
	Store water tightly in clean plastic containers.
	Keep at least a 3-day supply of water per person

	Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food.
	Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
	If you live in a warm weather climate, more water may be necessary.
	Choose foods your family will eat. Some good examples are: Ready-to-eat canned meats Protein or fruit bars Dry cereal or granola Peanut butter Dried fruit Nuts Crackers Canned juices Non-perishable pasteurized milk High-energy foods Vitamins Food for infants Comfort/stress foods

Clean Air

Many potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic “junk” into the air. For example, an explosion may release very fine debris that can cause lung damage. A biological attack may release germs that can make you sick if inhaled or absorbed through cuts. Many of these agents can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination.

Facemasks or dense-weave cotton material that snugly covers your nose and mouth should be specifically fit for each member of the family. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children. It is very important that most of the air you breath comes through the mask or cloth, not around it. There are also a variety of facemasks readily available in hardware stores that are rated based on how small a particle they can filter in an industrial setting. Although there is not one solution for masking, something over your nose and mouth in an emergency is better than nothing.

Other Barriers

	Heavyweight plastic garbage bags or plastic sheeting
	Duct tape
	Scissors

There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as “shelter-in-place,” is a matter of survival. You can use these things to tape up windows, doors, and air vents if you need to seal off a room from outside contamination.

Once you have sealed a room with plastic sheeting and duct tape you may have created a better barrier between you and any contaminants that may be outside. However no seal is perfect and some leakage is likely. In addition to which, you may find yourself in a space that is already contaminated to some degree. Consider a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter to help remove contaminants from the room where you are sheltering. These filters are excellent in filtering dander, dust, mold, smoke, biological agents, and other contaminants but they will not stop chemical gases.

First Aid Kit

Many injuries that occur in an emergency are not life threatening and do not require medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help stop bleeding, prevent infection, and assist in decontamination.

Things You Should Have

	Two pairs of latex or other sterile gloves
	Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
	Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
	Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
	Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
	Eye wash solution
	Thermometer
	Prescription medications you take everyday such as insulin, heart medicine, and asthma inhalers
	Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies

Things it May be Good to Have

	Cell phone
	Scissors
	Tweezers
	Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
	Non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, laxative, and antacid

Portable Supply Kit

Everyone should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full one at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle, or other places they spend time. Each family’s or individual’s kit should be customized to meet specific needs and should include important family documents. In addition to the basic items in a portable kit, there are some other items to consider including.

	Water
	Food
	Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
	Flashlight
	Extra batteries
	First aid kit
	Whistle
	Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
	Can opener, if kit contains canned food
	Unique family needs, such daily prescription medicine, infant formula, and important family documents
	Garbage bags and plastic ties, for personal sanitation

Additional Items for an Emergency Supply Kit

	Prescription medication and glasses
	Infant formula and diapers
	Food and water for your pet
	Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
	Cash or traveler’s checks and change
	Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
	Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
	Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes
	Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper- when diluted nine parts to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant
	Fire extinguisher
	Matches in a waterproof container
	Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
	Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
	Paper and pencil

Pet Items

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends, and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

Special Needs Items

Certain family members such as infants, the elderly, and persons with disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared for an emergency.

For Baby

	Formula and powdered milk
	Diapers and diaper rash ointment
	Bottles
	Medications
	Moist towelettes

For Adults

	Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin, and other drugs
	Denture needs
	Contact lenses and supplies
	Extra eyeglasses

For Seniors

	Plan on how you will evacuate or signal for help.
	Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers.
	Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies.
	Teach others how to operate necessary equipment.
	Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes, and walkers.
	Additional supplies to include: List of prescription medications, extra eyeglasses, extra hearing aid and wheelchair batteries, a list of style and serial numbers of medical devices, copies of medical insurance cards, list of doctors and emergency contacts

For People with Disabilities

	Create a support network to help in an emergency.
	Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
	Give one member of the support network a key to your house.
	Contact your city or county government’s emergency information management office.
	Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
	If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
	Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
	Know the size and weight of your wheelchair and whether or not it is collapsible.
	Additional supplies to include: List of prescription medications, extra eyeglasses, extra hearing aid and wheelchair batteries, oxygen, a list of style and serial numbers of medical devices, copies of medical insurance cards, list of doctors and emergency contacts

Natural Disasters

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace, or school, or can confine you to your home. Following are some tips from The American Red Cross on how to prepare for a natural disaster.

Earthquake

	Choose a safe place in every room- under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing call fall on you.
	Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm.
	Bolt bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
	Install strong latches on cupboards.
	Strap the water heater to wall studs.
	Keep essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
	Have an emergency supply kit ready.

	Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
	Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month and replace batteries at least once a year.
	Replace smoke alarms every ten years.
	Have one or more working fire extinguishers in your home and get trained how to use them.
	Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.
	Plan at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.
	Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
	Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
	During the fire, if you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke.
	If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
	If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed and signal for help with a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a phone available, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

Flood

	To reduce potential flood damage, raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas that may be flooded.
	Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
	Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
	Have written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water in case authorities advise you to do so.
	Have an emergency supply kit ready.
	Choose a place to go if you have to evacuate.

Wildfire

	Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
	Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
	Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and by foot.
	Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors’ skills, such as medical or technical skills. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs.
	Use ½-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself
	Install a smoke detector on each floor of your home, especially near bedrooms.
	Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
	Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
	Keep handy household items that can be used a fire tools, such as a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.
	Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.
	Use fire-resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure.
	Keep trees and branches trimmed and remove dead ones.
	Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety cans.
	Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home.
	Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home.
	Have an emergency supply kit ready to take with you if you need to evacuate.
	Choose a meeting place for your family in case you are separated.

Tornado

	Pick a place your family could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be a basement, center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor.
	Have an emergency supply kit ready.
	Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
	If a tornado warning is issued, go to the safe place you picked and protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. Do not stay in a car or mobile home. If you are outside, find a low-lying area such as a ditch and lie flat in it.

Tsunami

	Be aware that an earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast may generate a tsunami.
	Find out if your home is in a tsunami hazard area. Know the height of your home above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast.
	Plan an evacuation route and choose a place 100 feet above sea level or up two miles inland. You should be able to reach your safe place in 15 minutes on foot.
	Practice your evacuation route at night and during inclement weather.
	Have an emergency supply kit ready.

Mudslide

	Develop an evacuation plan and make sure each family member knows where to go.
	Have an emergency supply kit ready.
	Become familiar with the land around you and know if there have been landslides there before.
	Watch the patterns of storm water drainage on slopes near your home. Watch the hillsides for any signs of movement.
	When you are driving during a storm, watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other debris.
	If you suspect a landslide, inform affected neighbors and contact your local fire, police, or public works department.
	If you cannot escape during a landslide, curl into a tight ball and protect your head.

Winter Storm

	Have extra blankets and warm clothing on hand.
	Have an emergency supply kit ready.
	When a storm watch is issued, avoid unnecessary travel.
	When a storm warning is issued, stay indoors. If you have to leave, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to arrive.

Thunderstorm

	Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
	If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to get struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
	When storm approaches, find shelter in a building or car and keep the windows closed.
	Unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Using lights is okay.
	Avoid taking a bath or shower or using any water.
	Turn off the air conditioner to avoid any power surges.
	Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
	If you are outside, find shelter under shorter trees. If you are in water, get to land and find shelter immediately.
	If you are stuck outside, become a smaller target by squatting low to the ground and placing your hands on your knees with your head between them.
	If someone gets struck by lightning, call 911 immediately and perform first aid and CPR if needed.

Blackout

	Always have extra flashlights available. Never use candles during a blackout.
	Have an emergency supply kit ready.
	Consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space for expansion, and freeze them. You can use these to keep your food cold if the power goes out.
	Keep files on your computer backed up and use a surge protector for all your computer equipment. Keep extra batteries or a power converter for your laptop.
	If you have an electric garage door opener, find the manual release lever and learn how to use it. Always keep a house key with you in case the garage door doesn’t open.
	Have an alternate form of communication such as a cell phone or pager available
	Keep your car gas tank at least half full because gas stations use electricity to power their pumps.
	To help avoid a blackout, only use your air conditioner or heater when you are home and keep the air conditioner thermostat at 78 or higher and the heater thermostat at 68 or lower. Also, turn off computers and lights when not in use. It is a good idea to turn off your monitor when not using it rather than using a screen saver. Purchase energy-efficient appliances when possible and replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs.

Thanks to www.ready.gov (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and the American Red Cross for their helpful tips.