What's Your Disaster Plan?
No matter where you live, there's always the possibility of a natural disaster. You could spend days without electricity. You could be isolated and have no way to leave your home, or you might need to leave in a hurry.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
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So whether you live in an area prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, severe winter storms or just ordinary national disasters like bridge collapses or terrorist attacks, you need two things: an emergency plan and a disaster kit. Here's what to include:
For your emergency disaster plan:
• Find out if your community has an emergency plan and evacuation kit. Get a map of evacuation routes and find out where to go for medical care and shelter.
• Make sure friends and neighbors have your phone numbers, including your cell phone. Designate two meeting places-one near your home and another outside your neighborhood.
• Create an evacuation plan with friends or family members. If you live in an assisted living facility ask the directors if they have a plan and what it is.
• Get a medical ID bracelet.
For your emergency disaster kit:
• A two-week supply of medications in their original packaging. Request a "vacation supply" if your insurance company won't pay for more than a 30-day supply, or ask your doctor for an extra prescription.
• Include any regularly-used medical equipment, such as an extra blood sugar monitoring device. Keep ice packs in your fridge to add to your kit if you have medicines that need refrigeration.
• A copy of your medical records, including a list of all the drugs you take and contact information for your doctors.
• Some basic necessities including a three-day supply of water, nonperishable food, flashlight, extra clothes, blanket, maps, matches and whatever else you imagine you might need. For more information on disaster preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website has comprehensive info on how to prepare for a variety of disasters. Visit their website at fema.gov/areyouready.
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