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| Disaster Planning |
Planning for a disaster, whether it be natural or man-made, is more important today that before September 11, 2001.
Devastating acts such as September 11th have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents and their
potential impact. They have risen uncertainly about what might happen next, increasing stress levels.
The possible disaster does not have be from terrorism. It can be an approaching hurricane or possible tornado, or
other natural event.
Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you feel now,
and later, should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory action can assure you and your family that you can
exert a measure of control even in the face of such events.
The most important thing you should remember is that the fear of an incident occurring can be more stressful than
the actual event. That is why you should go on with your daily life, do what you have always done, but be prepared
if a disaster strikes.
DON’T LET YOUR FEARS RULE YOUR ACTIONS! Use common sense to plan for any disaster. Understand that you are in
control and you know what to do. Here are only a few suggestions to help you plan for emergencies:
- Create an Emergency Communication Plan- Choose an out-of-town contact your family can call or e-mail to
check on each other should a disaster occur. Families with sons, daughters, brothers and sisters living in
separate areas need to be able to check on one another. Being able to contact an out-of-area- person, everyone
can relate their situation and be able to account for one another.
- Establish a Meeting Place- Having a pre-determined meeting place away from your home will save time and
minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may even want to make arrangements to
stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency. Be sure to include your pets in these plans, since
pets are not permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them.
- Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit- If there is time and you need to leave your home, prepare easy-to-carry
containers such as a duffle bag or small plastic bags of "necessary" items such as copies of important papers
(birth certificates, licenses, etc), clothing (for at least 3 days) and your medications. Include a cellular
phone. A cell phone that is no longer in service can still be used for 911 only, if it remains charged.
IF DISASTER STRIKES:
- Remain calm
- Follow the advice of local emergency management officials
- Listen to a radio or television for news and instructions
- If the disaster is near your home, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured
persons. Check for fires. If gas is used for heating, etc, smell for any possible leaks. DO NOT USE MATCHES OR
A LIGHTER.
- Shut off all utilities, gas, electric and water. LEARN NOW WHERE TO SHUT OFF THESE UTILITIES - NOT AFTER A
DISASTER!
- Call your family contact, do not use the telephone again unless it is a life threatening emergency
(Many people flood the phone lines when an emergency. need to keep the lines open for emergency calls)
- Check on neighbors especially if elderly or disabled.
EVACUATION
If local officials ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this request, and you should heed
the advice, immediately. Know where evacuation shelters have been established. Listen to your radio or television,
follow the instructions and keep these simple things in mind:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible.
- Take your disaster supplies with you
- Take your pets with you.
- Lock your home.
- Use travel routes specified by officials- don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or
dangerous.
- Stay away from down power lines.
NOTE: If you are disabled and live alone, you should contact your county emergency management office to arrange
for transportation in the event of an evacuation.
In Volusia County, you can register for this service by calling 386.254.1500
Additional Resources Online:
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) - http://www.fema.gov/
Florida initiative Against Homeland Terrorism - http://www.flash.org/fight/links.html
Volusia County Government - http://www.volusia.org
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