Sunday, July 20, 2008

Disaster Preparedness Checklist

Date Completed:

	Make an emergency information list. Include:
	Medical and emergency contact information Emergency out-of-town contacts. Names and numbers of everyone in your network. Name and number of a relative or friend who lives more than 100 miles away from you. If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you.

	Fill out a medical information list Include:
	Medical providers. Medications you use. Adaptive equipment and/or body system support equipment you use. Allergies and sensitivities. Communication or cognitive difficulties.
	Attach copies of health insurance cards and related information to your medical information list.

	Keep at least a seven-day supply of essential medications with you at all times.

	Have extra copies of prescriptions.

	Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what you should do if you do not have enough medicine after a disaster. Also, find out the shelf life of your medication and the storage temperature it needs. Determine how often you should replace stored medication.

	Identify safe places to go during an:
	Earthquake Tornado Hurricane Flood Fire
	Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, outside sleeping areas.

	Find the location of utility cutoff valves and switches. Become familiar with how to operate them.

	Identify as many exits as possible (but at least two) from each room and from the building you are in.

	Make a floor plan of your home. You may want your network to help you do this. Include your primary escape routes.

	Practice using different ways out of a building, especially if you are above the first floor in a building with many stories

	Decide what type of equipment you will need for assistance during an evacuation.

	Be ready to give brief, clear, specific instructions and directions to rescue personnel.

	If you do not drive, talk with your network about how you will leave the area if authorities advise an evacuation.

	Ask your local emerency management office if transportation services are available to persons with your disability during an emergency evacuation. Find out how to arrange to get this service.

	Become familiar with the emergency or disaster evacuation plan for your office, school, or any other location where you spend a lot of time.

	Choose an alternate place to stay.

	Have a care plan for your pet.

	Have a care plan for your service animal.