Follow these basic steps to develop a family plan for all disasters:
• Gather information about hazards.
Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management or civil defence office, and Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
• Meet with your family to create a plan.
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighbourhood in case you can't return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
action your plan
(1) Post emergency telephone numbers by or on your phone/s; (2) Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; (3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them; (4) Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home; (5) Teach children how and when to call 111 or your local Emergency Medical Services number; (6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster Practice and maintain your plan .
Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months. |
Tornado Emergency kit items
| |
Must have prepared |
Optional items |
| |
Water (3 litres per person, per day, for up to 3 days or more). |
Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. |
| |
Canned, non-perishable food. |
Pet food. |
| |
Torch and radio (with batteries). |
Duct tape. |
| |
Toilet paper, plastic bags and bucket. |
Can opener. |
| |
First Aid Kit and essential medicines, including paracetamol for fever. |
Shelter and bedding (1 sleeping bag per person) |
| |
BBQ or other means of cooking. |
Purifying tablets. |
| |
Face and dust masks. |
One change of clothing and footwear per person. |
| |
|
An extra set of car keys and a credit card and/or cash |
|