PLAN

Develop a "buddy" system with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Plan how you will help each other in an emergency, if you live alone, you may wish to give your buddy a key to your home.

Make a list of your medications, allergies, special equipment, names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your doctor, pharmacy, family members, friends, and any other important information. Give a copy to each buddy, and keep a copy with you at all times.

PREPARE

Eliminate hazards in your home. Securely anchor medical equipment, heavy appliances, bookcases, hanging plants, and other items. Place heavy objects on low shelves. Move beds away from windows. Check hallways, exits, doorways, and other areas and remove hazards and obstructions which may impede your safe exit after an earthquake, install security night lights to provide emergency lighting if power is interrupted.

Gather emergency supplies. Assemble a 72-hour emergency supply kit, which includes water, any special diet foods, sanitary aids, cooking and eating utensils, flashlight, radio, blankets, a change of clothing, and a whistle for signaling for assistance. Include a well-stocked first aid kit, with extra prescription medications and an extra pair of glasses. Store extra batteries for hearing aids, wheelchairs, and other battery-operated equipment. Keep a mini survival kit in your car.

SPECIAL TIPS

If you are deaf or hearing impaired, keep a battery-operated television on hand, with fresh batteries, for receiving emergency information if power is out. Store flashlight, pencil, and pad for communicating. Arrange for hearing friends or coworkers to relay information broadcast by radio.

If you are blind or have impaired vision, keep extra canes in strategic areas around your home. Plan alternate evacuation routes from home and office. Store extra pet food and supplies for your guide dog.

If you use a wheelchair, tie to it a lightweight drawstring bag containing your medications, your special emergency sanitary aids, a small flashlight, and a whistle for emergency use or evacuation. Determine at least two usable exits from each room, and from your building. Store extra batteries for your wheelchair, and a charger for your rechargeable batteries. Participate in earthquake drills, moving to cover, if possible, locking the wheels, and protecting your head with your arms, a pillow, laprobe, books, or any handy object.

Content Previous Next