Emergency Preparedness When the power went out in August 2003, were you prepared? That blackout affected 50 million people over a 9,300-square-mile area from New England to Michigan and southeastern Canada. A few years ago, a particularly vicious winter storm knocked out power ­ and heat ­ to many Cleveland Heights homes for almost a week. While we don't have to worry about hurricanes in our area like our friends in Florida, we know we are not immune to natural disasters. A winter storm could confine your family at home. A tornado could cut off basic services ­ gas, water, electricity and telephones ­ for days. And in today's world, it is important for all of us to be prepared in the case of an emergency. There are things that you can do now to make sure your family is prepared. Prepare a Kit Prepare a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive comfortably for at least three days in the event an emergency happens. Think about items that you might need if you had to stay in the same place for up to three days. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlights and a first aid kit. Water and Food Keep a three-day supply of water on hand ­ a gallon of water per person per day ­ for drinking and sanitation. Use bottled water or store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Include food items like canned meats, fruits, juices, soups and vegetables; protein bars; peanut butter; dried fruit; nuts; staples; non-perishable, pasteurized milk; and comfort/stress foods (cookies, hard candy, etc). You might also want to include vitamins. Pack a manual can opener. Include paper plates, cups, napkins and towels, and plastic eating utensils. First Aid Most households have a first aid kit on hand. If you do not, you may want to assemble one. Include: Latex or other sterile gloves Sterile dressings Cleansing agent/soap, antibiotic towelettes Antibiotic ointment and burn ointment to prevent infection Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes Eye wash solution Thermometer Prescription medications you take every day, such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers (rotate medicines to account for expiration dates) Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies; Scissors and tweezers Non-prescription drugs like pain relievers, antacids, laxatives, etc. Additional Items for Your Kit Battery-operated radio Battery-operated flashlights (Do NOT use candles or open flame for emergency lighting.) Extra batteries Moist towelettes Plastic sheeting and duct tape Baby or children's items, such as diapers and formula Items for the elderly if needed Garbage bags Personal hygiene items Cell phone (with a charger for the car) Two-way radio or walkie-talkies Identification for each family member Glow stick Cash (If the power is out, ATMs may not be working. It may also be a good idea to have some small bills on hand, as merchants may not be able to make change.) Important family documents Make a Plan Your family may not be together if disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations. Draw up a Family Communications Plan (click here for a pdf version) and include the following: Out-of-state contact person, phone number and email for this contact ­ it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. Have a list of the following information for each family member and keep it up-to-date: name date of birth important medical information phone/walkie-talkie Where to go in an emergency ­ write down where your family spends the most time: work, school and other places you frequent. Include: address phone number, a neighborhood meeting place and a regional meeting place for home, school and places you frequent. The name, telephone, policy number, etc. for your: doctors pharmacist medical insurance homeowners/rental insurance other useful phone numbers Each family member should carry an abbreviated copy of your Family Communications Plan, which should include: contact name and telephone out-of-town contact name and telephone neighborhood meeting place and telephone emergency phone numbers (9-1-1 for emergencies) other important phone numbers and information. Important Family Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, Social Security cards, immunization records Bank account numbers Credit card account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Utilities It is a good idea to locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main for your home. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off, and teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves. Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Be Informed Visit the following web sites to find out about different emergencies and how to prepare for them: U. S. Department of Homeland Security ­ download a Family Communications Plan American Red Cross ­ purchase ready-made emergency preparedness kits online. Federal Emergency Management Agency ­ offers 'Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness,' a comprehensive source on individual, family, and community preparedness HOPE Coalition America ­ download a free Emergency Financial First Aid Kit, a simple tool to help Americans minimize the financial impact of a natural disaster or national emergency, and a companion document, the Personal Disaster Preparedness Guide.