Your Family Disaster Plan

Every community in Virginia has been affected by a disaster or emergency. These can be natural events, such as floods and tornadoes, or manmade accidents involving dangerous chemicals. Many disasters have forced people to evacuate their homes or workplaces to remain safe.

If disaster strikes, you need to know how to take care of yourself and your family. This self-reliance is important because local officials and relief workers on the scene of a disaster won't be able to reach everyone right away.

Preparing for a disaster or emergency is a responsibility that begins with each individual. We can't control all the emergencies that will occur in our lives, but we can be ready to face them by knowing what to do and taking action to prepare.

Two things that will always help you in an emergency or disaster are clear thinking and quick reactions. If you can stay calm in a crisis, you'll be better able to make the right decisions. Once you decide the best action to take in a particular situation, do it! There's no room for hesitation in a disaster or emergency.

The disasters and emergencies that occur most frequently in Virginia are:

  • Hurricanes
  • Floods
  • Flash Floods
  • Tornadoes
  • Winter Storms
  • Fires
  • Severe Thunderstorms
  • Hazardous Materials spills
  • Power outages and water shortages because of storms, droughts and other kinds of emergencies

Action steps

  • Find out what disasters or emergencies could occur in your community. Call your local emergency services coordinator or your local American Red Cross chapter. Ask what the dangers are and request information on how to prepare for them.
  • In the event you need to evacuate, learn the evacuation routes from your home and where the emergency shelters are located. Call your local emergency services coordinator to get this information.
  • Ask about the disaster plans at your workplace and at your children's school or daycare center.
  • Make a disaster plan for the types of disasters or emergencies that could occur in your community. Get your family together and discuss what everyone would do in each case.
  • Plan where to meet and identify who to call (someone in a safe area outside of your neighborhood) in the event your family is separated.
  • Arrange to have your pets cared for should you need to evacuate your home and go to an emergency shelter. For health and safety reasons, animals aren't allowed in public shelters.
  • Notify your home health care provider, your primary caregiver or your local emergency services coordinator:
  • If you are a senior citizen and feel that you might need assistance during an emergency,
  • If you are disabled and need assistance,
  • If you have a medical condition and require special care, equipment or transportation.

Make a plan now to protect yourself in the event of an emergency or disaster. Your home health care provider, local health department, Area Agency on Aging, social services or emergency services coordinator can assist you with making an effective emergency plan that will keep you safe.

Your Disaster Supplies Kit

  • Flashlights with extra batteries or other battery-powered lights.
  • A portable radio and extra batteries.
  • A first aid kit that contains a first aid manual.
  • Medication, both essential prescription and nonprescription medication.
  • Three-day supply of nonperishable food and water. Store water in plastic bottles with screw caps. Plan on one gallon per person per day.
  • Baby supplies, such as food, canned milk or formula and disposable diapers.
  • Eating utensils, utility knife and can opener. Feminine supplies, toilet paper, towelettes and other personal hygiene items.

Checklist

• Teach your children how and when to call 911 or other emergency numbers.

• Make sure you have adequate insurance that protects against flood damage.

• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.

• Should you need to evacuate, make sure your family knows how to shut off electricity, gas and water at the main sources.