Released Aug. 20, 2007
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Disaster can strike at any place, any time, to anybody. One look at television news coverage of the recent upheaval in the Caribbean caused by Hurricane Dean proves that, according to a Texas Cooperative Extension expert.
That's why Extension and the Texas Department of State Health Services have a new publication, "Preparing for the Unexpected."
Disasters can have natural causes, such as flooding during hurricanes. Then there are disasters caused by accidents or terrorists.
But whatever the cause, being prepared can help lessen the effects of the crisis, said Janie Harris, Extension housing and environment specialist.
"Although we can't prevent disasters, we can reduce the risk of injury and even death by becoming informed," she said.
First, she said, each family should establish its own plan, which includes:
- Escape routes: Know how to escape from each room of the house as well as from the neighborhood. - Family communication: Know how to contact each other in case of separation, and have a designated contact out of state whom everybody knows to call. - Communication with emergency personnel: Know who to call and keep their numbers near each telephone and cell phone. - Utility shutoff and safety: Know how to disconnect the home's utilities in case of gas leak or fire. - Insurance and other important records: Keep copies of valuable personal papers in a safe place and a remote location. - Special needs: Know what extra steps to take for family members who are very young, very old or ill. - Safety skills: Learn how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. - Pet care: Have a plan for emergency pet care.
Second, each family member should keep a disaster supply kit within easy reach, Harris said. Each kit should contain such items as:
- Water: enough for at least three days and at least one gallon of water per person per day. - Food: items that require no refrigeration or preparation, such as peanut butter, nuts, dried fruits and protein bars. - Clean air items: nose and mouth protection masks with N-95 rating, plastic sheets and duct tape. - Extra clothing: at least one change of clothes per person, plus shoes and blanket. - First aid kit: sterile gloves and gauze, soap, antibiotic ointment and towelettes, burn ointment, thermometer, and any required prescription medications and supplies. - Emergency items: flashlight and extra batteries, battery-operated radio, whistle, shovel and basic tools, baby wipes, toilet paper, plastic garbage bags and maps. - Special needs items if necessary: baby food and formula, diapers, powdered milk, baby wipes, medications and diaper rash ointment for babies; prescription medications and supplies for dentures and/or contact lenses for adults.
"Maintain your kit," Harris warned. "Replace batteries every six months and replace food items according to expiration dates."
Some disasters mean evacuating to a safe place. Each family should pre-determine their options in that situation, Harris said.
However, she warned, "If local officials ask you to evacuate, do so immediately. The authorities will not ask you to leave unless they determine that lives may be in danger."
In Texas, help can be just a phone call away. Harris advised keeping these numbers close to each phone, including cell phones:
- Emergency 911, the universal emergency telephone number in the United States;
- 211 Texas First Call For Help, for non-emergency information and referrals;
- Texas Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.
In addition, the Texas Department of State Health Services provides current information on emergency preparedness at its Web site: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/comprep.
The publication, "Preparing for the Unexpected," (B-6178) can be ordered on Extension's online Bookstore at http://tcebookstore.org.
It's never too early to start preparing for unexpected events, Harris said, adding that these steps might mean the difference between life and death.
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http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/HURC/Aug2007b.htm
Contact: Janie Harris, 979-845-3850,jl-harris@tamu.edu
