Emergency Preparedness
A lesson outline
Objective: Learn and apply the
principles of Emergency Preparedness.
Principle: Being prepared for
any emergency gives us peace of mind.
Have you ever
found yourself suddenly without power at home in the middle of winter? Did you
have a flashlight with working batteries? Did you have a source of heat? Did
you have food to eat that didn’t have to be cooked? Did you have an alternative
source to run medical equipment?
The Lord has
admonished us to “prepare every needful thing” (D&C 109:8) and has promised that “if ye are prepared ye
shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).
Discussion A:
What kinds of emergencies or
disasters should we be prepared for? (Answers could include: Snowstorms, power
outages, fire, tornadoes aftermath,
earthquakes, transportation and shipping halts, floods, shortages,
chemical spillage, evacuations, water contamination, etc.)
Discussion B: Why is it
important to know about the different kinds of
potential disasters in our area?
Learning about
the different disasters that can happen in our area will help us to know how to
prepare. For example, If there is earthquake, we need to know how to shut off
gas valves and to have the right tool available. If there is a house fire, do
you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Do you have one available?
Discussion C:
How can I begin to prepare
for an emergency?
Please do not go
into debt gathering your supplies. Make a plan and have a place to store the
items. Then begin to add to your kit as you can.
1.
Get Informed. Learn what you need to know to be
prepared in various emergency situations. Discuss with your family the
disasters that can happen where you live. Establish responsibilities for each
member of your household and plan to work together as a team
2. Make
a Plan. Once you learn a little about your chosen area of emergency
preparedness, make a plan for getting ready. Talk with family members about
your plan and consider the needs and responsibilities of all involved. Choose two
places to meet after a disaster:
§ Right outside
your home, in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.
§ Outside your
neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate your
neighborhood.
Choose an
out-of-area contact for all members of the family to call in case of disaster.
The selected contact person should live far enough away that they would be
unaffected by the same event, and they should know they are the chosen contact.
Remember that during a disaster, it may be easier to make a long distance phone
call than to call across town. Having predetermined meeting places will save
time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or if the area is
evacuated.
3. Carry
Out the Plan. If your emergency preparedness plan calls for purchasing
supplies, making a kit, gathering information, or completing a task, begin
small and build from there.
Discussion D: What should
I include in my Emergency preparedness kit?
There are many
computer websites that have information on survival kits and the county
extension office may have brochures available. Also the Red Cross is a valuable
resource. A kit should be tailored to
the individual and family. Are there children or a bed-ridden person? Evaluate
your needs and plan accordingly. A basic kit is included in the Handout.
Discussion E. How do I store my kit? After gathering the supplies, put them in a
sturdy container such as a plastic bin, duffle bag, backpack, etc. Some families
have a separate backpack for each family member and a large duffle bag for the
additional items, such at a tent, cook stove, fuel, tools, etc. Store these in
a convenient place that can be reached if there is an emergency. For example,
under a bed, a closet, at the front door, on shelves. Kits should also be available in a school
locker, the car, place of work, etc.
What will you do
if disaster strikes your neighborhood: a fire, a riot, a flood, a tornado, a
hurricane, or an earthquake? The most critical need for help after the disaster
is during the first 72 hours, yet community and government assistance will
probably not be available during this period.
By heeding the
words of the prophets to be prepared we will be ready should anything happen.
We will have peace of mind and “shall not fear.”
Handout
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT CONTENTS
Whether
purchasing an official Red Cross preparedness kit or assembling your own,
your family's kit should contain items that enable you to provide comfort for
everyday scrapes or treat life-threatening emergencies.
A
standard preparedness kit should include the following items.
§
Water - You and your family may be
without water for days in the aftermath of a disaster. The Red Cross recommends
that each person store one gallon of water per day for at least three days.
This supply will provide water for drinking as well as limited cleaning and
cooking.
§
Food - When preparing for a
disaster, store at least three days of non-perishable, nutritious food that
requires little or no water or cooking to prepare. Don't forget to store a
manual can opener with non-perishable food items. When assembling items,
remember that you and your family may be without water, gas, or electricity for
an unknown period of time. You may already have many of these on hand.
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits,
vegetables and a can opener
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods
§ Medications - When assembling a
preparedness kit for you and your family, remember that pharmacies may be
closed in the wake of a disaster. Be sure to include a week's supply of
prescription and over-the-counter medications. Also keep a list of all
medications and dosages, allergies, doctors' names, and nearby hospitals.
§
Radio - Your home, or even
neighborhood, may lose power in the aftermath of a disaster. Keep a
battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your kit. Have extra batteries in your
kit.
§
First
Aid Kit - Injuries
are a common occurrence in a disaster. Be prepared to treat yourself, your
loved ones, and others who need help.
§
Personal
Documents - You and
your family may be displaced after a disaster. Be prepared, ensuring you have
all necessary records with you - ID, passport, birth certificate, social
security number, and insurance policies.
§
Also keep an extra set of eye glasses, contact lenses, a cane, hearing aid batteries, or any other personal items you may need.
§
Contact
Info - Keep a
list of family phone numbers and addresses as well as a copy of your out-of-area
emergency contact card in your preparedness kit. Note that it is often easier
to make a long-distance call rather than a local call after a disaster strikes.
§
Map - Include a detailed map of
the surrounding areas with highlighted evacuation routes. Following a disaster,
roads may be closed and travel out of the affected area may not be possible.
Become familiar with alternate routes to and from your home.
§
Money - Following a disaster, banks
and ATMs may be closed. Keep small bills and change on hand to buy necessary
supplies like water. Travelers checks can also be used.
§
Clothing - You and your family may be
forced to evacuate your home in a hurry without time to pack accordingly. Keep
an extra set of warm clothes and sturdy shoes in your preparedness kit to
ensure you're equipped to evacuate if needed.
§
Sanitary
Supplies - Include
extra toilet paper, moist towlettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene
products, bleach, and any other personal products you may need in your
preparedness kit.
§
Pet
Supplies - Remember
to include your pets in the plan. Make sure to assemble things your pets will
need during a disaster, like food, leashes, medicine, etc.
§
Tools - Keep an adjustable wrench
in your preparedness kit to turn off your gas if necessary. Other tools may
include a manual can opener, plastic sheeting, garbage bags with ties, and duct
tape, dust mask,.
§ Flashlight
and extra batteries
§ Whistle to signal for help
§ Cell
phone with chargers,
inverter or solar charger
Once
you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to
consider adding the following:
·
Infant formula and diapers
·
Emergency
reference material such as a first aid
book
·
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional
bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
·
Complete
change of clothing including a long
sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you
live in a cold-weather climate.
·
Household
chlorine bleach and medicine dropper
– When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a
disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16
drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use
scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
·
Fire extinguisher
·
Matches in a waterproof container
·
Candles
·
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper
towels and plastic utensils
·
Paper and pencil, pencil sharpener or
knife
·
Books, games, puzzles or other activities
for children
·
Other tools such as a knife, ax, small
shovel
·
CANNED HEAT (STERNO) – This can be purchased at most
sporting goods stores as well as most grocery stores. You will need to store 1
large can per person per day.
Or a BUDDY
BURNER – Select a shallow can (tuna, cat food, etc.) and insert coil of
corrugated cardboard the height of the can. Pour melted paraffin to partially
fill can. Allow to harden. Birthday candle in center will help light. A lid on
the can with a wire handle will help control the heat.
VAGABOND STOVE – Use a number 10 can. Cut opening
around the top of the can with a can opener punch. This is to provide a draft
or your fire. Then cut an opening at the bottom of the can large enough to fit
the Buddy Burner or a small fire. Cook on top.
Makeshift Toilet
Assembling your
own toilet requires just two parts: a 5-gallon bucket and a plastic toilet seat
with a lid.
To make the most
out of your toilet, gather the following items and keep them in your bucket
until you need to use it:
Several boxes of
8-gallon garbage bags. Use a garbage bag to line the bucket before use.
Kitty litter.
Store it in an empty two-liter bottle and shake it into the toilet after each
use to reduce odors.
Toilet paper.
Put a roll into a plastic zippered baggie and squeeze the air out of the bag.
This will protect your toilet paper and allow you to keep various rolls in the
bucket.
Disinfecting
wipes or hand sanitizer. Use these if you can’t wash your hands.
Air freshener.
One roll of
paper towels.
After a few
uses, tie off the bag and throw it in your garbage can. Perfect! Once you’ve
assembled your toilet, you’re taking care of No. 1 by planning for No. 2!
The above items
were taken in part from the following websites:
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1549-20490-4633/areyouready_full.pdf Full manual from fema
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