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 ARE YOU READY? (PART SEVENTEEN)

Take steps now to prepare for the next predicted major earthquake or other disaster.

Disaster Preparedness Checklist

    Getting prepared to respond to disasters is a commitment. Most of us would rather not think about what might happen to ourselves or families in case of a disaster. Yet little compares to the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.

    To assist you in this process we are providing a checklist you can use to begin this process. By setting goals and specific dates you make it likelier that these steps will take place. We also suggest that you share this list with a family member or friend, so you can encourage each other to take these actions. Getting prepared can be expensive -- plan to do it over a few months to offset the cost.
PLANNING:  I will do by (date)   +Done 
+ Discuss preparedness with family  _______  _____ 
+ Set up/practice exit routes from home  _______  _____ 
+ Set up a family reunification plan with out-of-area or state contact  _______  _____ 
+ Make plans for child and/or pet care (discuss with school/childcare facility)  _______  _____ 
+ Secure your home and belongings  _______  _____ 
+ Develop emergency supply kit for car  _______  _____ 
+ Develop emergency supply kit for work  _______  _____ 
+ Develop emergency supply kit for home  _______  _____ 
HAZARD:  I will do by (date)   +Done 
+ Inspect home or building for unsafe construction (unreinforced masonry, nonductile concrete, location on landfill)  _______  _____ 
+ Bolt wood frame buildings to foundation  _______  _____ 
+ Secure water heater to wall  _______  _____ 
+ Insure all gas appliances have flexible gas lines with individual shutoffs  _______  _____ 
+ Remove toxic and flammable materials from home (place in garage/shed with good ventilation, on low shelves, with secure covers, away from incompatible chemicals)  _______  _____ 
+ Clear a path at home for safe exit  _______  _____ 
+ Move bed away from windows  _______  _____ 
+ Fasten hanging mirrors and picture frames  _______  _____ 
+ Secure file cabinets, bookcases, shelves, cabinets to the wall  _______  _____ 
+ Attach or remove heavy objects from shelves, cabinets and bookcases  _______  _____ 
+ Secure appliances and computers with velcro-type fasteners  _______  _____ 
+ Safety latches on kitchen cabinets  _______  _____ 
SUPPLIES:  I will do by (date)   +Done 
+ Flashlight with batteries (in car, at work, in each bedroom, in entrance to area with utility shutoffs, in entrance to home)  _______  _____ 
+ Portable radio with batteries  _______  _____ 
+ Extra batteries  _______  _____ 
+ 3 gallons of water per person -- replace every 6 months  _______  _____ 
+ 1 gallon of water at work and in car  _______  _____ 
+ Nonperishable food for 3 days  _______  _____ 
+ Manual can opener  _______  _____ 
+ First aid kit  _______  _____ 
+ Record of prescription medications, medical conditions  _______  _____ 
+ 2-week supply of prescription medications  _______  _____ 
+ Important phone numbers, out-of-town contact, doctor and hospital  _______  _____ 
+ Whistle (with key chain)  _______  _____ 
+ Extra pair of glasses  _______  _____ 
+ Heavy shoes in plastic bag, tied to bed  _______  _____ 
+ Walking shoes (at work and in car)  _______  _____ 
+ Extra jacket and plastic bags for impromptu poncho (in car and at work)  _______  _____ 
+ Extra clothing  _______  _____ 
+ Blankets  _______  _____ 
+ Fire extinguisher (3A40BC) -- check every 6 months  _______  _____ 
+ Large plastic bags (2mm gauge+)  _______  _____ 
+ Water purification tablets or chlorine  _______  _____ 
+ Tools, including crowbar and crescent wrench  _______  _____ 
+ Extra batteries for medical devices (e.g., hearing aids, wheelchairs)  _______  _____ 
+ Special arrangements for life support equipment  _______  _____ 
+ Manual wheelchair for powerchair users  _______  _____ 
TRAINING:  I will do by (date)   +Done 
+ NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Training, 415/558-3459 in San Francisco)  _______  _____ 
+ First Aid  _______  _____ 
+ Advanced First Aid  _______  _____ 
+ CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)  _______  _____ 
+ Search and Rescue  _______  _____ 
    - Adapted from a handout developed by Pam Brett, MSW, of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Disaster readiness tips provided by Mission NERT.

    For more information on NERT and to find out about the next class in your San Francisco neighborhood, please see www.sfgov.org/site/sfnert.
See also: Disaster Readiness Tips
    Part 01: Take steps now to prepare for a disaster
    Part 02: Planning: the key to surviving any disaster
    Part 03: Reunification Plans (where to meet following a disaster)
    Part 04: 72-Hour Emergency Supply Kit
    Part 05: Prepare your home for the big one!
    Part 06: Safety survey of your home
    Part 07: Disaster prep for pets
    Part 08: Medical preparedness
    Part 09: Be ready for a power outage!
    Part 10: Fire prevention and response during a disaster
    Part 11: Water storage and purification
    Part 12: How to handle utility shutoffs (part I: gas shutoff)
    Part 13: Utility shutoffs (part II: electricity & water)
    Part 14: Know your neighbors
    Part 15: Office “get home” kit
    Part 16: Emergency car kit
    Part 17: Disaster Preparedness Checklist
- Hardware Hotline  March, 2000
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