1.1. Even simple preparations for emergencies can help to save your life or at a least, reduce your discomfort. Few of us have really given much thought to what we need to do. Katrina and 9/11 should have taught us just how bad things can become.
1.2. Emergency Preparation exists at every level of government, Federal, State, County and Town. It is now very clear that it is always possible that a major disaster may overwhelm the best available resources. Our first responders have never been better prepared, trained and equipped. We can rely on them until the problem becomes even more than they can handle. Some simple personal preparations will enable us to better cope with whatever happens.
1.3. There are several aspects to personal emergency preparations.
1.4. First we need to make the mental preparation to understand and accept that in some cases the only intelligent action may be to evacuate our homes and move away from the hazard. A mandatory evacuation can be ordered and enforced by local officials or the need may become apparent. There may be little time to prepare for this. Our thinking should focus on the necessities of life, and then the simple things which will reduce discomfort, then what will be needed to restore normal activities.
2.1. We all should always have a small carry case with the personal items needed for 72 hours. These need to include the items that no service agency can supply. This must always be ready and very convenient. The goal is Grab and Go. The purpose is to have the necessities in place with no need to search and think. These include:
2.1.1. Required personal medications.
2.1.2. Information about required medications in case it is necessary to procure more
2.1.3. Copies of vital records: Home and Auto insurance, Lists of key phone numbers, driver license, good ID, proof that you live in the town (so that the police will let you return before access is generally opened up). All in a waterproof envelope.
2.1.4. Toilet kit for 72 hours, toothbrush, toothpaste, maybe a change of underclothes.
2.1.5. Flashlight, portable radio and spare batteries for both.
2.1.6. Spare car and home keys.
2.1.7. Some cash money.
2.1.8. Simple first aid kit, plastic work goggles, whistle.
2.1.9. Perhaps a few energy bars and a bottle of water.
2.1.10. Pick up appropriate outer clothing for the weather on the way out.
3.1. Change of clothes
3.2. Sleeping bag if you have one or some blankets.
3.3. Simple eating equipment, bowl, spoon, knife and fork.
3.4. If you are a camper, available normal camping equipment.
3.5. Regional road maps and a compass.
3.6. Water and food for a few days or a week. You can go tens of days without food, but only a few days without water.
3.7. Better first aid kit.
4.1. If you are not ordered to evacuate or are unable to or if electric power is lost or if the roads are closed or hazardous:
4.2. Always keep several days worth of food and water in the home. This is probably the same food and water as for the extended evacuation. Depending on the local situation you may prefer to think in terms of weeks.
4.3. Have some (safe) means of heating food that which requires cooking or heating..
4.4. Some way to staying adequately warm in cold weather.
4.5. Emergency lighting, avoid loose candles.
The American Red Cross “ARC” is responsible for Mass Care. In the past they have been adamant about refusing pets at mass care centers. Imagine the typical high school gym filled with rows of with cots and then add in dogs and cats. Pet owners need to make plans and arrangements with vets or other caretakers to place their animals in safety.
The first families to evacuate are much more likely to find a good place to stay. Waiting “just to be sure that there is a problem” is a poor strategy.
In the world of today, computer users will carry their laptop with their grab and go kit. Or at the least, take the last back-up disks.
Taking the cell phone(s) is a given.
In winter or storm seasons it is always a best practice to be sure that vehicles have at least a half tank of gas at all times.
Consider taking the Basic First Aid course AED, and CPR training. You could save your own life or the life of a loved one.
These resources often change over time. It may be necessary to do an Internet search on key words to find current resources.
6.1. Community Emergency Response Team “CERT” < https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm > This course prepares the citizen to better cope with disasters. This is normally a local course and is taught by experienced first responders. An on-line course is also available: < https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/training_mat.shtm >
6.2. DEMA Delaware Emergency Management Agency http://www.state.de.us/dema/
6.3. FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/
6.3.1. Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/supplykit.shtm
6.3.2. Your Family Disaster Plan: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18210
6.3.3. “Are you ready?”. http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/hurricanes.shtm
6.4. Sussex County, Delaware Department of Emergency Services http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/departments/index.cfm?id=27
6.5. Town of Bethany Beach http://www.townofbethanybeach.com/emergency_preparedness.shtml
6.6. American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/index.html
6.7. Red Cross Store (several package kits are offered, the user will have to add the personal medications, papers and keys.) https://www.redcrossstore.org/dp.aspx?pgid=-1