Wilson County Home Wilson County Commissioners Ellis Williford About Wilson County Departments Wilson County Contacts
Your
Family Disaster Plan

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers.


Include:

A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.

One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.

A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.

Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.

An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.

Sanitation supplies.

Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

An extra pair of glasses.

Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.


Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members as well. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.

Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off you will need a professional to turn it back on.
4
Steps to Safety


Find Out What Could Happen to You
Contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and American Red Cross chapter -- be prepared to take notes:

Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.

Learn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.

Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside		 emergency shelters due to health regulations.

Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.

Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.



Create a Disaster Plan

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

Pick two places to meet:

1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.

2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

 Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.



Website ©2000 County of Wilson, NC. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer. Send questions or comments to the Webmaster.
101 North Goldsboro Street * P.O. Box 1728 * Wilson NC 27894-1728
Page last updated December 14, 2000.