FAMILY PLANNING
FOR DISASTERS AND SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

 Dallas Fire-Rescue
Office of Emergency Preparedness

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Planning for the future always makes good sense.  In an uncertain world filled with the potential for a variety of disasters, it is extremely important that families prepare in a way that can be both effective and flexible. 

In all major emergencies, Dallas response forces, such as police, fire, local utility companies and the American Red Cross, can be expected to handle major problems and work toward restoration of basic services.  You can make plans now to assure that your family remains safe and to reduce the impact from the temporary loss of services.

STAYING INFORMED

The immediate precautionary actions that may become necessary to keep your family safe are dependent on the type of disaster and your proximity to the incident.  Stay tuned to local news-oriented radio or television stations whenever a major threat is occurring or is imminent. 

Whether it be a tornadic storm or a vehicular accident involving hazardous chemicals, the local media can quickly be counted on to provide information from local officials.  Information about the extent of the threat and any precautionary actions that may be necessary for persons in affected areas can be passed on to viewers and listeners.  Follow recommended precautionary actions quickly and calmly.  Evacuate immediately if told to do so.

 Do not call 9-1-1 for information.  It should be dialed only for emergencies.

Do not use your telephone during a disaster to get information.  Use your telephone only to report important events such as fires, flash floods, tornado sightings, structural damage, to request an ambulance or for any other life threatening emergencies.

HELPING YOUR NEIGHBORS

Working with neighbors can save lives and property.  Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives.  If you’re a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a homeowners association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity.  Know your neighbors’ special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.  Make plans for childcare in case parents cannot get home.

PREPARING IN ADVANCE

Many of the services that we take for granted can be affected by disasters.  Telecommunications, transportation, gas and electrical power, water, health care, and the supply of food and other basic commodities are frequently subject to disruption following a disaster event.  People living in areas impacted by disasters areas often find themselves temporarily without basic necessities until services are fully restored.

Develop a disaster plan for your family.  Your plan should consider each of the following actions to prepare for possible disruption of services:

• Keep a battery-powered radio available for use if commercial power is disrupted.
• Stock disaster supplies to last several days to a week for yourself and those who live with you.  This includes having nonperishable foods, stored water, sanitation supplies, a first aid kit and an ample supply of prescriptions and nonprescription medications that your family regularly uses.
• Keep your automobile gas tank above half full and maintain an extra set of car keys.
• Have plenty of flashlights and extra batteries on hand.  Don’t use candles for emergency lighting.
• As you would in preparation for a storm of any kind, have some extra cash or traveler’s checks on hand in case electronic transactions involving ATM cards, credit cards, and the like cannot be processed.  Plan to keep cash or traveler’s checks in a safe place.
• In case the power fails, plan to use alternative cooking devices in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.  Don’t use open flames or charcoal grills indoors.
• Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves to keep warm.  Do not use gas-fueled appliances like an oven, as an alternative heating source.  The same goes for wood-burning or liquid-fueled heating devices that are not designed to be used in a residential structure.  Camp stoves and heaters should only be used out of doors in a well-ventilated area.
• Examine your smoke alarms now.  If you have smoke alarms that are hard-wired into your home’s electrical system (most newer ones are), check to see if they have battery back-ups.  Every fall, replace all batteries in all smoke alarms as a general fire safety precaution.
• Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches.  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.

• Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones and teach your children how and when to call for help. 
• Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
• Make arrangements for pets if you have to leave your home.