Tip #1

Take a moment to imagine that there is an emergency such as a fire in your home. You will need to evacuate quickly. What are the best escape routes from your home? Find at least two ways out of each room. Now that you have a plan, practice that plan.

Tip #2

Pick a place to meet after a disaster. Choose two meeting places. One should be right outside your home, in case of a sudden household emergency, such as a fire. The second place you choose needs to be outside your neighborhood, in the event that it is not safe to stay near or return to your home.

Tip #3

Choose an emergency contact person outside your area. It may be easier to call long distance than locally after a local/regional disaster. Take a minute to contact this person to make sure that it is ok that you are using them as the family out of town contact. Be sure to share the contacts phone number with everyone in the family. During and emergency, you can call your contact who can share with other family members where you are; how you are doing; and how to get in contact with you.

Tip #4

Complete and emergency contact card and make copies for each member of the family to carry. Be sure to include the out of town contact person's number on the card. You should also have at least one traditionally wired landline phone, as cordless or cellular phones may not work in an emergency.

Tip #5

Most emergency shelters do not admit pets. Find out in advance how to care for your pets and working animals when disaster strikes. Pets should not be left behind, but they could be taken to a veterinary office, family members home or animal shelter during an emergency. Also be sure to store extra food, water and toys for pets.

Tip #6

Put a reminder on your calendar that every six months you need to review your family emergency plan, update numbers, and check supplies to be sure nothing has expired, spoiled, or changed. Also remember to practice your tornado, fire escape or other disaster plans.

Tip #7

Find out what the emergency plan is at your child's school. You can check the schools website or ask the school directly. Keep a copy at home and at your work place. Make sure that other members of your family know what the plan is as well. You should also learn about disaster plans at your work place or at other places where you and your family spend time such as the mall, your church or sporting venues.

Tip #8

Teach your children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Service number for help. Post these and other emergency numbers by telephones.

Tip #9

PRACTICE - Conduct fire drills and practice evacuating your home at least twice a year. Plan an evacuation route and drive this route and also plan an alternate route in cane main roads are blocked or gridlocked. Practice earthquake and tornado drills at home, school and work. Keep telephone numbers and emergency supplies updated. Review these plans with everyone and make sure everyone knows how to access the emergency supplies.

Tip #10

Work within your community to make sure your entire community is prepared. You can do this by:

• Plan with your neighbors how you can work together during an emergency.
• Find out if anyone has specialized equipment such as a power generator, or expert medical knowledge that may help in a crisis.
• Plan on who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors.

Tip #11

Do you know the emergency plan for your workplace? Many employees do not know what their workplace plan is for major or minor disasters. You should know multiple ways to exit your building, you should participate in all workplace evacuation drills, and you should consider keeping some emergency supplies in your office.

Tip #12

You should have an emergency supply kit in your home to sustain your family for a minimum of three days. Please log on to the State of Tennessee Homeland Security website or onto Ready.gov to find a listing of supplies for your kit. Remember that each kit should be tailored to fit your particular circumstances. Keep these items in an easy to carry container such as a covered trash container on wheels, a large backpack, or a duffle bag.

Tip #13

Begin preparing your emergency kit a little at a time so it will be less expensive to compile your kit. Begin by purchasing small quantities of food at a time such as:

• Items that have a long shelf life and will not spoil
• Items that you and your family like
• Items that can be easily stored and do not require cooking
• Items that have a low salt content as salty foods will make your more thirsty

Keep this list with you and pick up a few items each time you shop or when you see a sale until you have built up a well stocked supply that can sustain your family for three days.

Tip #14

Make sure that your family first aid kit is adequately stocked. If not then purchase supplies a little at a time until the kit is well stocked. You can check the Tennessee Homeland Security website or the Ready.gov website or www.Redcross.org for a list of items you should have in your first aid kit. Consider creating a first aid kit for each of your family's vehicles and one for your office.

Tip #15

Keep at least a three day supply of water per person. You will need to store a minimum of one gallon per person per day. Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water daily. Children, nursing mothers, and people who are sick will need more than this amount. Environment and activity level may also change the amount of water needed daily. You should determine if your family will need more than the minimum amount.

Tip #16

You will also need to include sanitation items in your kit for family members. You may want to consider the following items.

• Toilet paper, towelettes
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation use)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach (plain)

Tip #17

Include at least one complete change of clothes and footwear for each person in the emergency supply kit. Long pants and long sleeved shirts are recommended after a disaster for additional protection after a disaster. Following is a list of recommended items:

• Clothing and Bedding
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Emergency Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

Tip #18

You should also keep a smaller version of your emergency supply kit in your vehicle, in case you are commuting or traveling when an emergency or disaster strikes. You may also want to consider keeping a small amount of cash on hand in this kit.

Tip #19

Read information that is posted on your city, county or state government websites as well as the "Be Prepared" section of www.redcross.org or Ready.gov and print emergency preparedness information. Be sure to keep a copy with your disaster supplies kit.

Tip #20

When water is of questionable purity, it is easier to use bottled water for drinking and cooking if available. When it is not available, it is important to know how to treat contaminated water. In addition to having a bad odor and taste, water from questionable sources may be contaminated by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and parasites that cause disease such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. All water of uncertain purity should be treated before use.

Tip #21

A combination of the following methods can be used to purify water:

• Filter: Filter the water using a piece of cloth or a coffee filter to remove solid particles
• Boil: Bring the water to a rolling boil for about one full minute. Cool it and pour it back and forth between two clean containers to improve its taste before drinking it.
• Chlorinate:
  • Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of plain liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Stir to mix. Sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to 6% should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be any added soap or fragrances. A major bleach manufacturer has also added Sodium Hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose a health risk for water treatment.
  • Let stand for 30 minutes
  • If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, add 16 more drops (1/8 teaspoon) of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Let stand for 30 minutes and smell it again. If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.

Flood Water can be contaminated by toxic chemicals. DO NOT try to treat flood water.

Tip #22

If possible during some emergencies, you may be required to turn off your utilities. To be prepared to shut off utilities, you should:

• Locate the electric, gas and water shut off valves
• Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut off valves
• Teach adult family members how to turn off utilities

If you turn off the gas, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt this yourself.

Tip #23

Understand that during and emergency you may be asked to "Shelter-in-place" or evacuate. Plan for both possibilities and be prepared to listen to instructions from your local emergency management officials. Visit Ready.gov and www.redcross.org/preparedness for more information on sheltering-in-place.

Tip #24

Disasters may cause significant financial losses. Your home may be severely damaged. You may be forced to take temporary housing. Your income may be cut off or significantly reduced. Important financial records could be destroyed. Take time to assess your situation and ask questions. To help with these issues, use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit, a tool developed by Operation Hope, FEMA, and Citizen Corps.

Tip #25

Learn the earthquake risk in your area by contacting your local emergency management office, the local American Red Cross chapter, or state geological survey or department of natural resources. Information about earthquake risk is also available from the U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazards project.

Tip #26

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. As much as 90 percent of the damage related to all natural disasters (excluding draught) is caused by floods and associated debris flow. The rule for being safe in a flood is simple, head for higher ground and stay away from flood water. Even a shallow depth of fast moving floodwater produces more force than most people imagine. Protect your self and family by being prepared and having time to act. Local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather radio are the best sources of information in a flood situation.

Tip #27

When there is a concern about a potential exposure to a chemical or other airborne hazard, local officials may advise you to "shelter-in-place" and "seal the room." This is different from taking shelter on the lowest level of your home in case of a natural disaster like a tornado. If you believe the air may be badly contaminated or if you are instructed by local officials, follow the instructions in the next tip to create a barrier between you and the contaminated air outside.

Tip #28

Following are instructions on how to "shelter-in-place" and "seal-the-room"

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
• Close the fireplace damper
• Get your disaster supply kit and turn on your battery or hand cranked powered radio.
• Go to an interior room that is above ground level and without windows, if possible. In the case of a chemical threat, an above ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
• If directed by local authorities on the radio, use duct tape to seal all cracks around the door and vents into the room. Tape pre-cut, pre-labeled plastic sheeting, such as heavy duty plastic garbage bags, over any windows.
• Listen to your radio or television for further instructions. Local officials will tell you when it is safe to leave the room in which you are sheltering, or they may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

Tip #29

If there is an explosion:

• Take shelter against your desk or other sturdy furniture
• Exit the building immediately
• Do not use elevators
• Check for fire and other hazards
• Take your emergency supply kit if time allows

If there is a fire:

• Exit the building immediately
• If there is smoke, crawl under the smoke to the nearest exit and use a cloth, if possible, to cover your nose and mouth.
• Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts of closed doors.
• If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open it slowly.
• If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out.
• Do not use elevators
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop-drop-and roll to put out the fire. Do not run
• If you are at home, go to your previously designated outside meeting place
• Account for family members and carefully supervise small children
• GET OUT and STAY OUT. Never go back into a burning building
• Call 911 or your local emergency number

Tip #30

Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious. Most likely local heath care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness or a wave of sick people seeking medical attention. The best source of information will be the radio or television report. For more information on this type of threat, please visit the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security or Ready.gov. If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby, take the following steps:

• Quickly get away
• Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Otherwise, several layers of tissue or paper towels may help
• Wash with soap and water
• Contact authorities
• Watch TV, listen to radio, or check the Internet for official news and information including what signs and symptoms of the disease are, if medications or vaccinations are being distributed and where you should seek medical attention if you become sick
• If you become sick seek emergency medical attention.