Preparing your family for emergencies

Published August 2004. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalogFloods. Earthquakes. Winter storms. Fire. Hazardous spills. Public safety issues. Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. They can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.\ud What would you do if basic services—water, gas, electricity, or telephones—were cut off for an indefinite period? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Families can—and do—cope with disaster by\ud preparing in advance and working together as a team. The American Red Cross recommends everyone be prepared for self-sufficiency for up\ud to 3 days. Knowing your responsibility and what to do is your best protection