Calabash Fire Department

Emergency Planning Information

Create an Emergency Plan for your Household

Have a household meeting

Discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather and other emergencies. Determine how to respond to each. Plan for those with disabilities or other special needs. Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries. Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones and teach children how and when to call 911. Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.

Escape routes and safe spots

Draw a floor plan of your house and identify two ways out of each room. Identify safe spots for each type of disaster. Determine your evacuation route and the location of your nearest shelter.

Emergency contacts

Designate one Out-of-Town and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during an emergency. It is often easier to call long distance after a disaster. Ensure everyone knows this contact information.

Meeting places

Pick two emergency meeting places, one near your home in case of fire and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

Plan for pets

Take your pets with you if you evacuate but be aware that they are not usually allowed in shelters. Prepare a list of pet-friendly places.

Utilities

Show family members how to turn off water, gas and electricity at main switches. Keep any tools you need near gas and water shut off valves. Turn off utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged, you suspect a leak, or local officials instruct you to do so.

Fire extinguishers

Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguishers and where they are kept.

Action checklist - things to do before a disaster

Smoke alarms

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm. Test batteries regularly.

First Aid/CPR & AED (Automated External Defibrillation)

Take classes in basic first aid, CPR & AED.

Vital documents

Keep family documents in a waterproof and fireproof container. Consider keeping vital records such as birth and marriage certificates, deeds, wills and other financial or insurance documents in a safe deposit box.

Insurance coverage

Check if you have adequate coverage. Homeowners insurance may not cover flood damage or provide full coverage for other hazards.

Inventory home possessions

Make a record of your possessions to help claim reimbursement. Store this information in a safe location. Photographs or video as well as make or model numbers are useful. Keep copies of receipts or canceled checks.

Reduce home hazards

In a disaster even ordinary items can cause injury and damage. Take these steps to reduce your risk.

• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
• Fasten shelves securely and brace overhead light fixtures.
• Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Hang pictures and mirrors away from the bed.
• Strap water heater to wall studs.
• Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat sources.
• Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
• Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.

Disaster Supplies Kit

Every household should assemble a disaster supplies kit and keep it up to date. This is a collection of basic items needed to stay safe and be more comfortable during and after a disaster. Disaster supply kit items should be stored in a portable container. Review the contents of your kit every six months or if your family needs change. Also consider having emergency supplies in each vehicle and at your place of employment.

• Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
• Three-day supply of nonperishable food and manual can opener.
• Portable, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes and toilet paper).
• Matches in waterproof container.
• Whistle.
• Extra clothing and rain gear including sturdy shoes.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.
• Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries.
• Credit cards, cash and coins.
• Extra set of car keys.
• Provisions for your pets.
• Items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
• List of important family information: style & serial number of medical devices (such as pacemaker, hearing aid); emergency phone numbers; etc.
• Sunscreen and bug spray, shade items such as umbrellas, wide-brimmed hats etc.

Supplies for your vehicle include:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Bottled water and nonperishable foods such as granola bars.
• A small cooler makes an excellent container for food and water.
• Maps.
• White distress flag.
• Tire repair kit, booster/jumper cables, pump and flares.
• Shovel and rope.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.

Maintain your Plan

Quiz

Review your plan every six months and quiz your family about what to do.

Drill

Conduct fire and emergency drills regularly.

Restock

Check food and supplies for expiration dates or replace stored food and water every six months.

Test

Read the indicator on your fire extinguishers and follow the manufacturer's instructions to recharge. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every ten years.