September 2005

Harvard Medical school offers family disaster planning guide

[Boston, Mass.] Like millions of others in this country, our thoughts are with the survivors of hurricane Katrina. We encourage you to contribute to the response in whatever way you can. No matter where you live in the United States, you are vulnerable to some sort of natural disaster such as a blizzard, earthquake, flood, hurricane, or tornado. In addition, terrorist attacks on America are also possible. Both natural disasters and terrorist attacks can disrupt power, communication, and transportation for days or even longer. It is best to be prepared in advance so that if a disaster occurs, you know what to do and have the supplies you need on hand. Regardless of the type of event, the three-step plan created by the editors of Harvad Health Publications at Harvard Medical School will help you cope.

You can download the 2-page plan for free at www.health.harvard.edu/disaster. Readers are also permitted and encouraged to share the plan with friends and family.

Editors: The full text of the download is below. Please feel free to republish portions or its entirety. We recognize that space limitations may preclude your running the entire article so we have posted the document on our server to be downloaded freely. You may also download the PDF to post on your site, provided that you do not charge readers to download it, and that it is properly attributed.



Preparing for Disaster: 3 Step Plan

1) Collect disaster supplies
The devastating hurricane Katrina is graphic evidence of just how disruptive natural disasters can be. Those affected are without electricity, water, stoves, phone and even shelter. To be prepared, collect the following items and store them so that you can find them easily in an emergency -- but not so easily that you end up raiding and depleting the supplies without realizing it. Some people store these items in a section of the basement or a closet that is used infrequently. Decide what will work best for you.
Disaster-supply list

Kits for sale
The American Red Cross sells first-aid kits and emergency preparedness kits for home use, and a basic disaster-supply kit especially designed for the workplace. Order online at www.redcross.org or obtain through your local Red Cross chapter.

2) Create a portable supply kit
In case you have to evacuate your home, it is good to put the supplies you think you would need the most in a portable container. Some people try to fit all of the supplies listed above in a large rolling trashcan with a lid or a large rolling cooler. Another option is to store the items in several small coolers or boxes. Think about what supplies you need, what you can reasonably carry or store in your car, and how many people will be available to help you transport the supplies.

3) Develop and practice an emergency plan
All the planning in the world won't do much good if you don't practice ahead of time. Not only does this enable you to go through your plan while you're calm and thinking clearly, but it also enables you to fine-tune it before you have to put it into action.
  • Practice the plan at least once a year.

    When disaster strikes

    Your first-aid kit
    Minor injuries can be treated at home if you have the right supplies on hand. You can purchase most of these items at your local pharmacy or supermarket, and then place them in a sealed container to keep them clean. A fishing tackle box, for instance, would work well as a first-aid kit. Remember to store your first-aid kit in a location you can reach quickly in an emergency.

    Wound care

    Medications

    Other supplies