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Family Preparedness Guidelines

The Pamlico County Emergency Center strongly suggests you prepare both a disaster plan and a supplies kit for your family. This will give you and your family great peace of mind in the event your home is threatened by any kind of disaster.

PREPARE A FAMILY DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

Water Supply

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break.

	Keep at least a 72-hour (3-day) supply of water for each member of your household.
	Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two for food preparation/sanitation)

Food Supply

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods. Select foods that require no preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies kit:

	Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
	Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
	Staples-- sugar, salt, pepper
	High energy foods-- peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
	Vitamins
	Food for infants, elderly persons or other persons on special diets
	Comfort/stress foods-- cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags, etc.

Special Items

	Baby supplies (formula, diapers, powdered milk, medications, bottles)
	Prescriptions, special medications, eye care supplies, denture needs
	Important family documents

Tools and Emergency Supplies

	Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
	Emergency preparedness manual
	Battery operated radio and extra batteries
	Credit cards, cash or traveler's checks, change
	Non-electric can opener, utility knife
	Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
	Tube tent
	Pliers and shut-off wrench (to turn off utilities)
	Tape, paper, pencil
	Compass, signal flare, whistle
	Matches in a waterproof container
	Aluminum foil and plastic storage containers
	Plastic sheeting
	Needles, thread
	Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

	Toilet paper, towelettes
	Soap, liquid detergent
	Personal hygiene items
	Plastic garbage bags, twist ties (for personal sanitation uses)
	Plastic bucket with tight lid
	Disinfectant
	Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding

	Change of seasonal clothing
	Sturdy shoes or work boots
	Rain gear
	Blankets or sleeping bags
	Hat and gloves
	Thermal underwear
	Sunglasses

CREATE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN!

A disaster plan is important no matter where you live! Pamlico County has a good history in terms of experience with severe weather and natural disasters. It is important that residents not become complacent based on this. Fire is something that can affect any household at any time. The potential also exists for flood, severe thunderstorm, tropical storm, hurricanes and tornados.

	Find out which types of disasters might affect you and your family
	Consider how to prepare for each type of disaster
	Learn the different ways you would be warned of an emergency
	Learn your community's evacuation routes
	Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons

Contact The Pamlico County Emergency Management Office (252) 745-4131

Meet With Your Family

Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather,  and other emergencies which could occur.

	Explain how to prepare for and respond to each type of emergency.
	Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
	Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
	Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
	Teach children how and when to call 911, police and fire.
	Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
	Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate.
	Practice your plans of action.

Plan How Your Family Will Stay In contact If Separated

Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area); teach children your contact' phone numbers.

	Pick two emergency meeting locations:
	A location that is a safe distance from your home in case of a fire.
	A location outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.

Complete These Steps:

	Post emergency telephone numbers near every phone.
	Show family members how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches, and discuss when it is necessary to do so.
	Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries two times each year.
	Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
	Learn first-aid and CPR. Contact your locate American Red Cross chapter for information and training
	Keep family records in a water and fireproof container.

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