by Cherry Kelly

Created on: August 31, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

Home disaster preparation requires advance planning, yet many do not prepare or have some simple plans for such events. Advance warnings will allow more time to gather those items of greatest value to you and your family. But what if there is very little warning?
Plans are simple:
Family members should each have a pre-packed backpack with at lease one change of clothes and essential personal medical items. Other small items to include would be: flashlights (such as the shake and light - no batteries required), small valuables, picture IDs, bottled water and some cash.

One or two backpacks depending on the size of your family should also be located where they are easy to grab. One or two food packs with non-perishable foods such as nutrition bars, small medical first-aid kit, and bottled water should be prepared ahead of time. (NOTE: foods and water should be updated regularly and replaced as needed.)
Preparing your home may or may not be a possibility. Fireproof safes for essential papers (certificates, bank, insurances, ownerships, etc.) and disked copies from your computers go there. SAVE all essential files from your computer to backup discs - every week, exchanging them often and placed in your fire safe. A small fire safe that can be easily carried with you is the best.
Boarding up windows and doors can be done if time permits. Keep the boards along with hammer/nails/screws in one place for quick access.
Do a dry run on your escape preparations so you will know how much time is required to get everyone to safety. This should be done randomly in both a daytime situation as well as nighttime.

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