Community resources: - Christiana Care Health System

Disaster planning (emergency preparedness)In an emergency there is seldom time to act. Planning ahead is a good way to protect yourself ifdisaster strikes. Use the tips below to create your own emergency plan.Know your emergency resources:KYW Radio Station 1060 a.m.American Red Cross: (302) 656-6620 or (800) 777-6620.Delaware Division of Public Health: (302) 744-4700.Fire and Police: 911.Create an emergency plan:Meet with family members to discuss how to respond in the event of a fire, severe weather,earthquake or other emergencies.Discuss how to handle power outages or personal injury.Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes for each room.Keep emergency telephone numbers near your phone. Include one out-of-state family memberor friend to call if separated during a disaster since it is often easier to call out-of-state during adisaster.Teach children how and when to call 911. Also teach them how to call the emergency contactperson (family or friend) in the event of an emergency.Choose one emergency meeting place near your home in case of fire, and another outside yourneighborhood in case disaster prevents your return home.Keep family records in a water and fire-proof container.Take a basic CPR or first aid course.Gather disaster supplies:Drinking water – 1 gallon per person per day.Canned food and a manual can opener (soups, stews, baked beans, pasta, meat, tuna,vegetables and fruit).Dry goods (crackers, honey, peanut butter, syrup, jam, salt, pepper, sugar, instant coffee, tea).Clothing and footwear.Blankets or sleeping bags.Prescription medications and a first aid kit.A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.An extra set of car keys and cash or credit cards.A list of family physicians or important health information including serial numbers for medicaldevices such as a pacemaker.Special items for children, elderly or disabled family members.Contact the closest hospital for emergency medicine and life-support equipment.11