Emergency Management Preparedness

Disasters can happen at any time. Preparation is the key to your survival and comfort during and after a major emergency or disaster. It is best to have a family disaster supply kit ready before an emergency strikes. The kit should contain items needed for a minimum of 72 hours.

The following is a basic list of items needed.

Food and Water:

• Ready to eat canned fruit, vegetable and meats

• Canned juices, milk & soup

• High-energy foods such as peanut butter, crackers, granola bars

• "Comfort-stress" foods -- cookies, hard candies, sweetened cereals, instant coffee and tea bags

• Non-electric can opener

• Disposable paper cups, plates, bowls and plastic utensils

• Sugar, salt and pepper

• Food for infants, such as canned formula, etc.

• Water: At least one (1) gallon per person per day for three-days

 Tools and Supplies:

• First Aid Kit: Capable of handling minor cuts, burns, and wounds.

• Sunscreen, non-prescription drugs, aspirin, anti-diarrhea, antacid etc.

• Mess kits (pots and pans and cooking utensils)

• Basic first aid book

• Toilet paper

• Battery operated radio, flashlight & extra batteries,

• Towelettes

• Cash or traveler's checks

• Soap, liquid detergent

• Fire extinguisher (ABC type);

• Feminine supplies

• Tarp, pliers, tape and compass;

• Personal hygiene items

• Matches in waterproof container;

• Plastic garbage bags/ties

• Aluminum foil, plastic storage containers;

• Plastic bucket w/lid

• Map of the area (for locating shelters)

• Disinfectant

• Paper, pencil, needles, thread;

• Chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding:

• Plastic Sheeting

• Sturdy shoes or work boots;

• Hat and gloves

• Rain gear;

• Thermal underwear

• Blankets or sleeping bags;

• Sunglasses

Important Family Documents:

• Games and books

• Will, insurance policies, contracts,

• Deeds, stocks and bonds

• Passports,

• Social security cards,

• Immunization records.

• Bank account numbers.

• Credit card account numbers and companies.

• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers.

• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

To get started, meet with your family. Discuss the types of disasters that could occur. Explain how to prepare and respond. Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate and practice what you have discussed.

Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster. Pick two meeting places. 1) A location a safe distance from your home in case of fire. 2) A place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.

Complete these steps. Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone. Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas and electricity at main switches. Install a smoke detector on each level of your home. Contact you local fire department to learn about home fire hazards. Learn first aid and CPR.

Meet with your neighbors. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster. Know your neighbors' skills (medical, technical). Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans for childcare in case parents can't get home.

Deltona has several emergency shelters that are activated as needed during a disaster. The risk shelters for hurricane events are opened on an as needed basis. Not all shelters are opened during an emergency. Be sure to check with Emergency Management officials, or your local radio station to be sure of what to do prior to and during an emergency.

Shelter information points are located at the following locations:

Deltona High School - 100 Wolf Pack Run, Deltona

Pine Ridge High School - 925 Howland Blvd., Deltona