Personal Planning for Crisis Events & Natural Disasters

1. Personal Planning forCrisis Events & Natural Disasters Prepared by: Professor Ray Mattix January 2008 Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line.  On target.  www.csp.edu/cj

2. Introduction • The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks along with recent natural disasters have demonstrated the importance of anticipating crisis events. • The goal of this presentation is to provide information and suggestions on taking the first steps in developing a Family Crisis Response Plan. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

3. Why plan? • Although some crisis events can be predicted, others cannot. In either case the crisis typically unfolds with great speed and under extremely stressful and confusing conditions. • By developing and practicing a Family Crisis Response Plan you can achieve a state of readiness that lessens the likelihood of tragedy. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

4. What should I do first? • Formulate a communications plan for your family. • This should include contact information for work and school and telephone numbers for family and friends who live out of town. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

5. What’s next? • Make a list of phone numbers for emergency service professionals and give them to family members. These important numbers should also be included in each of your emergency kits. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

6. Where to meet? • Agree on a predetermined meeting location. If your family is separated during a crisis and communication is disrupted you will know how to get back together. • It is also a good idea to identify a second meeting location in the event the primary location is inaccessible. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

7. What if I have pets? • If you have pets or livestock it is important you anticipate their needs in times of emergency. • You should have an ample supply of pet food and water to take with you if you must evacuate. • Make sure to take pet medications and proof of vaccinations. • Determine what hotels accept pets and keep a list of these handy. • If you are forced to go a shelter your pets may not be accepted. It is important to consider this possibility and plan in advance. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

8. Emergency Kit • Construct an emergency supply kit. • The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the following supplies be included in your kit for home, vehicle and worksite. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

9. Emergency Kit Content • Three-day supply of non-perishable food. • Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day. • Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries. • Flashlight and extra batteries. • First aid kit and manual. • Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper). • Matches and waterproof container. • Whistle. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

10. Emergency Kit Content • Extra clothing. • Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener. • Photocopies of credit and identification cards and other important documents. • Cash and coins. • Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries. • Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers. • Other items to meet your unique family needs. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

11. Conclusion • Recent surveys have concluded many American’s understand the importance of planning for catastrophic events. However, most people fail to plan because they believe a tragedy will not impact their life. It is imperative you avoid this mindset and reduce your risk by preparing for the unexpected. • This presentation is by no means conclusive; however, by following the simple steps we’ve discussed you will be well on your way to achieving a better state of readiness. Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj

12. Additional Resources • I strongly encourage you to continue to explore the topic of disaster mitigation and crisis response planning. Both the Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross offer information on their websites that is invaluable. You can access this information via the following links. www.Ready.gov(Select the Ready Americalink) www.RedCross.org(Select the Disaster Services link) Concordia Criminal Justice Institute. On line. On target. www.csp.edu/cj