C4C:Kaleidoscope

Ahead of time Prepare:

1. Water
2. Blankets
3. Toothbrush and toothpaste
4. Can opener
5. Bathing soap
6. Canned vegetables
7. Canned meats

Stockpile Essential Items:

1. Water for seven days (one gallon per day for every adult)

2. Diapers (for small children or elderly)

3. Medicines that you may need

4. Recommended foods: Bread, peanut butter, canned goods, can opener, tuna fish, cold cereal, items that will not require electricity to prepare (wide range of choices - enough to feed family for about five days)

5. Batteries

6. In the event of an evacuation you should have important documents ready to take with you

7. Full tank of gas in your vehicle

8. Fill bathtub and sinks with water

9. Foods in freezer stay cold for 48 hours (if the freezer door is kept closed)

10. Fill jugs with water as well.

Family Emergency Plan:

Your family does not know when an emergency may strike. Prepare a Family Emergency Plan ahead of time so you will be prepared in case of an emergency.

In case of a Mass Disaster an Evacuation Plan becomes in effect. Do you know your city's evacuation plan? Do you know your family plan?  It is crucial to plan ahead.

Items to prepare ahead of time:

1. Camera and media (media card or film)

2. Insurance Papers - have them in a file - prepare to take with you. Be organized.

3. Do take photos of your house. Inside your house and outside your house. If there is damage to your home you want to be able to show the before and after to your insurance adjustors.

4. A safe often ends up under water and the items inside will get water damaged - so please do not keep your documents in your safe - take them with you.

Four elements of a storm:

1. High winds
2. Surge
3. Tornadoes (a major risk) - these touch down even if briefly, causing damage - at times very significant - depending on traffic
4. Rain

Earthquake protocol:

In the case of an earthquake one is not to leave one building - for example:

1. Look for a stairwell for cover.

2. Communication: expect cell phones not to connect - communication will be congested.  Alternative MEANS OF COMMUNICATION MUST BE IN PLACE. TWEETING AND TEXTING IS PREFERABLE. 

3. Have an emergency plan in place.