Preparing for a Disaster

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Report any out-of-the-ordinary occurrences such as suspicious packages, unattended luggage or brief cases or other unusual items or activity to the appropriate local law enforcement authorities.

Pay Attention to the News

Local radio and television stations can provide you with up-to-date information during an emergency. Investing in a NOAA Weather Radio is another way to receive weather and other emergency alerts.

How to Report Suspicious Activity

• Be alert. You can help your local law enforcement and emergency management agencies by being alert to unusual or suspicious activities. If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, receive mail that you are not sure about, or something just doesn't feel right, contact your local law enforcement agency.
• Be sure to use common sense when reporting suspicious activity. A furniture truck delivering items to your neighbor may be unusual, but it doesn't mean a crime is being committed. A group of people in an unfamiliar vehicle driving slowly through your neighborhood, however, may mean you should call local law enforcement.
• You can report suspicious behavior to the FBI using their Online Tip Form or by calling the toll-free hotline at 866-483-5137.

You and your loved ones may not be together when an emergency strikes. Some may be at work, others at school, while some may be at home. Make a communication plan so you will be able to stay in touch with each other using the following steps:

• Choose an out-of-town friend or relative to be a contact point for family members to call if you are separated during an emergency.
• Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 911 or local emergency medical services for emergency assistance.
• Enter emergency and contact numbers in all phones in your home.

View a list of key elements that should be included in your family emergency/disaster plan. The following are key elements that should be included in your family emergency /disaster plan:

1. Learn about the possible dangers in your area and become familiar with your community's disaster response plan. For more information, contact your county emergency management coordinator by email.
2. Talk to your family about what to do in the event of an emergency. Pick two locations where you will meet - one right outside your home and another removed from your neighborhood to be used if you are unable to return to your residence.
3. Develop a family communication plan to ensure that you will be able to stay in contact if you are separated during a disaster.
4. Remember to include children, those with special needs, and pets in your planning process.
5. Create emergency supply kits for your home, office, and car.
6. Practice your plan!

Assemble Your Kit

To be prepared for an emergency, pack a bag with the items listed below and store it in a convenient location. You may want to make several kits to have at home, at work, and at the office.

• Copies of important documents (keep in waterproof container) including:
• Driver's license, birth certificates, Social Security Card, passport, financial information (bank account and credit card numbers), insurance policies, and will
• Extra blankets and clothing (including shoes)
• First Aid Kit-including: Bandages, anti-bacterial ointment, scissors, and non-prescription drugs such as aspirin or other pain relievers and antacids
• Money
• Plates, cups, utensils and a can opener
• Sanitary Supplies-including: Soap, moist towelettes, toilet paper, personal hygiene items, diapers, and garbage bags
• Specialty items such as prescription medications, baby formula, and pet supplies
• Tools and Supplies-including: Basic tools, battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Water and food to maintain your family for three days. One gallon of water a day per person. Food should be non-perishable.
• A whistle to signal for help

After Assembling Your Kit

• Store the kit in a place known to all household members.
• Review the contents of your kit periodically to make sure food and water are fresh.
• Make sure stored prescription medicines are up-to-date.

Another way you can help make your community and your family more prepared for an emergency is to volunteer. There are opportunities to volunteer in your community through the following groups:

Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council

The Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council is comprised of faith-based and voluntary agency representatives and representatives from key government agencies. Council members seek to identify available resources that can address the unmet needs of Iowa's citizens impacted by disaster events. For more information, view our Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council brochure that includes a list of member organizations. To volunteer or learn more about involved agencies in your area, contact your county emergency management coordinator.

The Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council continues to grow in membership. In May 2004, following tornado and flood events, the Council was instrumental in providing debris and basement clean-up to impacted citizens. The Council held weekly conference calls to discuss response actions taking place by each voluntary agency or group. During these calls, the Council tried to identify and discuss any unmet needs involving seniors and persons with disabilities. As needs were identified, the Council tried to identify resources that could impact those needs.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a program of Citizen Corps, was created to harness the power of individuals to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to threats of terrorism, crime, and disasters of all kinds. CERT trains people in basic disaster response skills and helps citizens learn to take a more active role in emergency preparedness. Twenty-seven counties in Iowa currently participate in the CERT program. For more information, visit the Citizen Corps Website.

Volunteer Amateur Radio Service Operators (HAMS)

Volunteer Amateur Radio Service Operators (HAMS) work with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, National Weather Service, American Red Cross, and other emergency response organizations to provide another avenue to get messages in to, or out of, areas where normal communications are overloaded or have been damaged. Amateur Radio is an organization that encourages two-way communications so officials can assist their local communities in disaster preparedness and public service. For more information, visit the American Radio Relay League Website.

Neighborhood Watch Program

The Neighborhood Watch Program incorporates terrorism awareness and education into its existing crime prevention mission and serves as a way to bring residents together to focus on disaster preparedness and training. It provides a unique infrastructure that brings together local officials, law enforcement and citizens to protect our communities. For more information, visit the Citizen Corps website.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has opportunities to volunteer or to take CPR and First Aid training through local chapters. To find your local chapter, visit the Red Cross website. Many local Red Cross units have websites that provide information on volunteer and training opportunities.

Visit the Red Cross website for information on preparing those with special needs for a disaster.

Visit the Red Cross website for information on preparing your children for a potential disaster.

Visit the Red Cross website for information on preparing your pets for potential disasters.