You Are Here: Home - Expert Advice - The Organizer's Toolbox - Tip Sheets

NEW! - Keywords For This Page:   Safety / Security - Trouble - Disaster Preparedness

	Disaster Planning Tips
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• have an escape plan that includes 2 exits from every room
• drill your family regularly so they respond automatically
• discuss how you will connect with family members if separated
• choose a contact person and safe shelter or meeting place
• label the shutoff valves for gas, oil, water, and electricity
• change your smoke detector batteries twice a year
• check your fire extinguishers yearly and replace when they expire
• keep a flashlight near each bed and the fuse box

• try to remain calm
• check for injuries and administer first aid or seek help
• check for fires and put out with fire extinguisher
• shut off utilities if necessary
• take cover and protect your head and face
• turn on battery-operated radio or car radio for bulletins
• confined frightened pets to keep them calm
• stay indoors if it is safe
• evacuate if there seems to be structural damage
• gather your emergency supplies, food, and water together

• first aid kit, common medications, and needed prescriptions
• basic tool kit and duct tape
• extra clothes, heavy sweaters, and sturdy shoes
• heavy plastic garbage bags and aluminum foil
• heavy work gloves
• disposable plates and utensils
• bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
• non-perishable packaged food for several days
• water disinfectant tablets or bleach
• can opener and camp stove / sterno
• candles, matches, and flashlight with extra batteries
• battery-operated radio
• fire extinguisher
• Swiss army knife or other multi-tool
• emergency foil blankets, extra blankets, and pillows
• toiletry kit, antibacterial soap, and toilet paper
• pet and baby supplies if necessary
• cards, a book, or portable games for entertainment
• some extra money to last you up to a week

 

Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

Would you like to reprint this tip sheet in your publication -- or distribute it to a wider audience? Click here for reprinting instructions.

Click here if you would like to submit a tip sheet or checklist...