The document outlines a family disaster plan emphasizing the importance of preparation for unexpected disasters. It provides guidelines on essential supplies, communication strategies, and safety measures to take during an emergency. The plan also encourages families to understand potential risks, create an emergency strategy, and designate meeting spots for reunification.

1. YOUR FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate
your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Local officials and relief
workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone
right away.
Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and
Toni Preckwinkle working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection
President, Cook County Board
of Commissioners and your responsibility.
Michael G. Masters
Executive Director
IF DISASTER STRIKES...
EMERGENCY
If disaster strikes
SUPPLIES
Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
Keep enough supplies in Check for injuries
your home to meet your Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
needs for at least three
days. Store these supplies Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions
in sturdy, easy-to-carry Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
containers such as back-
packs, duffle bags or
covered trash containers. Check for damage in your home… Remember to…
INCLUDE: • se flashlights – do not light matches
U • onfine or secure your pets.
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■ three-day supply of
A or turn on electrical switches, if you • all your family contact – do not use
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water (one gallon per
suspect damage. the telephone again unless it is a
person per day) and food
that will not spoil. • heck for fires, fire hazards and other
C life-threatening emergency.
■ ne change of clothing
O household hazards. • heck on your neighbors, especially
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and footwear per per- • hut off any other damaged utilities.
S elderly or disabled persons.
son, and one blanket or
• lean up spilled medicines, bleaches,
C • ake sure you have an adequate water
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sleeping bag per person.
gasoline and other flammable liquids supply in case service is cut off.
■ first aid kit that includes
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your family’s prescription immediately. • tay away from downed power lines.
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medications.
■ mergency tools including
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a battery-powered radio,
flashlight and plenty of UTILITIES
extra batteries.
■ n extra set of car keys
A Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main.
and a credit card, cash or Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family
traveler’s checks. members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut- off valves.
■ Sanitation supplies.
■ pecial items for infant,
S Remember; turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if
elderly or disabled family you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional
members. to turn it back on.
■ n extra pair of glasses.
A
Keep important family Cook County - Homeland Security Emergency Management
documents in a waterproof
69 West Washington - Chicago, IL V. 312.603.8180
container. Keep a smaller
kit in the trunk of your car.
www.cookcountyhomelandsecurity.org

2. 3 STEPS TO SAFETY
1 FIND OUT WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU
• earn what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
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• earn about your community’s warning signals; what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
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• earn about animal care after a disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health
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regulations.
• ind out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
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• ext, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s schools or daycare center and other
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places where your family spends time.
2 CREATE A DISASTER PLAN
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster; discuss the types of disasters that
are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
• ick two places to meet:
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1. ight outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
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2. utside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
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• sk an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact. After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance.
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Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your
contact’s phone number.
• iscuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.
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3 COMPLETE THIS CHECKLIST
• ost emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance etc.).
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• each children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Services number for emergency help.
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• how each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
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• heck if you have adequate insurance coverage.
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• each each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type, and show them where it’s kept).
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• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• tock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
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• ake a first aid and CPR class.
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• etermine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
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• ind the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
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EVACUATION
Evacuate immediately if told to do so: If you’re sure you have time:
• Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the
• hut off water, gas and electricity before leaving, if
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instructions of local emergency officials. instructed to do so.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes. • ost a note telling others when you left and where you
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• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. are going.
• Lock your home. • ake arrangements for your pets.
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• Use travel routes specified by local authorities – don’t
use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable
or dangerous.