Creating a
family disaster plan
Does your family know what to do when disaster strikes at work, at school, in the car, or at home? How will you find each other? How will you know your children are safe?
Disasters can strike swiftly and without warning. You may have to evacuate your home and neighborhood. Your best protection is learning what types of disasters can affect your community, creating a family disaster plan, and creating a family disaster kit.
General tips
- Find out what type of disasters are most likely to happen in your community by contacting Minnetonka’s Emergency Management at 952.939.8598 and/or your local Red Cross chapter.
- Learn about Minnetonka’s warning systems, including outdoor warning sirens.
- Find out about animal care, as non-service animals may not be allowed in emergency shelters.
- Find out how to help elderly or physically/mentally challenged persons if needed.
- Inquire about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or daycare, and other places your family regularly spends time.
- Have a family meeting and discuss what to do in the event of a disaster.
Your family disaster plan
- Discuss with your family the different types of disasters that can happen.
- Find the safe locations within your home for a storm shelter.
- Pick two places to meet if you are separated by a disaster: one outside your home in case of fire, and another outside of your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
- Teach everyone how and when to call 9-1-1.
- Pick one local and one out-of-state relative to be your family contact. Everyone in your family should know the phone numbers and be instructed to call the family contact if separated during a disaster. After a disaster, it’s usually easier to call long distance.
- Make sure everyone knows how to turn off water, gas, and electricity at main switches if necessary.
- Instruct family members to turn on the battery powered radio for emergency information.
- Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
Keep family records and important documents in a water and fire-proof container.- Make sure working smoke detectors are on every level and in every bedroom of your home.
- Make sure you have a UL-approved fire extinguisher and everyone in your family knows how to use it.
- Make sure you keep adequate insurance coverage and be aware of its limitations. For example, many insurance policies do not cover flood damage unless you specifically request it be added to your policy.
- Assemble and maintain a family disaster kit.
- Conduct a home hazard check once a year and fix potential hazards.
Prepare a family disaster kit
A minimum three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months. Don’t forget extra water if you have pets.- A minimum three-day supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener. Identify storage dates and replace every six months. Again, don't forget food for your pets.
- A change of clothing, sturdy shoes, rain and snow/cold gear.
- A first aid kit and needed prescription medications,
- An extra pair of glasses, blankets or sleeping bags.
- A battery powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries. An extra set of car keys. Credit cards and cash. A list of family physician(s). A list of important family information including prescriptions and style and type of medical devices such as pacemakers. Special items for infants, elderly, and physically/mentally challenged family members.
Practice your disaster plan
- Quiz family members every six months so they remember what to do for various emergencies.
- Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
- Remember to replace stored food and water every six months.
- Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Test your smoke detectors and replace the batteries at least every six months.
If disaster strikes
Check for injuries, give first aid, and get help for the seriously injured.- Confine or secure your pets.
- Listen to your battery powered radio for news and emergency information.
- Evacuate, if advised, by the routes designated, and proceed to the shelter designated for your area.
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Call your family contact.
- Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and challenged.
- Make sure you have adequate water in case service is cut off.
- Stay away from downed wires.
- Board up any holes and broken windows until you can make needed repairs.
- Take photos or video tape damage to your home and contact your insurance carrier.
Evacuation procedure
- Listen to your battery powered radio and follow instructions from city, county, or state emergency officials.
- Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Take along your family disaster supply kit.
- Lock your home.
- If you have time, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving if instructed to do so.
- Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
- Use only the travel routes specified by emergency officials. Don't use shortcuts, as they may be impassable or dangerous.
