**Personal Preparedness**

### In the event of evacuation and/or power outages

**Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on
your own for *at least* three days, maybe longer.**

Start now by gathering basic [emergency
supplies](http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/kit-print.html) --

-   a flashlight,

-   a battery-powered radio,

-   extra batteries,

-   a first aid kit,

-   toilet articles,

-   prescription medicines,

-   extra bottled water

-   and other special things your family may need.

**COMMUNICATIONS PLAN**

Develop an emergency communication plan.

In case family members are separated from one another during a wildland
fire (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and
children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the \"family
contact.\" After a disaster, it\'s often easier to call long distance.
Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the
contact person.

**SPECIAL NEEDS:**

Remember the special needs of your family members. **Infants**, the
**elderly** and **persons with disabilities** need the same planning as
everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared.

**For Seniors**

-   Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help.

-   Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers.

-   Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies.

-   Teach others how to operate necessary equipment.

-   Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes or walkers.

**Additional supplies for seniors:**

-   List of prescription medications including dosage in your supply
    kits. Include any allergies.

-   Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.

-   Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment in your supply
    kit.

-   A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as
    pacemakers in your emergency supply kits.

-   Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards.

-   List of doctors and emergency contacts.

**For People with Disabilities**

-   Create a support network to help in an emergency.

-   Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.

-   Give one member of your support network a key to your house or
    apartment.

-   Contact your city or county government\'s emergency information
    management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with
    disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.

-   Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your
    disability.

-   If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment,
    know the location and availability of more than one facility.

# 

# For a Baby

# Formula 

-   Diapers

-   Bottles

-   Powdered milk

-   Medications

PRE-EVACUATION

-   Turn on a battery-operated radio to get the latest emergency
    information.

-   Remove combustible items from around the house.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Lawn and poolside furniture

-   Umbrellas

-   Tarp coverings

-   Firewood

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Take down flammable drapes and curtains and close all venetian
    blinds or noncombustible window coverings.

-   Take action to protect your home.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Close all doors and windows inside your home to prevent draft.

-   Close gas valves and turn off all pilot lights.

-   Turn on a light in each room for visibility in heavy smoke.

-   Place valuables that will not be damaged by water in a pool or pond.

-   If hoses and adequate water are available, leave sprinklers on roofs
    and anything that might be damaged by fire.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Be ready to evacuate all family members and pets when fire nears or
    when instructed to do so by local officials.

Returning Home

-   Take care when re-entering a burned wildland area.

-   Hot spots can flare up without warning.

-   Check the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers.

-   Check the attic for hidden burning sparks.

-   For several hours afterward, re-check for smoke and sparks
    throughout the home.

**If Trapped During a Wildland Fire**

-   If trapped in a Wildland Fire You cannot outrun a fire.

-   Crouch in a pond or river.

-   Cover head and upper body with wet clothing.

-   If water is not around, look for shelter in a cleared area or among
    a bed of rocks.

-   Lie flat and cover body with wet clothing or soil.

-   Breathe the air close to the ground through a wet cloth to avoid
    scorching lungs or inhaling smoke.