**About the agency**

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is the federal agency in charge
of helping people before and after a disaster. The agency, usually just
called FEMA, is called in to help when the President declares a
disaster. Disasters are "declared" after hurricanes, tornadoes, floods,
earthquakes or other similar events strike a community. The Governor of
the state must ask for help from the President before FEMA can respond.

FEMA workers help disaster victims find a place to stay if their homes
were damaged or destroyed. FEMA also helps repair homes and works with
the city officials to fix public buildings that have been damaged.

Just as important, FEMA helps people BEFORE a disaster so they will be
ready. FEMA teaches people how to prepare for a disaster and how to make
their homes as safe as possible. FEMA works with communities to help
them build safer, stronger buildings that are less likely to be damaged.
FEMA also trains firefighters and emergency workers, and runs a flood
insurance program. FEMA is an EXECUTIVE BRANCH agency, which means it
reports to the President of the United States. Congress provides FEMA's
budget each year and sets aside money to help people in the event of
disasters.

**More facts and stats:**

· FEMA was created in 1979, when President Jimmy Carter joined five
different agencies and four different programs into one agency dedicated
to planning for and helping after an emergency.

· FEMA headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.

· FEMA has 10 regional offices across the country.

· FEMA is a small agency with only 2,600 full time workers, and nearly
4,000 other workers called Disaster Assistance Employees. These other
workers are on stand-by to respond after a disaster happens. They travel
to the disaster and may live there for weeks or even months while a
community recovers.

· Millions of people are affected by disasters each year. In 1996, FEMA
responded to 75 major disasters and eight emergencies.

· FEMA works with voluntary agencies such as the American Red Cross and
other government departments to help people affected by disasters.

**Message from Director James Lee Witt **

Unfortunately, we can't stop Mother Nature. Disasters like earthquakes,
tornadoes, floods and hurricanes do happen and do hurt people and their
communities. But there are many things you can do to PREPARE for a
disaster and to reduce your risk so your home may not be damaged. It is
smart to be prepared! And it is smart to know as much as you can about
what kinds of disasters might happen where you live.

This Web site was designed especially for children so that you can learn
about disasters and what to do if one happens where you live. The more
you know, the better off you will be. And you will probably learn things
even your parents and teachers don't know! Tell them what you have
learned and tell others about this Web site.

**What did you learn?**

**Who is the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency? James Lee
Witt**

**What is the abbreviation for the Federal Emergency Management Agency?
FEMA**

**What is an Executive Branch agency? A federal government agency that
reports to the President**

**True or false -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency helps people
BEFORE and DURING and AFTER a disaster. (True)**

**Choose one thing that The Federal Emergency Management Agency DOES NOT
do to help people. Teaches kids how to swim**

**Becoming a Disaster Action Kid**

You can become a FEMA Disaster Action Kid and get a certificate from
FEMA Director James Lee Witt! Disaster Action Kids also get to be part
of a special E-mail group, and will receive exciting news and
information directly from FEMA on a regular basis.

Being a Disaster Action Kid is Fun! Disaster Action Kids are prepared!
They know what items are needed in a disaster supply kit. They know how
to protect their pets during a disaster. They also know what to do
during each type of disaster. Being a Disaster Action Kid isn't easy,
but it's worth it! Get your friends involved, too. All you need to do is
read about disasters on this site, do the activities and test your
knowledge.

When your checklist is complete, fill in this form to get a certificate
with your name on it. Then just print it out!

Congratulations! Please fill out the following form to get you Disaster
Action Kids Certificate, signed by James Lee Witt

**Last Name:**

** First Name:**

** E-mail: **

** School:**

** Grade:**

### Two Things

** you learned:**

** One Disaster**

** you learned about:**

**Checklist:**

What did you learn about FEMA?

What did you learn about Get Ready, Get Set?

The Family Scavenger Hunt.

What did you learn about the Disaster Area?

Complete the Crossword Puzzle

Go to What's Happening Now and find a state near you with a current
disaster. Click on the state and learn all there is to know about that
disaster.

Check this site regularly for more games, quizzes and information. Tell
your friends. Tell your family. Tell your teacher. Everyone needs to
know about disasters.

## Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods and More!

Disasters come in many shapes and sizes. Most are related to the
weather. Some are predicable -- like a hurricane. Some, like an
earthquake, surprise us. It's good for you to know about the different
kinds of disasters so you can be prepared! And although disasters
themselves aren't fun, learning about them is!

**Flooding**

Flooding happens during heavy rains, when rivers overflow, when ocean
waves come onshore, when snow melts too fast or when dams or levees
break. Flooding may be only a few inches of water or it may cover a
house to the rooftop**.** Floods that happen very quickly are called
flashfloods. Flooding is the most common of all natural hazards. It can
happen in every U.S. state and territory.

Important terms to know:

Flood Watch or Flashflood Watch \-- Flooding may happen soon. Stay tuned
to the radio or television news for more information. If you hear a
flashflood warning, talk to an adult immediately!

Flood Warning -- You may be asked to leave the area. A flood may be
happening or will be very soon. Tell an adult if you hear a flood
warning. If you have to leave the area, remember to bring your
**Disaster Supply** **Kit** and make arrangements for your pets.

Flashflood Warning -- A flashflood is happening. Get to high ground
right away. Tell an adult!

**Things to know during a flood:**

If you have time, bring in outdoor or garden furniture. You should also
move important things to a second story.

Stay away from flood water. It may be contaminated (contain dangerous
substances).

Do not walk through moving water. It can knock you off your feet. If you
must walk through water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick
to test the ground in front of you.

Stay away from power lines that are on the ground. You could be
electrocuted.

Always keep your battery-powered radio with you so you know what is
happening.

If you are scared, share your fears with an adult. Floods can be scary,
but remember -- the water ALWAYS goes away!

**Hurricanes**

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic
Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean
waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power. Hurricanes
rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye". Hurricanes have
winds at least 74 miles per hour. When they come onto land, the heavy
rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings, trees and cars.
The heavy waves are called a storm surge. Storm surges are very
dangerous and a major reason why you MUST stay away from the ocean
during a hurricane warning or hurricane.

**Hurricane Classification**

Hurricanes are classified into five categories, based on their wind
speeds and potential to cause damage.

Category One -- Winds 74-95 miles per hour

Category Two -- Winds 96-110 miles per hour

Category Three -- Winds 111-130 miles per hour

Category Four -- Winds 131-155 miles per hour

Category Five -- Winds greater than 155 miles per hour

In the U.S., the official hurricane season is from June 1 to November
30, but hurricanes can happen any time of the year. Hurricanes are named
by the National Weather Service. Some past hurricanes have been named:
Opal, Andrew, Marilyn, Hugo and Fran**. **

**Important terms to know:**

Hurricane Watch -- A hurricane is possible within 36 hours. Stay tuned
to the radio and television for more information. The Hurricane Center
is tracking the storm and trying to predict where it may come ashore.

Hurricane Warning -- A hurricane is expected within 24 hours. You may be
told to evacuate. You and your family should begin making preparations
to evacuate. If your area is having an evacuation, remember to take your
**Disaster Supply** **Kit.** Do not forget to make plans for your pets
if you must evacuate.

**A History of Big Hurricanes**

Hurricane Carla: This hurricane hit on September 10, 1961. It struck the
Texas coast. About 500,000 people were evacuated from the area. Winds
near the center of the hurricane were estimated at 150 miles per hour.
Damage was about \$2 billion (adjusted to 1990 dollars) and 46 people
died.

Hurricane Betsy: This hurricane hit on September 8, 1965. It hit Florida
first and then turned and hit the Louisiana coast. A total of 75 people
lost their lives. The hurricane had winds as high as 160 miles per hour.
In 1990 dollars, Betsy caused \$6.5 billion of damage -- making it the
third most costly hurricane in the U.S.

Hurricane Camille. This hurricane began on August 17, 1969. It was a
Category 5 hurricane -- the most powerful rating, with winds as high as
200 miles per hour. The hurricane hit the U.S. Gulf Coast, but also
caused flooding in Virginia. About 250 people died because of the
hurricane and the flooding. It was the fifth most costly disaster in
U.S. history, with damage of \$5.2 billion (in 1990 dollars).

Hurricane Celia: This hurricane hit Texas on August 3, 1970 and caused
\$1.6 billion in damage (in 1990 dollars). Very high winds damaged an
airport and demolished a nearby mobile home park, fortunately, only 11
people died.

Hurricane Gilbert: This hurricane hit on September 16, 1988. It was a
Category 5 hurricane with winds as high as 140 miles per hour. It went
through Jamaica, over the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico and came to the
U.S. (Texas and Oklahoma) as a heavy rain storm, and 318 people died.

Hurricane Hugo:

Hurricane Andrew: This hurricane hit on August 26, 1992 in southern
Florida. It then turned and hit Louisiana. More than a million people
were evacuated. Heavy rains and tornadoes were part of the hurricane's
destructive power. Andrew was the most expensive hurricane in the
history of the U.S.

Hurricane Marilyn:

Hurricane Fran:

Information courtesy of The National Hurricane Center

**Things to know during a hurricane:**

Listen to a radio or television for weather updates and stay in touch
with your neighbors about evacuation orders.

Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated during a
disaster. Choose a friend or relative out of state for your family
members to call to say they are OK.

Assemble your disaster supplies kit. Store extra water now! Check to
make sure you have enough food.

Storm shutters are the best protection for windows. If your house does
not have them, help an adult board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood.
Tape does NOT prevent windows from breaking!

Bring in outside furniture. An adult should remove roof antennas, if
they can.

Help an adult shut off your utilities -- water, electricity and gas.

Make sure there is gas in the car and you are ready to evacuate
immediately, if you are told to do so.

If you don't need to evacuate, be sure to STAY INDOORS during a
hurricane. You could be hit by flying objects. Don't be fooled if there
is a lull. It could be the eye of the storm, and the winds will come
again.

Avoid using the phone except for an emergency so the phone lines can
stay open for others.

If you do evacuate, do NOT go back home until local officials say it is
safe.

Hurricanes can be very scary. If you are scared, be sure to talk to
someone about it.

**Hurricane Names**

Before 1979, hurricanes were given women's names. After that, both women
and men's names were used. Hurricanes get names to help with tracking
them (sometimes there may be more than one hurricane at a time and it
can get confusing). Names also make it easier to remember when you are
talking about a hurricane that hit a certain place at a certain time.
Each year, the hurricane names are selected -- one name for each letter
of the alphabet, except Q, U and Z. For Atlantic Ocean hurricanes, the
names can be French, Spanish or English.

Sometimes names are "retired" if a hurricane has been really big and
destructive. It's like when a sports jersey or number is retired after a
really great athlete leaves a sport. When a name is retired it won't be
used again.

**1997 Atlantic Ocean names: Retired Hurricane Names:**

## Ana Larry Agnes Celia

Bill Mindy Alicia Cleo

Claudette Nicholas Allen Connie

Danny Odette Andrew David

Erika Peter Anita Diana

Fabian Rose Audrey Donna

Grace Sam Betsy Elena

Henri Teresa Bob Gilbert

Isabel Victor Camille Gloria

Juan Wanda Carla Janet

Kate Carmen Joan

Do you see your name here?

Courtesy Chris Cappella, USA Today Information Network

**Tornadoes**

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They come from powerful
thunderstorms and appear as rotating, funnel-shaped clouds. Tornado
winds can reach 300 miles per hour. They cause damage when they touch
down on the ground. They can damage an area one mile wide and 50 miles
long. Every state is at some risk, but states in "Tornado Alley" have
the highest risk. Tornadoes can form any time of the year, but the
season runs from March to August. The ability to predict tornadoes is
limited. Usually a community will have at least a few minutes warning.
The most important thing to do is TAKE SHELTER when a tornado is nearby.

**Important terms to know:**

Tornado Watch -- Tornadoes are possible. Stay tuned to the radio or
television news.

Tornado Warning -- A tornado has been sighted. Take shelter immediately!

**Things to know during a tornado:**

Listen to a radio or watch television for weather updates. If a tornado
is coming you MUST seek shelter. An underground shelter is best, such as
a basement or storm shelter. If you don't have a basement, find an
inside room or hallway or closet on the first floor AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

If you are at school during a tornado, listen and do what your teacher
says.

If you are outside and cannot get inside, lie flat in a ditch or ravine.
Lie face down and cover your head with your hands.

If you are in a car, take shelter in a nearby building.

After a tornado, watch for broken glass and power lines that are downed.
If you see people who are injured, don't move them unless they are in
immediate danger. Call for help right away!

Tornadoes can be very scary. If you are scared, be sure to talk to
someone about it.

**Earthquakes**

Earthquakes are the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth's
surface. Earthquakes happen along "fault lines" in the earth's crust.
Earthquakes can be felt over large areas although they usually last less
than one minute. Earthquakes cannot be predicted -- although scientists
are working on it!

Most of the time, you will notice an earthquake by the gentle shaking of
the ground. You may notice hanging plants swaying or objects wobbling on
shelves. Sometimes you may hear a low rumbling noise or feel a sharp
jolt. A survivor of the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco said the
sensation was like riding a bicycle down a long flight of stairs.

The intensity of an earthquake can be measured. One measurement is
called the Richter scale. Earthquakes below 4.0 usually do not cause any
damage, and earthquakes below 2.0 usually can't be felt. Earthquakes
over 5.0 on the scale can cause damage. A magnitude 6 earthquake is
considered strong and a magnitude 7 is a major earthquake. The
Northridge Earthquake, which hit Southern California in 1994, was
magnitude 6.7.

Earthquakes are sometimes called temblors, quakes, shakers or seismic
activity. The most important thing to remember during an earthquake is
to DROP and COVER. Drop and cover means to DROP to the floor and get
under something for COVER.

**Things to know about earthquakes:**

If you are indoors during an earthquake, keep calm and take cover under
a heavy table or desk. Stay away from glass, windows or anything that
could fall, like a bookcase.

If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, street lights and utility
wires.

If you are in a crowded public place, do NOT rush for the doors.
Everyone will be doing that. Instead, take cover under something heavy
and stay away from things that could fall on you. Stay calm. Do not get
in an elevator during an earthquake!

After an earthquake, be prepared for after shocks. After shocks are
follow-up earthquakes that are usually smaller than the first one. They
are dangerous because they can cause things that are weakened in the
first earthquake to fall down.

If you are home and you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound,
open a window and get out of the building right away. It may mean that a
gas line in your house has been broken. Tell your parent or another
adult.

Make sure you are wearing shoes after an earthquake, as there may be
broken glass on the ground and inside your home.

If you are scared, share your fears with an adult. Earthquakes can be
scary, but remember -- they only last a few seconds.

**Earthquakes: Facts and Fiction**

Fiction: Earthquakes usually happen in the morning.

Fact: Earthquakes happen in both the day and the night. There is no
pattern.

Fiction: There is such a thing as "earthquake weather."

Fact: There is no connection between earthquakes and weather. Remember,
earthquakes happen deep in the earth, far away from the weather!

Fiction: Earthquakes are on the increase.

Fact: It may seem like we're having more earthquakes because there are
more reporting stations, but the truth is we're not.

Fiction: We can prevent earthquakes from happening.

Fact: No. You can protect yourself by doing things to secure buildings,
like your home, but earthquakes can't be prevented -- or predicted.

Information courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey

**History of Big Earthquakes**

Northridge, California (20 miles from Los Angeles)

January 17, 1994

4:31 a.m.

6.7 Magnitude

Deaths 57

Injuries 9,000

Property Damage: \$15 billion

Loma Prieta Earthquake (south of San Francisco)

October 17, 1989

5:04 p.m.

Length of time: 15 seconds

Deaths 62

Injuries 3,757

Property Damage: More than \$6 billion

Coalinga, CA

May 2, 1983

Magnitude 6.4

Deaths 0

Injuries 47

Property damage: \$31 million

San Francisco, CA

April 18, 1906

5:12 a.m.

Magnitude 8.25

Length of time: 40 seconds

Deaths: 700 to 2,500 people

Note; The "Great San Francisco Earthquake" is one of the strongest ever
recorded in North America. Much of the city was destroyed by the strong
shaking, which toppled buildings, and by the fires that followed.

Information courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

**Fires**

It is very important to prepare for both building fires and wildfires.
Fires in buildings are very dangerous. Every year, about 5,000 people in
this country are killed by building fires. FEMA has a Web site dedicated
to teaching kids what to do about building fires. Look for the fire
extinguisher at the bottom of the page to visit that Web site.

One of the most important things to remember is that your house should
have a working smoke detector. Look around your house to see if you have
a smoke detector on every floor in the house. Get help from a parent or
adult to check if your smoke detectors are working. Check also to see if
your family has a working fire extinguisher.

Your family should have a fire plan of how to escape from your house if
it is on fire. If you are caught in a fire REMEMBER, stay low to the
ground where the smoke is not so heavy. NEVER hide during a fire. Always
get out. And once you are out, stay out. DO NOT go back for a toy. Tell
an adult if there is a person left behind in the burning house.

Wildfires are a danger for people who live in forest, prairies or wooded
areas. These fires are sometimes started by lightning or by accident.
They can move very fast and burn many acres. Remember, if there is a
wildfire near you and your family is told to evacuate -- go right away!
And remember to bring your pets with you!

**Winter Storms**

In many areas of the country, winter can bring heavy snowfall and very
cold temperatures. Heavy snow can block roads and cause power lines to
fall down. The cold temperatures can be dangerous if you are not dressed
correctly.

**Important terms:**

Freezing rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a
coating of ice on roads and walkways.

Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet
also causes roads to freeze and become slippery

Winter Weather Advisory: Cold, ice and snow are expected

Winter Storm Watch: Severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible
in the next day or two.

Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions have begun or will begin
very soon.

Blizzard Warning: heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding
snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill

Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.

**What to know about winter storms:**

Be prepared for winter storms by having:

a battery-powered radio with extra batteries

extra food that doesn't need cooking (like canned food)

rock salt to melt ice and sand to improve traction

flashlights and batter-powered lamps (if the electricity goes off)

wood for your fire place (if you have one)

If you go out in very cold weather, dress in several layers of clothing.
Mittens are warmer than gloves, and you should wear a hat and cover your
mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold air. Watch for
frost bite. (Frost bite happens when your skin is exposed in very cold
temperatures or you are not dressed warmly enough. You will have a loss
of feeling in that part -- usually a finger or toe or the tip of your
nose -- and it may turn white or pale. Get help right away!)

If you get trapped in your car during a blizzard, you should set your
lights on flashing and hang a piece of cloth or distress flag from the
radio antennae or window. Then get back in and stay in the car! Do not
go out on foot unless you can see a building near by. Run the engine and
heater about 10 minutes out of each hour. When the engine is running,
open a window slightly. This will protect you from carbon monoxide
poisoning. You may need to clear snow away from the car's exhaust pipe.

You can use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for warmth. You can
also huddle with the other passengers! Take turns sleeping so one person
is always awake when rescuers come.

If you are stranded in a remote area you may need to leave the car on
foot after the blizzard passes.

# What did you learn?

Which is NOT a natural disaster? (Breaking your leg)

What is the name of floods that happen very quickly? (Flash floods)

What is a Flash Flood Warning? (A flash flood is happening. Get to
higher ground right away! Tell an adult!)

True or false: It's OK to touch and drink flood waters? (FALSE)

What is an earthquake? (Shaking, rolling or a sudden shock of the
earth's surface)

What two important things should you do during an earthquake? (Drop and
cover)

What is an aftershock? (A smaller earthquake that follows the main
earthquake)

Tornadoes have what kind of a shape? (Funnel)

If a tornado is coming, what should you do? (Seek shelter underground if
possible or in a room on the first floor without windows.)

How many hurricane categories are there? (five)

When is the official hurricane season? (June 1 to November 30)

What is good protection for windows during a hurricane? (Storm shutters)

True or false: During a fire, you should stay low to the ground where
there is less smoke. (True)

If go out in the cold, you should dress in: (layers)

## Getting Ready for a Disaster

**Disaster Supply Kit:** Every family should have a Disaster Supply Kit
in their home. The kit will help you and your family during a disaster.
In a hurricane or earthquake, for example, you might be without
electricity and the water supply may be polluted. In a heavy winter
storm or flood, you may not be able to leave your house for a few days.
In times like this, you will need to rely on yourself. Your disaster
supply kit will make it easier. Remember, your family will probably
never need to use your disaster supply kit, but it's always better to be
prepared.

Above is a picture of a Disaster Supply Kit. It is best of these items
are kept in a plastic tub or kept together in a cabinet so they will be
easy to find. Click on the items to learn more about the supplies you'll
need and why they are important!

**Water**

Storing water is one of the most important things you can do. In an
emergency, pipes may be broken or the water contaminated. (Contaminated
means it is not safe to drink.) Store water in plastic containers.
Plastic soft drink bottles are good! Don't use milk cartons or glass
bottles. You should have a three-day supply of water.

You will need at least two quarts of water for each person in your house
for each day. You will also need two quarts per person per day for
cooking and hygiene (like brushing your teeth). That means you will need
four quarts for each person \-- which is one whole gallon! And don't
forget extra water for your pets!

You need to multiply one gallon times the number of people in your house
and then multiply that number by three to get the total gallons you'll
need. Stored water needs to be treated to make sure it will be safe to
drink when you need it. You can do this by adding four drops of bleach
per quart of water. Have an adult do this for you. The liquid bleach
should have 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite and NO SOAP! Seal all
bottles tightly so they don't leak.

**Food**

You will need a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Non-perishable
food means food that can stay good for a long time without needing to be
in the refrigerator. It is also good if the food doesn't need to be
cooked. Here are some suggestions:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables

Canned juice, milk and soup

Sugar, salt and pepper

High energy foods, like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars,
trail mix

Vitamins

Fun foods! Like cookies, hard candy, lollipops, instant coffee and tea

Special food for babies or older people

The food should be kept dry and cool. Cookies and crackers and other
items should be in plastic bags.

**First Aid Kit**

Ask your Mom or Dad or another adult for help in locating or creating
your first aid kit. These are the things your first aid kit should have:

Sterile adhesive bandages of different sizes

Sterile gauze pads

Hypoallergenic adhesive tape

Triangular bandages

Scissors

Tweezers

Sewing needle

Moistened towellettes

Antiseptic

Thermometer

Tube of petroleum jelly

Safety pins

Soap

Latex gloves

Sunscreen

Aspirin or other pain reliever

Anti-diarrhea medicine

Antacid

Syrup of Ipecac

Laxative

Activated charcoal

**Tools and Supplies**

There are many things you many need in an emergency or during a
disaster. These things should be in a duffle bag or backpack so you can
take them with you easily if you have to leave your house.

Here is a list of some of the most important things:

Mess kits or plates and cups made of paper or plastic

Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

Non-electric can opener and utility knife (like a Swiss Army knife)

Fire extinguisher (ABC type)

Pliers

Tape

Compass

Matches in a waterproof container

Aluminum foil

Signal flares

Paper and pencils

Needle and thread

Shut-off wrench to turn off the gas and water to your house

Plastic sheeting

Whistle

Toilet paper

Soap

Household chlorine bleach

Plastic bucket with a tight lid

Plastic garbage bags

**Clothing and Bedding**

Everyone in your house should have a complete change of clothes and a
pair of sturdy shoes or boots stored in the disaster kit. You should
also have rain gear, thermal underwear and blankets or sleeping bags.

**Family Disaster Plan**

Every family needs to plan for what might happen. You should sit down
with your family and talk about:

What types of disasters might happen

What you should do to prepare (like creating your family disaster kit)

What to do if you are asked to evacuate (which means to leave your home)

You should talk to your family about:

Where to meet away from your home in case of a fire (like a neighbor's
house or the corner of the street);

Where to meet outside your neighborhood if you must evacuate. You should
pick a friend or relative's house;

Where to call to "check in" if you become separated from your family
during a disaster. You should memorize the phone number of a favorite
aunt or family member who lives in another state. You would call there
to report where you are so your family can find you.

You can also talk with your whole neighborhood about disaster plans.
Find out if someone in your neighborhood has a special skill \-- like
being a doctor.

Also, be sure your house has a smoke detector and remember to change the
batteries twice a year. It's also a good idea to take a first aid class
so you will be prepared to help others.

### How To Protect Your Home From Disasters

Disasters happen. There is not much we can do about that. But there are
things we can do to protect our homes and reduce the risk that they will
be damaged. Reducing the risk is called "mitigation". Although some
mitigation is very expensive and complicated -- like moving your home to
a different piece of land that is higher or away from a river -- some
things are easy. Here are some things you and your family can do to
mitigate:

**Floods:**

Don't put valuable items and appliances in the basement where they are
more likely to be flooded.

Power and water don't mix! Have the main breaker or fuse box and the
utility meters raised above the flood level for your area. That way, if
your home floods, water won't damage your utilities.

Buy flood insurance. To learn more about flood insurance, have your
parent call 1-800-427-4661.

**Hurricanes and Tornadoes:**

Don't lose your roof to high winds! Have hurricane straps installed to
keep the roof attached to the walls.

Use storm shutters to protect windows and glass. Use them when severe
weather is coming. The storm shutters protect against flying debris like
tree trunks or other things carried by strong winds.

**Earthquakes:**

Bolt or strap cupboards and bookcases to the walls and keep heavy
objects on the lower shelves so they don't fall on people.

Strap your water heater to a nearby wall. This will keep your gas water
heater from falling on someone or starting a fire from a broken gas
main.

Have your home bolted to the foundation. Anchor bolts cost as little as
\$2 each. They should be installed every six feet on the outer edges of
your house.

**Wild Fires:**

Create a safety zone around the house that separates your home from
plants and bushes that can burn easily. Clear dead brush and grass from
your property. It will act as fuel for a fire.

Keep branches around your home free of dead or dying wood or moss.

Put tile or flame-retardant shingles on your roof instead of wood shakes
or standard shingles. This will cut the chance that burning debris in
the air will catch your roof on fire.

**What did you learn?**

Choose the item that does NOT belong in your Disaster Supply Kit.
(television set)

What does the term "non-perishable food" mean? (It can last a long time
without being refrigerated.)

True or false: Only some families need to have Disaster Supply Kit and
Family Disaster Plan? (False)

How many times a year should you change the batteries in your smoke
detector? (Twice)

What does the term "mitigation" mean? (It means to take actions that
will reduce the risk of your home being damaged.)

When you are told to evacuate, what should you do with your pet? (Take
it with you!)

True or false -- Disasters always come with warnings. (False)

True or false -- Every state in the country is at risk for some kind of
disaster. (True)

If you are in a disaster, what can you do to feel better? (Draw
pictures, write about it, talk to your parents, help out with chores)

**What you might feel during a disaster.**

Disasters can happen. They often happen quickly and without warning, and
they can be scary for you and your parents. For example, you may have to
leave your home and you may not be able to go to school. You may not be
able to sleep in your own bed and things may be confusing for a while.

Disasters don't last very long. Soon, things will be back to normal.

You can get a new routine if you can't go home for a while. You will
settle down into a new place and you will meet new friends.

Look to your parents or other adults for help when you feel scared or
confused. They will help you understand what is happening. Sometimes
your parents may be confused, too, but soon they will know what to do.
Don't be afraid to ask questions -- like how long will we be in the
shelter? When will I go back to school?

Sometimes it helps to write about your experiences or to draw pictures
about what has happened. You can describe what happened and how you
feel. The FEMA for Kids Web site can post your projects.

It's OK to cry during a disaster, but remember, it will GET BETTER.

You may be able to help out. Children of all ages can help in the
shelter by babysitting other children or cleaning up or serving food.
You can even help with sandbagging or cleaning up your house after a
tornado or hurricane or earthquake.

# Pets and Disasters

Disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and floods don't just affect you --
they also affect your pets. And you pets depend on you for their safety.
There are many ways to be "Pet Prepared" but you must think ahead and
start planning NOW. Your local Humane Society or your veterinarian can
help you. During a disaster, if you see an injured or stranded animal
that needs help, tell your parent or adult to contact your local animal
control officer or animal shelter. Remember, even if you don't have to
evacuate, your pet may be stressed or upset and will need extra
attention.

# If you need to evacuate

If you need to evacuate (leave your home for safer ground) the most
important thing is to TAKE YOUR PET WITH YOU. Leaving pets behind, even
if you try to create a safe place for them, is not the best action. BUT,
pets cannot come with you to a Red Cross emergency shelter (unless they
are service animals, like dogs for the visually impaired.) Since your
pet cannot go to the shelter, you need to plan ahead.

Contact hotels or motels outside your immediate area and ask about their
policies on accepting pets during an emergency. Keep a list of "pet
friendly" places in your emergency kit so you know where to go. If you
get advance notice that you will need to evacuate, call and make a
reservation at the "pet friendly" places right away!

You can also ask friends or relatives outside the area if they could
keep your pets in an emergency.

Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could
shelter your animals in an emergency. Keep the list in your emergency
kit.

If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if they are
kept together, but in an emergency that might not be possible.

If you are under a disaster warning, keep your pets inside with you so
you don't have to look for them if you have to evacuate. Make sure they
all are wearing collars and identification tags.

# You Portable Pet Disaster Kit

Your pet disaster kit should include:

Pet food and treats

Drinkable water in plastic bottles

Can opener for canned food

Pet medications and medical records in a waterproof container

Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers so you can move your pets
safely and they can't escape (remember they may be scared and may act
different than usual)

Current photos of your pet in case they get lost

The name of your veterinarian

Pet beds and toys, if there is room.

All your pets should have an identification tag and collar, too.

**Birds, reptiles and other pets.**

Birds should be moved in a secure travel cage or carrier. If the weather
is cold, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car first.
During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the birds' feathers
from time to time. Do not put water in the carrier, instead put a piece
of fruit or vegetables with high water content. Keep a photo of your
bird for identification. Try to keep the carrier in a quiet place, but
DO NOT let your pet out as they may fly away in the confusion.

Lizards should be treated like birds.

Snakes should be put in a pillowcase when they are evacuated. You will
need to put them in a more secure place when you reach the evacuation
site. If your snake requires regular feeding, carry food with you. And
take a water bowl large enough for soaking your snake as well as a
heating pad.

Pocket pets, like hamsters or gerbils, should be moved in their secure
cages or carriers. Take bedding materials, food bowls and water bottles.

# If you must leave your pets behind

It is important to take your pet with you. If you cannot, make sure your
pet can get into a safe, secure room without windows, but with adequate
air. (Like a big bathroom). Leave enough food for three days. Leaving
enough water for you pet is very important. One pet can drink several
gallons of water a day. Put water in containers that are not easily
knocked over. Leave a faucet dripping into a bathtub or sink (with the
drain open!). Leave their favorite bed and toys. Don't confine dogs and
cats in the same space. Put a notice on your front door saying where
your pets are in the house and a phone number where you will be.

Never, never, never leave your dog tied up outside!