RESPONDING TO THE PHILIPPINES T YPHOON

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) is part of the Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Family Planning for Disasters
How to Plan For and Protect Your Family’s HealthMajor events such as Typhoonwith such procedures as injections orHaiyan which impacted the Philippines
other medical requirements.
We need to plan for disasters thatand other regions make us think■■ Make sure adult children away
could require us to evacuate
about the impact of such disasters onfrom home, such as college students,
our homes.
our family and loved ones and how
are prepared. Make sure elderly
prepared we would be. Whether wemembers of your family are also
live in areas that are vulnerable toprepared.
certain natural disasters, we all need to plan for the kindsof disasters, including terrorism, bioterrorism or pandemic
Evacuation Planning
threats, that could require us to evacuate our homes. This
Having a prepared plan for evacuation can save valuable
fact sheet provides information on three aspects of family
time.
preparedness planning for disasters. The first pertains to■■ Have a ‘ready to go’ kit. Essential items include extra
the special health needs of your family. The second involves
water, food, batteries, first aid kit, a flashlight, wind up
specific tips around evacuation. The third provides steps forradio, contact numbers, and medications.
creating a family communication plan.
■■ Plan ahead for family pets by contacting area sheltersand have provisions stored for self-care if possible.
Health Concerns to Consider in Disaster Planning forYour Family■■ Determine a planned evacuation destination. This
includes knowing the location or numbers to call to get■■ Do you or any of your family members have medicalsuch information, having maps, and knowing alternate
conditions that require medication, special medicalroutes.
equipment or diets?
■■ Have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicles at all■■ What might you or members of your family need to dotimes. This can be a time saver and help families leave
about these health issues in an environment away fromimmediately.
home?
■■ Turn off the gas and water to your home, if possible,■■ Family members spend a significant portion of the dayprior to evacuating. Remember to call the gas company
away from home. Have you communicated your family
to turn back on the gas once your family returns.
members’ health issues to their supervisors, teachers, or
day care professionals?
Family Communication Plan
A good communication plan is essential in disaster
Steps Families Can Take to Prepare for Disasters
planningand evacuation. Knowing where your family is or
around Health Issues
During disasters, health medications and health supplies how to locate them are critical factors for reducing anxiety.
To create a disaster communication plan, families must:
may be temporarily disrupted.
■■ Establish a primary contact and number (preferably■■ At home, have an extra supply of medications available.
a relative or friend in another part of the region or■■ Away from home, provide instructions and trainingout of state) who family members can call in case of(if possible) to a primary caregiver who would be
emergencies.
responsible for your family member at the time of a■■ Every member of the family should know this number.
disaster.
■■ In the event that family members are separated, it is also■■ If that caregiver expresses reluctance or discomfort toimportant that daycare, work, school, and neighbors
administer help, have them identify a person within thatknow this number.
environment who would be able to provide assistanceContinued

■■ Prepare a list of phone numbers where each family

member can be reached during the day. Include a list of
relatives, friends and business associates that would orshould know your whereabouts in case of emergency.
■■ During disasters, phone communications may bedisrupted. Provide an alternative means for making
calls, such as a special ‘emergency’ calling card or cellphone. Other vehicles of communication are importantsuch as the Internet, e-mail communication, and HAM
radio. The Red Cross is also a resource to help contact
loved ones.
■■ Leave a note at your residence to let others know where
you are and how you can be contacted.

Involve Your Entire Family in the Planning andPractice■■ Select a time and conduct your own family emergency
drill. A good time might be around a family or nationalholiday.
■■ Make it fun. Consider asking young children to help
create the ‘ready to go’ kit, including favorite foods withlong shelf lives.
■■ Instill in family the importance of disaster planning as away to alleviate anxiety, foster family cohesion and be a
responsible citizen.

Helpful Web Links:
http://www.ready.gov
http://www.fema.gov/kids/
http://www.redcross.org/

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
Tel: 301-295-2470 | Fax: 301-319-6965
www.CSTSonline.org