Concordia Criminal Justice Institute.

1
Personal Planning forCrisis Events Natural
Disasters

• Prepared by Professor Ray Mattix
• January 2008

2
Introduction

• The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks along
  with recent natural disasters have demonstrated
  the importance of anticipating crisis events.
• The goal of this presentation is to provide
  information and suggestions on taking the first
  steps in developing a Family Crisis Response
  Plan.

3
Why plan?

• Although some crisis events can be predicted,
  others cannot. In either case the crisis
  typically unfolds with great speed and under
  extremely stressful and confusing conditions.
• By developing and practicing a Family Crisis
  Response Plan you can achieve a state of
  readiness that lessens the likelihood of tragedy.
  

4
What should I do first?

• Formulate a communications plan for your family.
• This should include contact information for work
  and school and telephone numbers for family and
  friends who live out of town.

5
Whats next?

• Make a list of phone numbers for emergency
  service professionals and give them to family
  members.
• These important numbers should also be included
  in each of your emergency kits.

6
Where to meet?

• Agree on a predetermined meeting location. If
  your family is separated during a crisis and
  communication is disrupted you will know how to
  get back together.
• It is also a good idea to identify a second
  meeting location in the event the primary
  location is inaccessible.

7
What if I have pets?

• If you have pets or livestock it is important you
  anticipate their needs in times of emergency.
• You should have an ample supply of pet food and
  water to take with you if you must evacuate.
• Make sure to take pet medications and proof of
  vaccinations.
• Determine what hotels accept pets and keep a list
  of these handy.
• If you are forced to go a shelter your pets may
  not be accepted. It is important to consider this
  possibility and plan in advance.

8
Emergency Kit

• Construct an emergency supply kit.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency
  recommends the following supplies be included in
  your kit for home, vehicle and worksite.

9
Emergency Kit Content

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water
  per person, per day.
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and
  extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes
  and toilet paper).
• Matches and waterproof container.
• Whistle.

10
Emergency Kit Content

• Extra clothing.
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils,
  including a can opener.
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards
  and other important documents.
• Cash and coins.
• Special needs items, such as prescription
  medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions,
  and hearing aid batteries.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers,
  bottles, and pacifiers.
• Other items to meet your unique family needs.

11
Conclusion

• Recent surveys have concluded many Americans
  understand the importance of planning for
  catastrophic events. However, most people fail to
  plan because they believe a tragedy will not
  impact their life. It is imperative you avoid
  this mindset and reduce your risk by preparing
  for the unexpected.
• This presentation is by no means conclusive
  however, by following the simple steps weve
  discussed you will be well on your way to
  achieving a better state of readiness.
  

12
Additional Resources

• I strongly encourage you to continue to explore
  the topic of disaster mitigation and crisis
  response planning. Both the Department of
  Homeland Security and the American Red Cross
  offer information on their websites that is
  invaluable. You can access this information via
  the following links.
• www.Ready.gov (Select the Ready America
  link)
• www.RedCross.org (Select the Disaster Services
  link)