Many people in the path of Hurricane Katrina lost telephone
reception for days or even weeks. Local phone systems
went down. Cell phones didn’t work. It was hard
to connect with loved ones to find out were they were
and make sure they were all right.
It’s important to establish a central emergency
contact person and phone number – preferably out
of state – ahead of time. If disaster struck the
Knoxville area as it did New Orleans, phone lines could
be tied up or destroyed.
Plan your family’s response to possible disaster
to prevent panic and confusion:
- Choose a contact person: For instance, everyone should
know to call "Aunt Helen in Ohio" to say where
you are. Teach your children how to call the emergency
phone numbers and when to do so.
- Establish two meeting places for emergencies: at
home and away from home. You may become separated from
family members. Select a place right outside your home
in case of sudden incident like a fire. Choose a place
outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return
home.
- Have a family communication plan: This includes telephone
numbers for family members at work and school; the name
and number of your out-of-town contact person; meeting
locations; emergency services and the National Poison
Control Center (1-800-222-1222).
- Think ahead about evacuating: Where might you go?
What are the various routes in different directions
that would take you there? Ask friends and family members
about staying with them if anything were ever to happen.
- Check in at school: Make sure your contact information
is current. Find out how to release your child to someone
you choose if you cannot be there. Remember the phone
lines might be jammed in an emergency.
- Do your homework: read this special section together
to learn what disaster you might face in East Tennessee.
We’re spared tsunamis, but not tornadoes!
- Take a first aid
and CPR class.
- All adults and teen-agers should learn how to shut
off home utilities.
- Be prepared to help
your children cope with a disaster situation.
- Plan for those with disabilities and other special
needs: keep support items in a place where you can find
them quickly. Have an alternate plan if a home-health
caregiver cannot make it to you or your loved one.
- Plan for your pets:
take them with you if you evacuate. For health and safety
reasons, emergency public shelters usually don’t
permit pets, other than service animals, to stay. So
prepare a list of family, friends, boarding facilities,
veterinarians and “pet-friendly” hotels
where you could leave your animals in an emergency.
- Prepare for different hazards: For example, learn
the difference in how to protect yourself during a tornado
versus a fire. The following Web sites are helpful:
www.redcross.org;
www.fema.gov;
and www.ready.gov.
- Think about financial
concerns that might arise as a result of a disaster
and begin planning for those.
For more information on disaster planning,call your local
American Red Cross at 865-584-2999.
