SEGMENT TITLE: Getting Ready for Disaster: One Family's Experience

Narrator:
Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Every disaster can have lasting effects, to both people and property. Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and the loss that accompany disasters. For this reason, it's important that everyone, including you and me, be prepared.

This video is one family's story on how they prepared themselves for any disaster.

You're about to see the Parker family; Mom, Dad, Zach, and Katie, as they participate in one of Zach's school projects and learn about disaster preparedness. Their actions show us the practical steps every person and family needs to take to get ready in case a disaster should strike.

Looks like Zach is just coming home with his assignment.

Zach:
Hey! I'm Zach Parker. I'm 12...almost 13... and this is my house. I got assigned a project today in Earth Science. My mom LOVES school projects...she really gets into them... C'mon...I'll show you

Mom, I'm home.

Mom:

Hey Honey, I'm here at the computer desk.

Zach:

Hey

Mom:

Hey

Zach:
I got assigned an important project today.

Mom:
OK

Zach:
It's kinda cool, but I've gotta get you and Dad to help me.

Mom:
Oh, why is that?

Zach:
Cause my teacher, Mrs. Davis, said should get the whole family involved...

Mom:
Cool

Zach:
It's really a project for all of us. It's about disasters. What kinds there are, what to do to prepare, and we need to put together a kit...(remembering) a Disaster Supplies Kit.

Mom:
OK Let's See. Preparing for Disaster. Wow, this does look really cool. And look, this is distributed by FEMA and the American

Zach:
yah... I can hardly wait.

Mom:
Oh Come on Zach, we can make this fun

Zach:
What disasters could happen around here anyway?

Mom:
Well, that's part of your homework assignment Zach... to figure out what disasters can happen right here in your hometown...”because according to this book, disasters can happen in anybody's hometown”.

Fade-out / Fade-in

Zach:
Hey

Mom:
Hey, well, you know what...according to your teacher and this plan, there are four following easy steps that we need to do. Alright...so...Number one, we need to Get Informed. Number two, we need to Make a Plan. Number three, we need to Assemble a Kit, and Number four, we need to Maintain the Kit.

Zach:
ok

Mom:
Ok? ... So, Look here. She even lists some places that we can get information.

Zach:
Yeah, The local chapter of the American Red Cross, and our local emergency management office...

Mom:
Exactly, but look down here, before we even get started she wants you to write down why you think she's given you this assignment.

What do you think she wants you to learn from this?

Zach:
Well, first of all she said it was important to know what disasters could around happen here...

Mom:
"...and?"

Zach:
and that if you got ready... you could protect your home, keep your family safe - even your pets!

Mom:
Exactly Zach. You know, it looks like there are some really simple things that we can do to prepare for a disaster. And I really think that your Dad and Sister could help us out with this too. This looks like a very very COOL project. You know how much I love school projects.

Zach: to the camera:
great... a little quality family time.

Mom:
Oh..Come on Zach. Hmm...and it even says here that you get to make a presentation to your class.

Zach:
No way?!

Mom:
Oh, come on Zach. You're going to do great...you know that.

Zach:
Hmmmm...Where's that list again... OK - The first step is to GET INFORMED. You know, my teacher said that the Red Cross and the Emergency Management Office would have maps and stuff...

Mom:
Great

Zach:
Let's see, where is it? Ah, Here it is. The Emergency Management Office

Mom:
Ok, Zach, what's the telephone number? We'll go ahead and call them.

Fade out

SEGMENT TRANSITION – Fade up

Bob:

Hi, I'm Bob Larimer, the Emergency Manager.

Mom:
Hi Bob, I'm Linda Parker.

Bob:
Hi Linda

Mom:
This is my son, Zach.

Bob:
Zach, Nice to meet you both.

Zach:
Nice to meet you.

Bob:
I understand that you are on a fact finding mission.

Zach:
Yes I am.

Bob:
Well, let's go back to my office and talk.

Zach:
OK, thank you.

Mom:
Thank you for seeing us.

Bob:
You're welcome, thank you for coming by.

Bob:
Well Zach, how can I help you?

Zach:
Well, I wanted to ask you some questions about our community so I could put it in my family's disaster plan.

Bob:
O.k. Shoot.

Zach:
Well, What disasters can happen here?

Bob:
Well, our community is impacted by a lot of different disasters floods, fires, thunderstorms, tornadoes oh And remember when we had that train derailment last year that spilled all that hazardous material.

Zach, that was a really good question. You know, it's important that we know about hazards that happen in our area, but it's also really important that we know about hazards that happen in places other than here.

Mom:
Really, why is that necessary?

Bob:
Well Linda, because the hazards that can happen in the places where you travel on vacation or maybe have business trips, may, or may not be the same as those that we face right here.

Zach:
But isn't that a lot to remember?

Bob:
You're right, Zach, it really is, but I guess the good news is that a lot of the steps that you take to prepare for one disaster, or one hazard, are the same to prepare for other hazards.

Alright, I've got this guide. I'd love for you both to bring it home. Take a look at it with your family. This guide has a lot of the same information that you have in the booklet that you brought with you, but also has protective actions to take for very specific hazards.

Zach:
Yeah, look, it's even got pictures and maps and everything.

Mom:
Very nice.

Zach:
But how would we know if something was about to happen?

Bob:
That's a good question too, but you already know something about warning systems Zach. Think about when your fire alarm goes off at school.

Zach:
Oh Yeah, in fact, we just had a drill the other day.

Bob:
Well, you know, our community uses a variety of different warning systems. Ummm, the local radio and television stations often warn of bad weather, which may even close your school.

Zach:
Oh yeah, I like that.

Mom:
Mmmm Hmmm

Bob:
But, we also use the internet. We use pagers. We use cell phones as part of our warning system as well. Sometimes we even find it necessary to go door to door to warn people. Like during that train derailment last year. We also recommend that each family have a NOAA Weather Radio that has a tone alert feature.

Zach:
What's a NOAA?

Bob:
NOAA stands for National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. See, they operate a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information.

Mom:
Bob, I was thinking about evacuations. What are our community's plans for evacuation?

Bob:
Well Linda, we often try to find routes that we can take and we try to use the same routes, but as you know, quite often that can change. So, it's really important that we listen to the radio or television for specific instructions as far as which routes to take and also where we can find shelters for emergencies. Alright. Does that make sense to you guys?

Zach:
Yeah it does.

Bob:
Now, we've spent a lot of time talking about plans for our own community, but it's really important that you find out what emergency plans are in place, say at Zach's school or even places where you work.

Mom:
That is a very good point. I guess it is very important to make sure that all plans work together.

Bob:
It really is.

Mom:
Bob, thank you so much for taking time to see us. We really appreciate it.

Bob:
It's my job. Keep in mind that the American Red Cross and other disaster service organizations have a lot of information that can help you as you put together your plan for your family. Just feel free to call on any of us.

Zach:
Ok. I guess we are making progress.

Mom:
We sure are.

Fade out

SEGMENT TRANSITION - Fade up

Zach:
Well the meeting with the emergency manager went well. We learned a lot about hazards, warning systems, and evacuations. But I needed a break after Mom and I went over all that stuff with the rest of the family.

Well, time to get back to it.

Katie:
Hey Zach, what's next?

Zach:
Well, looks like next we have to put together an emergency communications plan.

Katie:
Wait. What's that?

Zach:
It is a plan on how to communicate with one another during an emergency.

Katie:
What does it look like?

Zach:
Well....according to this booklet you can find a sample form for recording this information at ready.gov or at redcross.org

Mom:
And look, there's one right here in the Are You Ready? Guide.

Dad:
Looks pretty simple. We can even use a blank sheet of paper if we had to.

Zach:
Well, whatever we use....here are the basics it needs to cover...We need contact information for family members at work, school, cell.

Zach:
Hey, sounds like I might get a cell phone out of this!

Mom & Dad:
Hmmm

Zach:
We also need an "Out-of-Town” contact...to call and let them know where we are and that we're safe.

Katie:
Why do we need that?

Dad:
Well Sweetie, it could be hard to get through on the local phone lines after a disaster.

Mom:
For instance, you all might not be able to get through to me at work. So, it's good to have an out-of-town contact, like Nana. She would be our out-of-town communication link.

Zach:
Well, we also need to establish some sort of meeting location for... in case we get separated during an emergency....and we need the contact information for emergency services such as – fire – police – and the Nationwide Poison Control Hotline

Mom:
Well, who ever's going to do it – there are cut out forms in the back of the Are You Ready guide—which should make things real simple for you.

Katie:
Ok lets get to work filling this in.

Fade out

SEGMENT TRANSITION - Fade in

Zach:
Well, looks like we're done!

Dad:
Well, it didn't take too long, did it?...but now remember, we're going to have to make sure that we update this plan whenever the information changes.

Mom:
That's right kids.

Dad:
I mean like Katie, the phone number's going to be different next year when you change schools.

Mom:
So, here's what I'm going to do. Now that we're finished I'm going to go ahead and post this by the phone – just in case we need it.

Dad:
Good idea.

Zach:
Hey, says here we should do a wallet sized version to carry with us.

Dad:
Uh, Linda, didn't you say there were cut outs in the back of the guide?

Mom:
Yes, there right there.

Dad:
Yeah, here they are.

Katie:
Whose gonna make these up?

Zach:
If you do it, I'll do your dishes....

Katie:
Two times?

Zach:
Deal.

Mom:
Hey, didn't I see some thing in the book here on a... what to do with your pets in the event of an emergency?

You know, I did. Here it is right here. It says Families should call their Vet, their animal control office, or an animal shelter ahead of time, for information and advice...Wow, this is really good information. Also, if an evacuation is necessary, find out which hotels and motels take pets. Pets are not typically allowed in emergency shelters with the exception of service animals.

Katie:
Mommy, is that because somebody could be allergic or scared or something?

Mom:
Well, I would think so honey...but also because of health and hygiene.

Zach:
...what's a service animal?

Mom:
Well, it's like Aunt Becky's dog, a seeing-eye dog. So, we need to be sure to have up-to-date veterinarian records to prove the pet's vaccinations are current. Each pet should have proper ID. And the family should gather pet supplies...food, water, and medications. A pet carrier and leash are a must.

Before our plan is complete, there are some other things for us to do...

Dad:
like what?

Mom:
Well honey, it says here that we need to learn how and when to shut off our utilities. It also says that we need to learn how to use our fire extinguishers, install and maintain our smoke alarms, review our insurance coverage...Gosh, what about all my family files?

Dad:
Oh, well those are important things. We have to store things like a... insurance policies, passports, all of our deeds, titles...all of that stuff has to be put in a safe place. Somewhere away from the house like a safety deposit box, and most importantly we have to keep copies of all of those documents in our Disaster Supplies Kit.

Mom:
What in the world is a Disaster Supplies Kit

Dad:
That's a good question actually. Zach, what does it look like ...How big is it? like a first aid kit?

Zach:
It's bigger than a first aid kit... but first aid items go into the kit....it's a container...might even be two containers... that holds supplies your family would need to survive for 3 days... You know...stuff like food, water...a battery operated radio and a flashlight...

Katie:
Hey, Can we make one of these up tonight?

Mom:
Well, that sounds like Step Number Three! ASSEMBLE A KIT!

Zach:
Yeah. Hey. This project is going pretty good, huh?

Mom:
Zach, this project is going very well.

Dad:
Thanks to you pal.

Fade out

SEGMENT TRANSITION - Fade up

Dad:
Tell you what. Let's go over this together for just a minute here. It says you may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in a sufficient quantity to last for at least three days.

Local officials and relief workers...I guess that's police, fire fighters, EMTs...that sort of thing, will be on the scene after a disaster, but they may not be able to reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it may take days. So we need to be prepared for that!

Zach:
Yeah

Dad:
Uhhh, hey. Let me give you a little Pop Quiz here. Can you name any of the services and things we might have to do without during a disaster? See how much you know.

Zach:
Ummm, maybe stuff like our water... gas, electricity, phone lines...and our sewage treatment.

Dad:
Very good. You just named all of them. That's right. We may have to do without all of those for days, or even a week or longer. Very good. I'm impressed.

We may have to evacuate at a moments notice and take essentials with us. And that means that since we probably won't be able to shop for those supplies, or even look for them after a disaster, we need to put together a Disaster Supplies Kit now !

Zach:
Well, Yeah!

Dad:
Uh, let's See...A Disaster Supplies Kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster. Oh...Listen to this. Since you don't know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare Supply Kits for home, work, and vehicles. That makes sense.

Zach:
Good idea

Dad:
Ok, well, here is a list of all the items we need for our home Disaster Supplies Kit.

Mom:
Hey guys, we're back with the containers. Hey Zach, why don't you go ahead and give me that list?

Dad:
Here I'll take it. There you go.

Mom:
Thank you. This is great. Looks like we have a lot of these items right here in the cupboard.

Dad:
Good

Mom:
But, Zach, I have one more question for you. What do you think is one of the most important items to consider for supplies?

Zach:
Water!

Mom:
You're right.

Zach:
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least a half gallon of water just for drinking each day.

Mom:
Ok

Zach:
Store in a cool, dark place. Hey, we'll need to include some water for Whiskers, too!

Katie:
Definitely.

Zach:
Also, put together a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

Mom:
We've got that right here, ok?

Zach:
And, it says we should try to avoid foods that will make us thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.

Hey, we'll need to include a manual can opener too.

Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh foods. Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all the containers.

Dad:
I can handle that job.

Mom:
OK

Zach:
Rethink your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change. Next year, I'll be eating more. Katie will be eating more.

Dad:
And, I'll be eating less, I hope.

Zach:
Ah, now we should also keep items in airtight plastic bags and put the entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers.

Katie:
got that.

Zach:
Wow, this is a lot of stuff.

Katie:
I've seen you eat that much food in one weekend.

Dad:
You know, it does feel pretty good though to get all of our food supplies in order. Of course, this isn't everything. We still have to worry about what?... flashlights, batteries, radios, that sort of thing. But we'll get to that later on.

Katie:
But Daddy, do you really think that we need all this stuff?

Dad:
Well, I hope not Sweetie, but it's always a possibility. If a disaster does strike though, this family is going to be as prepared as possible.

Mom:
Yes we will.

Dad:
Let's get this stored away.

Katie:
Ok - Daddy you can put all of the water in here.

Dad:
That's right, cool dark place.

Fade out

SEGMENT TRANSITION - Fade up

Zach:
Anything for me!

Mom:
No, not really....just a letter here from Aunt Becky......

Zach:
Hey, ya know, now that we have our kit and plan and all, it would be good if we could help others get prepared!

Mom:
Yeah, and we could start with Aunt Becky! Zach : Ya... Would Aunt Becky's kit and plan be any different than ours?

Mom:
Well, I would assume that it would be somewhat similar to ours, but because she's blind, it would probably have a few differences... You know....we can go talk to our friend, Karen. She's disabled and she also volunteers for the American Red Cross.

Zach:
Yeah?

Mom:
I'm going to give her a call right now.

Zach:
Road Trip!

Mom:
Karen, it's so good to see you too. You remember my son Zach?

Karen:
Yes. Hi Zach.

Zach:
Hi, how are you?

Karen:
Good.

Zach:
My Mom says you might be able to help us with something. I have a school project that's all about preparing for disasters. Now, my family put together a plan and we also put together a Disaster Supplies Kit ..... but now we need to help my Aunt Becky get prepared.

Mom:
You see, my sister Becky has a disability – she's blind.

Karen:
I'd be glad to help. I have something here that I think could help her.

Zach:
Oh thank you.

Karen:
Preparing for disaster is everyone's personal responsibility, but for the millions of Americans with disabilities, emergencies can present a real challenge.

Part of my work as a volunteer with the American Red Cross is to help senior citizens and persons with disabilities get prepared, and one of the tools that we use is this booklet Preparing for Disaster– It's produced by FEMA and the American Red cross. It gives a step-by-step process to help her get prepared.

Zach:
This is good stuff!

Karen:
It will very important for her to set-up a personal support network made up of trusted individuals where she spends her time. My support network is made up of my family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers who can assess my capabilities, know what I would need help with, and be available within minutes. I don't really depend on one person because they may not be available when I need them. It would also be important for her to create a personal assessment.

Zach:
What's that?

Karen:
That would be a list of her needs and things that she would need help with before, during, and after a disaster. The booklet that I gave can provide you with the questions that would guide her through the assessment.

Mom:
Wow. You know Zach...just imagine if Aunt Becky lost power in her elevator and couldn't get out of her building...or if Nemo, her dog, what if he got injured and couldn't help her?

Zach:
Yea, I never thought about that....

Mom:
Well, you know what Zach, we are going to see her in two weeks and we're definitely going to take this booklet with us. Karen, thank you so much for letting us come and talk to you. I really appreciate it.

Karen:
Thank you for coming.

Fade out

SEGMENT TRANSITION – Fade up

Zach:
Food and water in an emergency. Hey, Mom, come and see this information they have about food and water on the FEMA web site and in this booklet FOOD AND WATER IN AN EMERGENCY. It's put out by FEMA and the Red Cross - I don't know how to put all this into my report.

Mom:
Wow. This is a lot of info...But, you know this is really good information on how to store our food and water, not only here in our home but also in our Disaster Supplies Kit.

You know Zach, I have an idea. Did you ever think about using a poster board for your project? You could kind of categorize it. Then, you wouldn't have to put it in paragraph form... kind of like in an outline... then you could use it for your presentation, what do you think?

Zach:
Yah, that's a pretty good idea.

Mom:
I think so too.

Zach:
Could you buy me some poster board? In the meantime I can study this and take down notes.

Mom:
Well you know what. I think I have some poster board in the closet left over from your sister's project. I'm going to go take a look.

Zach:
OK, I'll take notes. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. And try to get at least two-week's worth of water for each person in your family. A normally active person needs at least a half gallon of water just for drinking each day.

To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended that you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it. Store bottled water in the original sealed container and observe the expiration or "use by” date.

If you're preparing your own containers of water, it's recommended to purchase food-grade water storage containers or you can re-use two-liter plastic soda bottles.

Ah...Preparing Containers: Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Additionally for plastic soft drink bottles, sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart, or a quarter gallon of water, swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.

Filling Water Containers: Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If your water utility company treats your tap water with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean.

If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to each gallon of water.

Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Write the date on the outside of the containers so you know when you filled it.

Store in a cool, dark place.

Mom:
Here are your poster boards, honey.

Zach:
Oh thank you.

Mom:
So, how's it going?

Zach:
Pretty Good.

Mom:
Good

Zach:
All I need to do now is outline food supplies.

Mom:
Fabulous, keep working, ok.

Zach:
I'm starving!

Mom:
By the way honey... dinner will be ready in 10 minutes...

Zach:
Cool.

Zach:
The following are things to consider when putting together your food supplies: Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener. Managing Food Supplies - Safety and Sanitation - Things to Do: Keep food in covered containers - Keep cooking and eating utensils clean - Keep garbage in closed containers and dispose outside, burying garbage if necessary - Wash hands frequently with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected - Use only pre-prepared canned baby formula for infants And here is the list of Don'ts - Don't eat foods from cans that are swollen, dented, or corroded, even though the product may look safe to eat - Don't let garbage accumulate inside, for both fire and sanitation reasons - Don't eat any food that looks or smells abnormal

Well no joke...

Mom:
Zach, dinner!

Zach:
Perfect timing ...

Fade out

SEGMENT TRANSITION - Fade up

Mom:
Zach, Craig's mom is here to pick you up, honey.

Zach:
Is Craig here?

Mom:
Yeah

Zach:
Oh – Hi Craig. Let's go get my stuff.

Mom:
Oh Carol. It's so good to see you. It's been so long.

Carol:
I know.

Mom:
Please sit down.

Carol:
Oh Thanks.

Mom:
Well, how have you been?

Carol:
Good – busy as always.

Mom:
Me too – Always busy.

Carol:
I see you've got the Helping Children Cope with Disaster pamphlet.

Mom:
I do.

Carol:
So, how is Zach doing with his disaster project?

Mom:
Real good...that's right, Craig is in Zach's Earth Science class, isn't he?

Carol:
Yeah, they are.

Mom:
I'll tell you what Carol, this has been a wonderful project. He's doing great. In fact, our entire family has gotten involved and now we all know what to do to get prepared for a disaster. It's wonderful.

Carol:
That is so good. Did you get a chance to read the booklet?

Mom:
Actually, I did. My husband and I both had opportunities to sit down and read it. Every night we've been able to sit down and take all this in.

Carol:
Good. We went through it too. And actually I was talking with my sister and she brought up some good points. She and her family experienced a disaster last year and her kids weren't coping well until she got some help.

Carol:
She had brought up a few things that were in there such as there are several factors that can cause stress and fear for children:
* Direct exposure to the disaster...
* Loss of family, friends, pets...
* Even on-going stress just from losing other things that are important to them.

Mom:
That makes a lot of sense, Carol.

Carol:
It does and she also said that it didn't depend on how the children learned about the disaster that they still may have problems dealing with it and we just have to be ready to help them cope.

Mom:
Absolutely, you know the one thing that I was pleased to see in this booklet was the information on how to help us recognize symptoms like fear, sadness, or behavioral problems.

Carol:
Right and with older kids, you know, they may not display things the same as younger kids. They may have anger, aggression... just school problems in general and it can be a variety of things.

Mom:
Exactly, I mean, according to the booklet, there are a great number of things that we can do to help them.

Carol:
And it says there are several signs to be on the look out for, to help you key in to potential problems. That way you can react sooner.

Mom:
And the one thing that I really liked that this booklet brought out was that we can encourage them to talk; and if we do that we can listen to their concerns, which is very important. Very important. It says here that we need to calmly give the facts; that children want to hear about what is being done for their safety.

Carol:
Right

Mom:
Which I think is very important information.

Carol:
Exactly. I mean it makes them feel more comfortable. Just simple things...we can involve them in updating family disaster plan. Or just include them in specific chores; that way they feel as if they are helping deal with the recovery.

Mom:
Exactly, and you know, it says here it's important to spend extra time with them, that if we re-establish their daily routines for work, for school, for play, for meals, and for rest. It also says that we need to praise and recognize responsible behavior.

Carol:
Oh – you know what. Another important thing I read in there, we really need to limit their exposure to the media. I mean news coverage of disasters causes fear, confusion...anxiety. Particularly the large scale disasters and these terrorist events. They just don't understand this large amount of damage and loss of life. They don't understand.

Mom:
Right. You know I really like these several suggestions in the booklet on Parents and managing our reactions to all of these things. They suggest if we can control our reactions that it will help them cope a lot better.

Carol:
And particularly with younger kids, because they see these images repeated over and over on the news and on TV and they don't understand that it's not happening over and over again.

Mom:
Exactly. Dealing with children and a situation such as this...it's a touchy situation. But this information...It sure has helped us.

Zach:
I'm ready.

Carol:
It is really a great resource and I am glad the school gave it to us.

Mom:
Yes, I am too.

Carol:
Ok, boys, in the car....I'm so glad we got to talk to each other again. Oh...by the way, I'll have Zach back about 6:30.

Mom:
Thanks. See you boys.

Fade out

SEGMENT TRANSITION - Fade up

Zach:
To recap, the four steps of Preparing for a Disaster are: Get informed, Make a Plan, Assemble a Kit, and Maintain your Plan and Kit.

Being prepared for disaster can reduce fear, anxiety, and can reduce the impact of disasters and sometimes avoid the disaster completely.

applause

Mom:
Very nice Zach.

Dad:
Very very good. I'm very proud of you Zach. Now, are you ready to do that in front of your class?

Zach:
I think I'm ready.

Dad:
I think you are too!

Mom:
Through our son's project, our family was able to take the steps necessary to prepare for disasters of any type.

Dad:
Fortunately, we had lots of help along the way from those who work in the disaster field and from many publications that are available nationwide.

Mom:
The booklets we used can be obtained through your local American Red Cross chapter.

Dad:
They're also available from FEMA along with the Are You Ready? Guide.

Mom:
You can contact the FEMA distribution center at 1-800-480-2520 for copies.

Dad:
Every American can, and should do their part to be better prepared and better protected... and to help their communities do the same.

Mom:
Absolutely. I mean our family just volunteered on our Community Emergency Response Team.

Dad:
That's right. It's also know as CERT. Right now, our team is learning how to provide immediate assistance to victims and we're learning to assemble information to give to first responders as soon as they arrive on the scene.

Mom:
CERT is a part of the Citizen Corp programs which helps to ensure that you have a safer home, community and neighborhood to live in.

Dad:
Right. To find out more about Citizen Corp programs and who the point of contact is for your local area, just visit their website at www.citizencorps.gov

Mom:
The American Red Cross and other volunteer organizations provide vital services before and during times of disaster.

Dad:
And, the demands for their services are great and continue to grow.

Mom:
Absolutely, and the ability for them to continue the l evel of service to help your community really depends on volunteers like you, and like us.

Dad:
Right. To find out more about their programs and how you can help just contact your local chapter of the Red Cross organization, or any other non-profit disaster relief organization, or even your local emergency management office.

Mom:
Even the kids are lending a helping hand.

Dad:
That's right.

Zach:
Yeah, we raised money and are using it to buy stuff for disaster supply kits for those who can't.

Katie:
Yeah, we wanted to get involved and lend a helping hand to others.

Mom:
You know, we are sure that your family, like ours, is very very busy. But, you have to remember that it is so important to be ready and really to help others be ready as well.

Zach:
Just remember to - Get Informed - Make a Plan - Assemble a Kit, and Maintain Your Plan and Kit

Dad:
That's right. Which means there's only one thing left to say...

Mom, Dad, Zach & Katie:
Are You ready?

Narrator:
As mentioned in the video, there are a number of places to find support and information on Preparing for Disasters. Like Zach and his Mom, you could also begin your plan with a visit to your local emergency management office, to gather information about hazards and readiness in your community. Share what you learn with family members and let that be the starting point for your family's disaster plan.
(turn)
Remember to take the steps that Zach outlined. Get Informed. Make a Plan. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. And, Maintain the Plan and Kit.

Pay close attention to the guidelines for storing and maintaining food and water. Also be careful to take into consideration the extra steps required for people with disabilities or other special needs. And like our two soccer Mom's, be aware that children of all ages will react differently during a disaster. If your family includes children, learn how to help them cope with disaster.

And remember...reach out and help others prepare, so that when a disaster strikes, we are all able to say "YES, We Are Ready."

END