Infants, Toddlers, Children and Latch-key Kids

Infants and toddlers require special attention immediately after disasters. Your Preparedness kit should include enough baby formula, baby food, diapers, bottles, toys and games to keep small infants safe and comfortable after a disaster.

If children are at preschool, day care or school, it is important that parents or guardians know the emergency procedures of the school. Review and update information on your child's emergency card. Make sure you authorize someone nearby to pick up your children from school in case you are unable to travel to the school after a disaster.

Parents of latch-key kids should inform neighbors when their children are home alone so neighbors could take care of them in the event of a major disaster.

Elderly, Disabled or Persons under Medication

Wheel Chairs

 For those persons confined to a wheel chair, it is recommended that they store emergency supplies and any extra medication in a small bag directly underneath or behind their wheelchair. Store extra batteries and charger if you have an electric wheel chair.

Medications

 Keep at least a weeks supply on hand at all times. Rotate your medications so you use the oldest medication first, ensuring that your week reserve is always fresh. Along with your medication, include the name, dosage and frequency of the required medication in the event others need to help you administer your medication. Wear your medical alert bracelet or tag at all times if you are on medication or being treated for an illness.

Life support equipment

 Make sure that oxygen tanks and other apparatus are securely fastened so they do not fall over. If vital life support equipment requires electricity, it is strongly recommended that individuals have access to an emergency generator to provide electricity.

Hearing Aids

 Replace or rotate spare hearing aid batteries regularly to ensure availability of a fresh supply. Also include a pad of paper and a pen or pencil to help communicate with others. Remind others you cannot hear emergency information and have them relay information to you from an emergency radio broadcast.

Pets

Caring for Pets in a Disaster:

Stray Pets Following a Disaster - Your pet(s) may escape home following a disaster. The City's Animal Control Department, under the Direction of the Police Department, will hold stray pets at the Animal Shelter until their owners can claim them.

Have your dog or cat wear an identification collar tag-- it will make it easier to identify your pet at a shelter, should they be found following a disaster.

Pet Preparedness Kits:

It is imperative while planning your Preparedness Kit to include enough dry food and water for your pets. It is recommended that dry food should be left for your pet since it will last longer than wet or canned food. Also remember to secure your pets water supply or bowl so it cannot be tipped over. If possible, leave a tap dripping into a bucket so the water will be fresh. A large capacity self- feeder and water dispenser are best.

Pets are often very frightened following disasters. Be careful around them as they may not react as expected. Keep them tied up or confined to a room so they do not run away or get hurt. Make sure to separate cats and dogs: even those that are friendly may fight when they are scared. Keep them on a leash when you take them outside. Always maintain close contact. Pets which can normally find their way home can become lost, since familiar scents and landmarks may have been altered.

Pet Disaster Preparedness Kits:

Seven days supply of dry food

Seven days supply of water

Copy of Vaccination records

Blanket

Chewbone for dogs, toys for cats

Spare leash or collar

Cat litter and litter box

Carrying box