Learn more about the types of disasters most likely to happen in and around Ascension Parish
    Go to http://ready.gov to download Family Disaster Plan

• Learn about the area's warning signals.
• How will you care for your pets?
• Find out how to help your elderly or disabled neighbors.
• Make disaster plans for home, work and school.

Create a Disaster Plan

• Discuss with your family and co-workers what to do in case of a disaster.
• Pick two places to meet:
  1.  Right outside of your home, work or school in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
  2.  Outside of your immediate area in case you cannot return home.  Everyone must know the address and phone number at this location.
• Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your "family contact."  After a disaster it's often easier to call long distance.
• Create a disaster plan for family pets.  Remember:   pets are not allowed in American Red Cross evacuation shelters.

Complete this Checklist

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.)
• Teach children how and when to call 911or your local EMS number for emergency help.
• Each family member should learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
• Check for adequate insurance coverage.  Do you have flood insurance?
• Each family member should learn how to use an all-purpose (ABC type fire extinguisher) and they should know where it is kept.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.
  During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage.   Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire hazard is a home hazard.   Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards.
• Stock your Emergency Supplies Kit (see page 5).
• Take a first aid and CPR course.
• Determine the best routes of escape from your home, work and school.  Find two ways out of every room.
• Find the safe spots in or near your home for each type of disaster.

Practice and Maintain Your Plan

• Quiz your family every six months so they remember what to do.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
• Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

Home Health Patients

• If you are under the care of a home health agency coordinate with them to ensure that you have an adequate supply of medical supplies and medication during a disaster.

Emergency Supplies Kit
(At Least A 3-day Supply Per Person)

WATER

• One gallon of water per person per day (at least 3 days supply per person)

FOOD

• READY-TO-EAT canned foods
• Canned or powdered juices and milk
• High energy foods, such as peanut butter and granola bars
• Specialty foods for infants and special diets

FIRST AID KIT

• Assorted bandages
• Anti-bacterial ointments and soaps
• Latex gloves
• Sunscreen
• Scissors
• Hygiene products
• Disinfectant
• Non-prescription drugs (aspirin, anti-diarrheal)

CLOTHING AND BEDDING

• Blankets and/or sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Sturdy shoes
• Full change of clothes

IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS

• Insurance papers, contracts, wills and deeds
• Computer CPU or back-up disk of all records
• Bank and credit card account information
• Inventory of household valuables
• Important contact telephone numbers and addresses

SPECIALTY ITEMS

• Baby supplies
• Prescription medications
• Extra eye glasses
• Portable weather radio
• Flashlight
• Batteries

Key Elements To Prepare Your Pet For Evacuation

MAKE A PET EMERGENCY SUPPLIES KIT:

• Have an airline approved carrier or wire pet crate (has better air circulation)
• Identification papers (picture of your pet, contact information, shot records)
  Recommend micro-chipping with your local veterinarian
• Pet food for at least 5 days and water bowls
• Medications
• Beds and toys (to help your pet feel comfortable)

WHERE TO TAKE PETS:

• Check with your veterinarian or local kennel to inquire about sheltering services
• Contact your local Office of Emergency Preparedness center to see if there are any pet-friendly shelters in your area or surrounding areas
• Find hotels and motels that allow pets at www.petswelcome.com
• The Humane Society/SPCA and your Office of Emergency Preparedness Center is another good source of local information regarding evacuation and sheltering procedures and resources for pets

PET EVACUATION WEBSITES:

    Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
    http://www.ldaf.state.la.us
    Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
    http://www.la-spca.org
    Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine
    http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu
    Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LA SART)
    http://lsart.evetsites.net
    FEMA
    http://www.fema.gov
    The Humane Society of the United States
    http://hsus.org

IF ALL ELSE FAILS:

If you have to leave your pets home alone:

• Secure them in an upper-level room with food and water to last at least a week
• Post sticker or signs on doors or windows so that they are clearly visible from the outside of the building
• Specify how many animals, what kind and where they are
• Never leave your animal chained up
• ID your animal with information on a collar