Preparing to Stay Put Safely

As part of your disaster planning, consider the situations that would require you to stay where you are.

Make sure that you, all your employees, and your family know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity.

Determine what items you will need to stay safe for at least 3 days. Assemble a “what if kit,” including:

Potable water, plus water for sanitation purposes
Battery run/crank/solar radio
Flashlights
Extra batteries
At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable foods that meet your specific dietary needs, and a manual can opener
Emergency contact list
First aid kit
Cell phone
Warm clothing, shoes/boots
Essential medicines

If you have a disability, refer to Artists with Disabilities, and include any additional items from the Emergency Supply List.

Remember: Just because you made your plan doesn’t mean that now you can forget it. Review and refine your disaster plan with your employees and family at least twice a year.

To learn more:

Federal Emergency Management Agency
www.fema.gov/hazard
Extremely helpful information for disaster-specific information, before, during, and after an emergency

Institute for Business and Home Safety
www.ibhs.org
Useful, clear information on emergency preparedness for your workplace

Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division
www.emd.wa.gov
Detailed information on disaster planning