This 16 Week Preparation Program is intended to help everyone prepare
as a “family” for emergencies before they happen. We
are preparing for inevitable change while we also offer our prayers
and energy to mitigate the disruption.
At the end of this program you and your family will ideally end
up with a comprehensive plan and the tools required to handle an
emergency comfortably.
WEEK
1 Groceries list
- 2 gallons water for each household member
- 2 jar peanut butter
- 2 large cans juice for each household member
- 2 cans vegetables or stew for each household member
- 2 cans stew or ready-to-eat soup(not concentrated) for
each household member
- 3 Cans Protein Drinks for each household member
- Hand-operated can opener
- Let each family member choose one favorite (non-perishable)
food to include in kit.
For those who have pets and small children:
- 1 week supply of Pet food
- 1 week supply of Diapers
- 1 week supply of Baby food
- 1 week supply of Formula
- Permanent marking pen
To do list
- Date perishable supplies using marking pen.
- If possible, set aside at least $20 in small bills each
week in a safe place.
- Contact your Satsang Coordinator for Disaster Planning
to be included in the plan being developed for your area.
- Complete the Emergency Preparedness Personal Information
Form (see Attachment 1) and make a list of area devotees.
- How does your Satsang communicate? Develop a method of
connection that includes everyone (phone tree, e-mails,
list-serv, meetings).
- Go to the web site www.abag.org (Association of Bay Area
Governments) or call your local Office of Emergency Services.
Find out what kinds of disasters can happen in your area.
(Tip: One member of your Satsang can do this and share the
information with everyone else).
- Identify an accessible place to store your disaster supplies.
For the Spirit (for all weeks)
- Spend a few minutes praying for world peace. Suggestion:
chant the prayer " Lokaha Samasthaha Sukhino Bhavantu".
Amma always stresses on the power of prayer.
- Meditation - suggestion: Learn the Meditation technique
prescribed by Amma.
- Chant your mantra.
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WEEK
2
Hardware list
- 32 gal garbage can or large sturdy storage box to keep
disaster supplies
- 1 flashlight with alkaline batteries for each family member
over 6 years and one for each car
- Extra flashlight batteries and bulbs
- Bic lighter and Matches in waterproof container
- Put supplies into garbage can.
To do list ( For those who have children).
- If you have children, go to http://www.fema.gov/kids/ready.htm
and together find some age appropriate way that they can
participate in the family preparation.
- Check with child's day care center or school to find out
about their disaster plans.
- Put up to date photos of each child in your emergency
kit in case you get separated
- Family discussion. Review family meeting
places, contacts and plans with children. Allow them time
to express their feelings and ask questions. Ask about what
they understand about the school plan.
- Prepare special Children's Personal Information
Card.
- Download the special needs request form
on the right for any near and dear ones or others in your
community who will need special needs.
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WEEK
3
Drug store list
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Stool softeners
- Kleenex
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Extra plastic baby bottles
- Gather extra medications and prescriptions, mark them
"for emergency use."
- 1 week Prescription Medications (be sure to note expiration
date and rotate medications so they are not wasted.)
To do list (Remain connected with family members
and friends).
- Make an arrangement with one out-of-state or out-of-area
contact and one local friend or relative for family members
to call if separated by disaster (it is often easier to
call out-of-state than within the affected area). Note:
If you do not have an out of state contact talk to other
Satsang members about using their connection.
- Share this information with your family so they know whom
to call. Have each family member carry these phone numbers
with them.
- Obtain a map of the area for each car. (AAA members can
each probably get several free maps to share with others.)
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WEEK
4
Hardware list
- Signal flares
- 3 - 7 Light Sticks for each household member
- Compass
- Child-proof latches or other fasteners for your cupboards
- Wrench(es) needed to turn off utilities
- A-B-C fire extinguisher( If you have one make sure it
has been serviced within the past 2 years.)
To do list (very important).
- Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity
at main switches. Attach necessary tools near gas and water
shut-off valves. Remember to turn off the utilities only
if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed
to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional
to turn it back on.
- Create a personal support network of neighbors and friends
who can help you and your family if you are separated or
unable to get home.
- Give copies of the following lists to your network: emergency
information list, contact information for various times
of day.
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WEEK
5
Pet Supply Store - ( For those with Pets)
- Extra harness, leash, and/or carrier
- ID tags with your contact information for all pets
- 1 week supply of food for all pets (if not bought in week
1)
- 2 - 5 gal water for each pet
- From your veterinarian obtain current vaccinations and
medical records of your animal(s)
- 2 weeks Medications (be sure to note expiration date and
rotate medications so they are not wasted.)
To do list (Focus on Pets).
- Develop an Emergency Pet Care Plan
in case of disaster. Visit web sitewww.hsus.org
(Humane Society of the US) for valuable information
- Identify pet friendly hotels or a friend or relative
where you can go with your pets
- Make copies of all pet vaccination records and put them
in your disaster supplies kit.
- Put extra animal harness, leash and identification tag(s)
in your disaster supplies kit
- Take photos of your pets and put in home disaster kit
and evacuation kits.
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WEEK6
Camping supplies
- 1 Mylar blanket for each family member
- Camping or utility knife for each car kit.
- 1 Back pack for evacuation kits or each adult and child
over
- 1 Bottle water purification pills for each car kit
- 3 Hand and Foot warmers for each family member
To do list
- Install latches on cupboards and secure moveable objects
(Arrange for someone to help you if you can’t do this
alone.)
- Put together an Evacuation Backpack for each adult and
older child. (Satsang members may want to contribute extra
supplies to share such as samples and hotel soaps.)
- Put a backpack in each car for adults with cars and next
to evacuation exits for children.
- Continue adding items to backpack as items are acquired.
- Pick two meeting places: a place near
your home in case of fire and a place outside your neighborhood
in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
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WEEK7
Groceries list
- 2 gallons water for each household member
- 1 jar honey or jam
- 1 box protein bars (something that everyone has tried
and likes)
- 2 cans stew or ready-to-eat soup (not concentrated) for
each household member
- 1 Box of Crackers
- 1 roll toilet paper for each household member
To do list
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WEEK 8
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
- First Aid Instruction Book
- Sunscreen
- Gauze pads
- Sterile roller bandages
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Rubbing alcohol, Antiseptic
- Syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal
- Disinfectant (Betadine or Hydrogen Peroxide)
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Adhesive tape
- Latex gloves
- Extra hearing aid batteries
To do list
- If possible, put at least $20 in small bills aside in
a safe place.
- Draw a floor plan of your home, room or apartment. Mark
two escape routes from each room and make sure your windows,
sliding glass doors and doorways are cleared of clutter
and furniture. Know where your emergency supplies are located
such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, collapsible
ladders, earthquake kits and first aid kits
- Practice an earthquake drill and other pertinent disaster
drills for your area (tornado, fire, etc.) with your family
and with your support network
- Go to www.redcross.org and
find the Red Cross Chapter nearest your home. Make a reservation
to take the Red Cross Standard First Aid Class (which includes
CPR)
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WEEK
9
Additional Grocery list
- 2 gallons water for each household member
- 3 cans of protein drink for each family member
- 1 box quick energy snacks
- 2 cans vegetables for each household member
- 2 cans fruit for each household member
- 2 large cans juice for each household member
- 2 cans stew or ready-to-eat soup (not concentrated) for
each household member
- Household chlorine bleach
- 1 box heavy-duty garbage bags with ties
- Large and small plastic Ziploc food bags
To do list (Focus on Pets).
- Store a roll of quarters for emergency phone calls
- Go on a hunt with your family to find a pay phone that
is close to your home. (Pay phones are often some of the
first phones to be restored after the system shuts down.)
- Do the Fire Safety Hazard Hunt.
- Test your smoke detector(s). Replace the battery in each
detector that does not work.
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WEEK
10
Additional First Aid Supplies
- Scissors
- Tongue blades
- Medicine dropper
- Sewing kit
- Safety Pins
- Bandaids (large box assorted)
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Liquid antibacterial hand soap
- Disposable hand wipes
- Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Extra eyeglasses (use last prescription or drugstore glasses
if necessary)
- Eye drops
- Contact lens case, cleansing solution, eye moisture drops
- Hypodermic Needles
To do list
- Place a pair of sturdy shoes and a flashlight by everyone's
bed so they are handy in an emergency.
- If possible, put at least $20 in small bills aside in
a safe place.
- Find out about your Workplace Disaster Plan
- Look into a Medical Power of Attorney for everyone in
your household
For more information read here
or for California only
here
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WEEK
11
Additional Grocery list
- 1 large can of milk or carton of soy milk for each family
member
- 2 gallons water for each household member
- 1 box whole wheat crackers
- Assorted plastic containers with lids Granola / Dry cereal
- 1 box protein bars (something that everyone has tried
and likes)
- Dried fruit/nuts
- Comfort foods (such as cookies, candy bars)
- 2 rolls Paper Towels
- Liquid dish soap (also dishpan if you have a dishwasher,
because it won't work if there is no electricity)
To do list
- Go to the web
site and take the Home Quake Safety Test
- Do a Home Hazard Hunt for Earthquakes with your family
and make necessary changes
- Properly dispose of any toxic chemical household, garden,
and automotive supplies that are not essential
- Replace as many toxic chemicals as possible in your home
with non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives
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WEEK
12
Hardware Store list
- Waterproof portable plastic container (with lid) for important
papers
- Battery-powered radio (preferably with hand crank charging)
and extra batteries
- Heavy cotton or hemp rope Whistle for each back pack
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Crow bar
- Perforated metal tape (sometimes called plumber's tape
or strap iron)
To do list ( VERY IMPORTANT)
- Arrange to have your water heater strapped to wall studs
using perforated metal tape.
- Begin gathering Emergency Documents, lists and photocopies
of important papers, and store safely
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WEEK
13
Drug Store list
- 2 disposable cameras (to photograph damage for insurance)
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- 1 box quick energy snacks
- 1 package eating utensils
- 1 package paper cups and plates
- Denture care items
To do list
- Review your insurance coverages with your agent to be
sure you are covered for the disasters that may occur in
your area.
- Obtain additional coverage, as needed. Visit United Policyholders
at http://www.unitedpolicyholders.org/
for tips on understanding your policy.
Note: Earthquakes and floods are not covered under
normal Home Insurance Policies.
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WEEK
14
Hardware Store list
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Disposable dust masks
- Plastic Sheeting to seal windows and doors for Sheltering
in Place
- Duct Tape Also, if needed:
- Purchase an emergency escape ladder for upper story windows,
and make sure all household members know where it is and
how to use it.
- Patch kit and can of seal-in-air product for the tires
of bicycles if you have them To do
- If possible, put at least $20 in small bills aside in
a safe place.
To do list
- Read Instructions for Sheltering in Place.Make a plan
with your family and choose the area of your home where
you will go
- Cut plastic sheeting to cover openings (doors, windows,
vents) of chosen area Keep tape, plastic and other supplies
in the area you will go to.
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WEEK15
Hardware Store list
- Double-sided tape or hook-and-loop fasteners (such as
Velcro) to secure moveable objects
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Plastic sheeting or tarp to keep things dry or clean
To do list
- Arrange for a friend or neighbor to help your children
and/or pets if you are not able to respond or are at work.
- Find out if there is a neighborhood safety organization
in your area and join it.
- Contact your city Office of Emergency Services and find
out about CERT Training (Community Emergency Response Team).
- (Note: one person can get this information and share it
with everyone.) Try to arrange for at least one member of
your Satsang to take this training.
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WEEK
16
Complete the Grocery Store list
- 1 Large Bag Kitty Litter to clean spills and for sanitation
- 3 cans of protein drink for each family member
- 2 gallons of water for each car 1 box facial tissue
- 1 Box Graham Crackers
- 1 roll toilet paper for each household member
- 2 rolls Paper Towels
To do list
- If possible, put at least $20 in small bills aside in
a safe place. How much do you have saved now? Continue putting
the same amount aside weekly for the next 4 months.
- Date perishable supplies using marking pen
- Put water in the trunk of each car.
- Develop a disaster supplies kit for each car or van in
your household.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Review
previous weeks and complete or initiate any unfinished tasks.
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