The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical. Electricity, gas, water and telephones may not be available. In addition, public safety services such as police and fire departments may not be able to reach you immediately during a serious crisis. Each person should be prepared to be self-sufficient - able to live without running water, electricity and/or gas, and telephones - for at least three days following a disaster. To do so, keep the following on hand and rotate supplies to keep them fresh:
- Food: Maintain enough nonperishable food for each person for at least 72 hours.
- Gasoline: Consider topping off your gas tank in case gasoline is unavailable due to lack of electricity or lack of gasoline.
- Water: Store enough so each person has a gallon a day for 72 hours, preferably for one week. Store in airtight containers and replace it every six months. Store disinfectants such as iodine tablets or chlorine bleach, eight drops per gallon, to purify water if necessary.
If you can't find bottled water, fill containers from your kitchen such as pitchers, Tupperware type containers and even zipper top plastic bags can work. Consider filling your bathtub and using that water to flush toilets.
- First aid kit: Make sure it is well stocked, especially with bandages and disinfectants.
- Fire extinguisher: Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires. Teach all family members how to use it.
- Flashlights with extra batteries: Keep flashlights beside your bed and in several other locations. Do not use matches or candles until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
- Weather Radios: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, with battery backup, portable radio or portable television with extra batteries: Telephones may be out of order or limited to emergency use. The NOAA weather radio, portable radio or portable television may be your best source of information. Consider a rechargeable external battery for your cell phone, tablet, etc.
- Miscellaneous items: Extra blankets, clothing, shoes and money. Wear sturdy shoes just in case you need to walk through rubble and debris.
- Alternative cooking sources: Store a barbecue or camping stove for outdoor camping.
Caution: Ensure there are no gas leaks before you use any kind of fire as a cooking source and never use charcoal indoors. Gasoline-powered appliances should be filled away from ignition sources.
- Special items: Have at least 72 hours of medications and food for infants and those with special needs. Don't forget diapers.
- Tools: Have an adjustable or pipe wrench for turning off gas/water and a shovel or broom for cleaning up. Heavy gloves and basic yard tools may also be helpful for cleanup.
Pets: Assemble an animal emergency supply kit and develop a pet care buddy system with friends or relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be sure each of your pets has a tag with your name and phone number. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to plan for your pets.
Important phone numbers
In case of an emergency call 911
Other useful numbers:
- Emergency Management Office, Pasco County - 727-847-8137
- Zephyrhills Police Department - 813-780-0050
- Zephyrhills Fire Rescue - 813-780-0041
- Pasco Sheriff Department - 800-854-2862
- Pasco Fire Rescue - 813-929-2750
- Florida Hospital, Zephyrhills - 813-722-0411
- Duke Energy - 800-700-8744
- American Red Cross - 813-348-4820 or www.RedCross.org/FL/tampabay
- NOAA Weather Radio - FIPS Code 012101
- Locate and save the number for your insurance agent(s) - Home, auto, etc.
- Zephyrhills HAM Radio Club - www.zaarc.org - This group of radio volunteers assists in communications during disasters or times of emergency
- Disaster Planning Guide - PascoCounty.FL.net - Search Emergency Management to get your disaster planning guide, evacuation map and shelter listing guide.