Running head: HOUSEHOLD DISASTER
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Household Disaster Plan
Emily Gullena
Ferris State University
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Abstract
This paper describes some of the possible disasters that can occur including natural, chemical,
and acts of terrorism. There is a disaster response plan and a disaster kit. The focus is on how to
prepare a family and respond in the community.
Keywords: natural disaster, chemical disaster, terrorism, disaster plan, emergency kit
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Household Disaster
Disasters have the ability to destroy homes, communities, and cause death. There is an
estimated one disaster per week that meets criteria for international assistance (Veenema, 2007).
I have not personally experienced a large disaster but, along with most Americans, have been
emotionally changed by acts of terrorism, tsunamis, hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, and other
disasters throughout the world. This paper will help understand and explain a disaster plan,
responses, and disaster preparedness. First, I will discuss the possible natural, chemical, and
terrorist disasters in my community. Next, there will be included a personal household response
plan. Lastly, I will describe a disaster supply kit that will sustain my family for at least three days
after a disaster.
Natural Disasters, Chemical Disaster, and Terrorism in West Michigan
The state of Michigan has declared 25 major disasters since 1953. When comparing the
number of disasters by it is ranked number 35. The major disaster declarations include severe
storms, tornadoes, floods, high winds, and severe freezes. The most recent disaster was in June
2008 and included heavy rain, flooding, and high winds. The governor asked for public
assistance and received $19,982,085 from the president for damages. The major impact of these
storms was the damages to roads (FEMA, 2010).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that “Tornadoes are
nature’s most violent storms” (FEMA, 2010). There is an average of 16 tornadoes in Michigan
per year. In one year there were 39 tornadoes reported. From 1953 to 1991 there were a reported
32 deaths from tornadoes ranking Michigan 4th in highest number of fatalities (NOAA National
Weather Service, 2010). In Michigan, the peak tornado season is spring through early summer
(FEMA, 2010).
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In March 2011 there was a magnitude 9.o earthquake and a devastating tsunami that lead
to a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant. The radiation affected the areas health and food
chain up to 90 miles from the site. The effects of such a disaster can be long term and include
mostly an increased risk for thyroid cancer and possibly other forms of cancer as well
(Lajeunesse, 2011).
In Michigan there are three operating nuclear power plants that are identified by the US
Energy Information Administration. They state that MI has a “considerable” nuclear power
industry. There are 2 plants located in West Michigan in Berrien and Van Buren Counties. Also,
there is a plant on the eastside of the state in Monroe County (Michigan Nuclear Profile, 2010).
A recent article about the Palisades plant in Van Buren County states that there could not
be a disaster there that is like the one that took place in Japan. The company states they have
many barriers in place to prevent radioactive materials release and two ways to get power to the
plant in an emergency. The company also explains that it is built to withstand up to a 6.0
magnitude earthquake which would be larger than any in West Michigan’s history. Although this
is reassuring to the public the article also noted that in 2009 there was a “low-to-moderate” risk
regarding a fuel shortage at the Palisades plant that could have involved “involving the
degradation of neutron absorbing material in plates surrounding fuel assemblies” (Lajeunesse,
2011).
It is hard to state the risks of a terrorist act in my community. Some examples of terrorist
acts would include weapons of mass destruction and biological terrorism such as releasing agents
like smallpox and anthrax (FEMA, 2010).
Personal Household Response Plan
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Responding to a disaster includes staying informed and up-to-date on warnings or
weather conditions. The National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water, and Weather
Services (NOAA) runs a weather radio emergency alert system. The system notifies the public
regarding natural, environmental, and public safety emergencies (NOAA National Weather
Service, 2010).
FEMA has specific instructions in response to a tornado watch or warning. Before a
tornado hits they advise to look for storms with a dark greenish sky, large hail, a large low-lying
cloud, and a loud roar. During a tornado FEMA suggests going into a basement, to a lower level,
and staying away from windows and doors. If you are in a vehicle, instructions are to get out and
go into a nearby building and find the safest spot on the lowest level. If outside and with no
cover FEMA suggests going into a ditch and not to go under an overpass. People are advised to
watch for flying debris (FEMA, 2010).
For an emergency there may be instructions to evacuate the area or shelter in place. In the
event that we would need to evacuate we have a cottage a few hours north that our family could
go to as a meeting place. If we needed to shelter in place we would follow the emergency
instructions which may include closing all windows and doors, turning off fans and vents, and
placing towels in the cracks around doors (Veenema, 2007). During such an emergency response
we would also help any neighbors who are elderly or have special needs.
Personal Disaster Supply Kit
In case of a major disaster I would keep a kit of food, water, and supplies readily
available on the storage shelves that are located by my back door and on the steps to the
basement. The kit would have to supply my husband and myself for at least three days. We
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would keep the kit in easily transported bags and replace the food and water approximately every
six months. The food items will be sealed in plastic bags.
Having water available is described as the “top priority” (Veenema, 2007). It is suggested
that the amount of water for drinking and sanitary purposes is around 1 gallon per person a day.
The other items including food, first aid supplies, tools, clothes, and bedding are listed in specific
quantities and types as shown in Table 1. Please note that we are vegetarian so our food items
include other sources of protein.
Table 1
3 Day Disaster Response Kit for 2 People
ITEM
AMOUNT
DESCRIPTION
Water
6 gallons
Purified in 1 gallon plastic
jugs
FOOD
Salt, pepper, sugar
Nescafe regular coffee
1 small container of each
1 small plastic jar
Granola bars
1 box (at least 6)
Dried fruit and nut mix
Low-sodium saltine crackers
Peanut butter
1 bag
1 box
1 small plastic jar
Vegetable Soup
Vegetarian baked beans
Green beans
Potatoes
Chickpeas
Tomatoes with green chilies and
onion
Rice and beans
Cheese ravioli
Pineapple
Cookies
2 cans
1 large can
1 can
1 can
1 can
1 can
For up to 2 cups of coffee per
person a day
1 per person a day for
breakfast or a snack
For snacks
For snacks
With crackers for breakfast
or snack
For 2 lunches
For 1 lunch
For 1 lunch
For 1 lunch
For 1 dinner
To combine with chickpeas
2 cans
2 cans
1 can
1 package
For 1 dinner
For 1 dinner
For 1 dessert
For 1 dessert
1
Manual
FOOD SUPPLIES
Can opener
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Knife
Plates
Bowels
Spoons, forks, knives
Cups
Paper towel
Plastic bags
7
1
15
15
30
20
1 large roll
5
Paper
Plastic
Plastic
Plastic
Re-sealing
HYGIENE
Hand sanitizer
Bleach
Washcloth and towel
Toilet paper
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Shampoo and conditioner
Razor
Shaving cream
Body wash
Tampons
Garbage bags
Bucket
1 container
1 container
1 each
2 rolls
2
1 travel size
1 travel size of each
2
1 travel size
2 travel size
1 small box
3
2 medium
Chap stick
1 tube
Antimicrobial
1 per person
1 for each day
1 for washing and 1 with lid
for latrine
TOOLS/OTHER
SUPPLIES
Flashlight
Radio
Batteries
Scissors
Duct tape
Paper and pens
Matches
Blankets
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Clothes
2
1
1 extra for each device
1
1
Few
1 box
2
1
2
1 extra outfit per person
1 for each person
Shoes
1 pair per person
1 for each person
Includes underwear and
socks
Comfortable for walking
Few
1 roll
1 small tube
1 small container
1
Disposable
FIRST AID
Band-Aids
Gauze
Neosporin
Hydrogen peroxide
Thermometer
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Ibuprofen
Benadryl
Vitamins
Sunscreen
Bug spray
8
1 bottle of 20
Few
6
1 travel size
1 travel size
DOCUMENTS/OTHER
Car and house keys
Driver’s licenses
Passports
Marriage license/birth certificates
Money
Credit cards
Emergency contacts
Michigan map
$500
In cash
1 list
1
SPECIAL NEEDS
Cat food
Religious items
Small bag
Conclusion
There is an increasing awareness in disaster planning and response. It is important to be
aware of the potential disasters in your area, your family’s personal response plan, and to have an
emergency kit available.
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References
Lajeunesse, W. (2011, March 21). Japan's Nuclear Disaster Raises Concerns About
Contamination of the Global Food Chain. Fox News. Retrieved from
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/03/21/japans-nuclear-disaster-contaminate-globalfood-chain-say-experts/
Federal Emergency Management Agency US Department (2010). Disaster Information.
Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/
Michigan Nuclear Profile (2010). US Energy Information Administration. Retrieved from
http://www.eia.gov/cneaf/nuclear/state_profiles/michigan/mi.html
NOAA National Weather Service (2010). NOAA Weather Radio all Hazards. Retrieved from
http://www.weather.gov/nwr/
Veenema, T. G. (2007). Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical,
Biological, and Radiological Terrorism and Other Hazards (pp.632-635). New York,
NY: Springer Publishing Company LLC.