Disaster Preparedness,
Response and Recovery Plan
Draft Version
08/15/2013
Prepared by
Habitat for Humanity Oregon
Habitat for Humanity International
Casey Hagerman, University of Oregon
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Habitat for Humanity
Giovanni Taylor-Peace, HFHI Disaster Recovery
Bethany Hansen, Habitat for Humanity Oregon
Randy Heise, Habitat for Humanity Oregon
Steve Messinetti, Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East
Sally Bovett, Habitat for Humanity Lincoln County
Habitat for Humanity Santa Barbara
University of Oregon
Casey Hagerman, Graduate Student—Community and Regional Planning/Architecture
Josh Bruce, Director—Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience
Dr. Gerardo Sandoval, Professor—Planning, Public Policy and Management department
This updated Habitat for Humanity Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery plan
template was prepared by Casey Hagerman, as part of a University of Oregon Masters of
Community and Regional Planning graduate exit project in the fall of 2013. This template is
based on Habitat for Humanity International’s plan template, Habitat Oregon’s draft plan, and
Habitat for Humanity Santa Barbara’s plan. Business continuity components are based on
County of Los Angeles Public Health’s Non Profit Business Continuity and Recovery Plan
Template (http://www.lapublichealth.org/eprp/plans.htm.). Response and recovery
components are based on work by UO’s Partnership for Disaster Resilience. The Family Disaster
Plan template comes from and UO Emergency Management and Continuity program. Additional
guidance was provided by Oregon Emergency Management, Lincoln County and Multnomah
County Emergency Management, and Habitat affiliates from Lincoln County and Portland/Metro
East.
All Oregon affiliates are highly encouraged to complete a Plan and submit a copy to Habitat for
Humanity Oregon. For more information please contact:
Bethany Hansen
Habitat Oregon
Bethany@habitatoregon.org
Giovanni Taylor-Peace
Habitat International, Disaster Response
gtaylor@habitat.org
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..........................................................................................................2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..............................................................................................................3
PART I: DISASTER PLAN OVERVIEW.........................................................................................6
MISSION FOCUS ........................................................................................................................... 6
SCOPE OF PLAN ........................................................................................................................... 6
HAZARDS CONSIDERED ............................................................................................................... 8
LEADERSHIP AND ROLES............................................................................................................ 10
PLAN EVALUATION AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................................. 11
PART II: PRE-DISASTER PLANNING ....................................................................................... 13
BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING ............................................................................................ 13
1. Critical Assets..................................................................................................................... 14
2. Critical Operations ............................................................................................................. 16
3. Key Organizations and Businesses..................................................................................... 19
4. Equipment Inventory ......................................................................................................... 21
5. Information Technology Security ...................................................................................... 22
6. Alternate Working Location .............................................................................................. 24
7. Staff Notification................................................................................................................ 26
8. Other Contact Notification ................................................................................................ 28
9. Continuity of Management Plan ....................................................................................... 32
10. Insurance Coverage Information ..................................................................................... 33
11. Memorandum of Understanding .................................................................................... 35
3
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ......................................................................................................... 36
1. Emergency Supply Kit ........................................................................................................ 36
2. Office and ReStore Evacuation Plans................................................................................. 37
3. Shelter in Place Plan .......................................................................................................... 39
PART III: RESPONSE PLANNING ............................................................................................. 40
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE.............................................................................................................. 41
1. Emergency Contact Information ....................................................................................... 42
2. Service Disconnection........................................................................................................ 43
3. Communications ................................................................................................................ 44
3. Rapid Assessment .............................................................................................................. 46
LOCAL & REGIONAL RESPONSE ................................................................................................. 48
1. Response Plan.................................................................................................................... 48
2. Partner Family Assistance Plan .......................................................................................... 49
3. Response Protocol ............................................................................................................. 50
4. Plan Evaluation .................................................................................................................. 51
PART IV: RECOVERY PLANNING ............................................................................................ 52
RECOVERY PLAN DEVELOPMENT .............................................................................................. 52
PART V. APPENDICES............................................................................................................ 54
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................ 54
APPENDIX B: REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 56
APPENDIX C: FAMILY DISASTER PLANNING GUIDE ................................................................... 59
4
5
PART I: DISASTER PLAN OVERVIEW
MISSION FOCUS
Habitat for Humanity of XXX (HFH XXX, or “the affiliate”) will establish and maintain a Disaster
Preparedness, Response and Recovery Plan designed to manage the consequences of natural or
man-made disasters that may disrupt the organization’s ability to function normally, and the
lives and homes of our partner families.
HFH XXX’s mission is XXX. Our Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery plan and actions
shall always reflect that mission. Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), as an organization
that participates in the long-term recovery of communities following disasters, provides
ultimate direction to Habitat for Humanity Oregon, the state support organization (HFHO) and
Oregon affiliates. HFHI, in conjunction with HFHO and local Habitat affiliates, responds to
disasters primarily by building permanent, simple, decent homes.
If, when and how an affiliate responds to a disaster should be based on an assessment of the
disaster’s impact on local affordable housing and whether sufficient resources can be mobilized
to carry out the response. In making the decision to respond to a disaster, keep in mind Habitat
for Humanity’s Global Disaster Response Policy, as approved by the International Board of
Directors, which states that Habitat responds to disasters from its core competency in long-term
recovery and sustainable development. Each affiliate will have different capacities and resources
to respond in different ways. Families, volunteers, staff and donors have to be continually
educated before and after a disaster to not expect immediate relief activity, but such activity
may in fact be asked for or needed in an emergency. This plan, in part, should help affiliates
determine what their particular capacities and resources are, and how they might be used
following an emergency.
SCOPE OF PLAN
The Plan focuses on pre-disaster planning and post-disaster response, and post-disaster
recovery. While no plan is comprehensive, this document will serve as a strategic guide to the
affiliate’s board and staff in the event of a disaster. This Plan is intended as a template for each
affiliate to fill out, alter, add or subtract to, but otherwise complete. Editing this document by
following the Comment Notes, replacing highlighted sections, and filling in the tables and charts
will build a custom Plan for your affiliate. The act of completing the Plan should also help
prepare the affiliate to better respond and recover following a disaster. Completing the plan will
help to identify affiliate strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for community collaboration.
Affiliates are encouraged to engage their staff, volunteers, partner families, local emergency
responders and other affiliates while planning. Sharing your affiliate Plan with other affiliates
and organizations will help to build community resilience, essential following a disaster.
6
The components of this Plan are:
Pre-Disaster Planning and Preparedness
 Business Continuity: Those actions required to bring the affiliate back to a functional
status should a disaster occur in the affiliate’s local area and directly affect the
affiliate’s operations.
 Disaster Preparedness: Organizing emergency supplies, first aid kits, evacuation plans
and hazard education for the affiliate, its staff and volunteers, and the affiliate’s
homeowners.
Post-Disaster Response
1) Life Safety: Ensuring the safety of staff and volunteers and families is the priority
immediately following a disaster. Being able to communicate to staff, families, and
associates is also key to maintaining that safety and recover.
2) Affiliate Support: While your affiliate may not be directly affected by a disaster,
assistance to other affiliates who were directly affected by a disaster may be needed
and encouraged by HFHO, HFHI, or local emergency management agencies.
Post-Disaster Recovery
3) Long Term Recovery Efforts: Each affiliate will consider their capacity to recover over
the long term from whatever disaster strikes. Planning for the rebuilding of housing
after a disaster, and assisting other affiliates or agencies, will depend on each affiliate’s
resources and impacts.
Figure 1: The Disaster Cycle
7
HAZARDS CONSIDERED
With sensitivity to our geographical location in the Pacific Northwest, this plan is directed only
toward those disasters most likely to affect our state. Assessment of disasters most likely to
affect local affiliates should be based on seven geographic regions within the state of Oregon.
o Coastal
o Valley (North, Central and South)
o Eastern (North, Central and South)
Each region faces both chronic hazards and potential catastrophic hazards. The most common
or dangerous include:
o Flooding
o Winter storm
o Wildfire
o Earthquake
o Tsunami
Information on the hazards affecting specific affiliates can be found in state, county, and local
Hazard Assessments, Emergency Operations Plans, and Mitigation Plans, as well as the Oregon
Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Additional sector specific assessments (e.g.
Health Vulnerability Assessments, Sea Level Rise Analysis) may also be available from state,
county and local agencies. It is the responsibility of individual affiliates to educate themselves
and their partner families as to the particular hazards and risks that may be present in local
areas. Contact your local Emergency Manager for more information and to acquire local plans
and assessments.
Best practice encourages the consultation of hazard maps and local hazard information when
assessing property, rehabilitating homes, and when locating an office or ReStore. Mapping
existing Habitat family homes along with the identified local hazard zones is also highly
recommended. Ask your emergency manager for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files for
local hazards, and combine that with your addresses of homes and resources.
8
Figure 2: Understanding Risk
Figure 3: Cascadia Subduction Zone Fault off the Oregon Coast
9
LEADERSHIP AND ROLES
Completion and activation of this Plan shall be the responsibility of the affiliate’s Executive
Director, in consultation with an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Should the
Executive Director be unable to fulfill these responsibilities (due to personal evacuation or loss
of property, etc.) the President of the board of directors shall assume leadership.
The roles of your affiliate before a disaster may include:







Completion, refinement, and testing of the Disaster Response Plan
Set up a committee(s) of staff and volunteers to gather information and fill in this
Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery plan template.
Perform updates and test the plan with partners and families
Communicating and educating affiliate personnel, partners, volunteers and families as
to the local hazards and risks, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties
Support and assistance to families and volunteers in disaster planning and emergency
protocols
Communications with state and local Emergency Management, and to HFHO, as to your
affiliate’s response capacity and plan for disaster recovery
Making preparations in case of an emergency (first aid kit, emergency supplies,
evacuation maps, etc.)
Performing any mitigations to Habitat or community housing (strapping water heaters,
securing foundations, providing emergency plan and evacuation route information,
etc.)
Preparing any response or recovery operations (designs for shelters or replacement
homes, community partnerships, material acquisitions, etc.)
The roles of your affiliate following a disaster may include:





Activating affiliate disaster plan, including Business Continuity and Life Safety plans
Coordinating with staff, volunteers, families, HFHO, HFHI according to your plan.
Communicate with local Emergency Management on operational status and need for
assistance if affected. Consider training key staff in the Incident Command Structure (ICS)
that is used by official disaster response agencies during crisis management.
Help with your affiliate relief and recovery efforts, including help coordinating Disaster
Corps volunteer assistance, assistance from your local VOAD agencies, etc.
Reporting to HFHO on recovery efforts and performing plan evaluations
Add other roles as needed.
Affiliates are encouraged to highlight their accepted or anticipated roles, and use those as
guides as they fill out this Plan, so that you can plan for the things needed to fulfill those roles
following a disaster or emergency.
10
PLAN EVALUATION AND MAINTENANCE
Plan Evaluation
Following completion of Plan the Board of Directors, and the Executive Director will conduct an
evaluation of the effectiveness of this plan by the May 1st of each year and revisions or
improvements will be submitted and approved by the Board of Directors during the July Board
meeting. The Family Support Committee will assist families with completion and testing of
family disaster plans (See Appendix). Updates shall be made annually or whenever critical
personnel or contact information changes, as needed. Evaluations of plan activation and
operation immediately following an event is encouraged within 60 days, in order to make
immediate corrections if necessary.
Plan Maintenance Checklist
The following is a suggested outline for keeping your Disaster Preparedness Plan current and up
to date. It also helps to reinforce its policies to critical staff, so that initiation of the plan in an
emergency is streamlined.
On-Going




Board orientation, including information on threats and hazards, as well as board
responsibilities during disasters.
Position affiliate to take advantage of opportunities that come along, such as:
o Local and Regional Partnerships – Network in Place, VOAD, etc.
o Knowledge of available government programs and grants
o Maintaining communications with local emergency management and response
agencies
o Maintain communication with HFHO and HFHI for knowledge of available
programs and assistance
Develop relationships between other local affiliates within Oregon. Consider partnering
with a “Sister Affiliate” that is nearby, but not in a hazard or disaster-affected region.
Review Disaster info posted on HFHO website as well as on HFHI website and
MyHabitat.
XXX of each year – Plan Review and Update





Leader has been appointed to coordinate disaster efforts. Spokesperson is designated.
Review of disaster preparedness policy statement.
Disaster Preparedness Plan has been created, tested, and adjusted accordingly
Community alliances have been identified (services, contact name and information) and
cultivated: local media, organizations active in disasters (i.e. VOAD, state EMA, American
Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.).
Other groups that are instrumental in disaster response are catalogued with services
offered and contact information (i.e. FEMA, utility companies, professional
organizations, foundations, etc.).
11
XXX of Every Year




Board has approved the Disaster Preparedness Plan.
Plan reviewed with staff and volunteers
Families reminded to review their personal plans and update their contact info with
affiliate office
Memorandum of Understanding is updated and sent to appropriate agencies and HFHO
December 1 of Every Year


Affiliate’s ability to react after a disaster as a local or regional player has been evaluated
and updated
Review Insurance Policies
Affiliates to add additional elements and timelines here.
12
PART II: PRE-DISASTER PLANNING
BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING
Just as on an airline where parents are requested to put on their own oxygen masks prior to
helping their children, your affiliate will first focus on the recovery of its operations prior to
assisting affected families or other affiliates. Affiliate Business Continuity involves documenting
key resources, and critical or essential elements of operations. These elements ensure that
affiliate operations may continue, but perhaps in a limited capacity. Business Continuity
planning is a primary step in disaster planning. Post-disaster Business Continuity activation takes
place only after life and personal safety are secured.
For the following Business Continuity planning areas, affiliates should fill in the forms and tables
provided, and include any additional critical information that may be needed following a
disaster. All elements of the plan should be updated regularly as needed, and annually as
routine. Keep all elements together for easy access and reference. Multiple copies should be
made and stored in separate locations (offsite data center, the ‘cloud’, with HFHO or HFHI, or on
thumb drives for key personnel). The Plan’s Business Continuity areas include:
1. Critical Assets
2. Critical Operations
3. Key Organizations and Businesses
4. Equipment Inventory (hardware, software)
5. Information Technology Security (data/backup, IT security)
6. Alternate Working Location
7. Staff Notification (phone tree, key contacts)
8. Other Contact Notification (board, families, suppliers, funders, local agencies)
9. Continuity of Management Plan (chain of command, key personnel and backup personnel)
10. Insurance Coverage Information
11. Memorandum of Understanding
(other pieces as needed by individual affiliate)
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1. Critical Assets
If these items are taken away, it would drastically affect, harm or disrupt your operations. List,
IN GENERAL, aspects that are critical to your operations. Add or subtract rows as needed.
PEOPLE (staff, board, key volunteers, etc.)
BUILDING (physical structure, storage units, satellite office, stores, homes, etc.)
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT (computers, software, servers, network, copiers, etc.)
DATA (documents, payroll, files, records, mortgages, backups, etc.)
14
INVENTORY/PRODUCT (stock, supplies, materials, etc.)
OPERATIONS (accounts receivable/payable, payroll, mailing, communications, etc.)
OTHER
15
2. Critical Operations
Identify operations that are critical for your affiliate’s functioning and survival. How will you
continue to perform these functions in or after a disaster situation? What operations are
necessary for the affiliate itself, and what operations are necessary for service to others? Please
add or subtract operations as necessary.
Definitions:
PROCEDURES TO RESTART OPERATION AFTER MINIMAL DISASTER IMPACT: If a disaster causes
negligible or marginal impact on operations, these procedures will help to restart in the same
location.
PROCEDURES TO COMPLETELY RESTORE OPERATION AFTER SIGNIFICANT DISASTER IMPACT: If a
disaster causes critical or catastrophic impact on operations, these procedures will help to
restore the operation in the same location, an alternate location, or a new location.
OPERATION:
STAFF IN CHARGE (POSITION)
STAFF IN CHARGE (NAME)
KEY SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
KEY DUTIES/ASSIGNMENTS
PROCEDURES TO RESTART OPERATION AFTER MINIMAL DISASTER IMPACT
PROCEDURES TO COMPLETELY RESTORE OPERATION AFTER SIGNIFICANT DISASTER IMPACT
16
OPERATION:
STAFF IN CHARGE (POSITION)
STAFF IN CHARGE (NAME)
KEY SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
KEY DUTIES/ASSIGNMENTS
PROCEDURES TO RESTART OPERATION AFTER MINIMAL DISASTER IMPACT
PROCEDURES TO COMPLETELY RESTORE OPERATION AFTER SIGNIFICANT DISASTER IMPACT
OPERATION:
STAFF IN CHARGE (POSITION)
STAFF IN CHARGE (NAME)
KEY SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
KEY DUTIES/ASSIGNMENTS
PROCEDURES TO RESTART OPERATION AFTER MINIMAL DISASTER IMPACT
PROCEDURES TO COMPLETELY RESTORE OPERATION AFTER SIGNIFICANT DISASTER IMPACT
17
OPERATION:
STAFF IN CHARGE (POSITION)
STAFF IN CHARGE (NAME)
KEY SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
KEY DUTIES/ASSIGNMENTS
PROCEDURES TO RESTART OPERATION AFTER MINIMAL DISASTER IMPACT
PROCEDURES TO COMPLETELY RESTORE OPERATION AFTER SIGNIFICANT DISASTER IMPACT
OPERATION:
STAFF IN CHARGE (POSITION)
STAFF IN CHARGE (NAME)
KEY SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
KEY DUTIES/ASSIGNMENTS
PROCEDURES TO RESTART OPERATION AFTER MINIMAL DISASTER IMPACT
PROCEDURES TO COMPLETELY RESTORE OPERATION AFTER SIGNIFICANT DISASTER IMPACT
18
3. Key Organizations and Businesses
The following is a list of organizations and businesses that are critical to maintaining affiliate
functions (vendors, suppliers, funders, etc.) Affiliates should maintain post-disaster service
contracts and memorandums of understanding with these key organizations, so that roles and
responsibilities are clearly understood and service disruptions are kept to a minimum.
ORGANIZATION NAME:
STREET ADDRESS
CONTACT NAME
CITY, STATE, ZIP
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER
ORG TELEPHONE NUMBER
FAX NUMBER
EMAIL
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
DOES THIS ORG HAVE A
CONTINUITY PLAN?
MATERIAL/SERVICE PROVIDED
If this organization experiences a disaster, we will obtain materials/services from the following:
19
ORGANIZATION NAME:
STREET ADDRESS
CONTACT NAME
CITY, STATE, ZIP
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER
ORG TELEPHONE NUMBER
FAX NUMBER
EMAIL
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
DOES THIS ORG HAVE A
CONTINUITY PLAN?
MATERIAL/SERVICE PROVIDED
If this organization experiences a disaster, we will obtain materials/services from the following:
(add additional as needed)
20
4. Equipment Inventory
Log your computer hardware serial and model numbers. Attach a copy of your vendor
documentation if available. Record the name of the company from which you purchased or
leased this equipment and the contact name to notify for your computer repairs. Make
additional copies as needed. Keep one copy of this list in a secure place on your premises and
another in an off-site location.
HARDWARE INVENTORY (CPU, monitors, printers, etc.)
HARDWARE
TYPE
MODEL
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE
PURCHASED
COMPANY
PURCHASED
OR LEASED
FROM
COST TO
REPLACE
SERIAL/KEY
NUMBER
DISC OR
DOWNLOAD
DATE
PURCHASED
COST TO
REPLACE
SOFTWARE INVENTORY
NAME OF
SOFTWARE
VERSION
21
5. Information Technology Security
Data security and backup should be ongoing, however, it is crucial before a disaster. If you use a
contractor for your IT support, they should be included in your business continuity planning.
Identify the records that are essential to perform your critical functions. Vital records may
include employee or family data, payroll, financial or insurance records, legal or lease
documents. Are any impossible to re-create? Make sure copies are stored offsite, preferably
outside the local region.
DATA SECURITY AND BACK-UP (software and records)
LEAD STAFF OR CONTRACTOR
EMERGENCY CONTACT TELEPHONE
EMAIL
ALTERNATE CONTACT TELEPHONE
BACK-UP RECORDS ARE STORED ONSITE HERE
BACK-UP RECORDS ARE STORED OFFSITE HERE
DIGITAL RECORDS ARE STORED HERE
DIGITAL BACK-UP CONTACT
IF OUR VIRTUAL RECORDS ARE DESTROYED, WE WILL PROVIDE FOR CONTINUITY IN THESE
WAYS:
22
IT ASSET SECURITY (hardware)
LEAD STAFF OR CONTRACTOR
EMERGENCY CONTACT TELEPHONE
EMAIL
ALTERNATE CONTACT TELEPHONE
KEY COMPUTER HARDWARE
TO PROTECT OUR HARDWARE, WE WILL:
KEY COMPUTER SOFTWARE
TO PROTECT SOFTWARE, WE WILL:
IF OUR COMPUTERS ARE DESTROYED, WE WILL USE BACK-UP COMPUTERS AT THIS LOCATION:
23
6. Alternate Working Location
Determine if it is possible to set up an alternate or temporary location if your primary site
becomes unavailable. Would this site become your new primary site? How much work can be
done remotely/electronically? If an alternate or work-from-home strategy is possible, what preagreements would personnel need for these options?
ALTERNATE LOCATION
SECOND ALTERNATE LOCATION
STREET ADDRESS
STREET ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP
CITY, STATE, ZIP
TELEPHONE NUMBER
TELEPHONE NUMBER
IS THERE A PRE-AGREEMENT IN PLACE?
IS THERE A PRE-AGREEMENT IN PLACE?
POINT OF CONTACT
POINT OF CONTACT
CONTACT NAME
CONTACT NAME
TELEPHONE NUMBER
ALTERNATE NUMBER
TELEPHONE NUMBER
ALTERNATE NUMBER
EMAIL ADDRESS
EMAIL ADDRESS
SITE ASSESSMENT
SITE ASSESSMENT
NUMBER AND TYPE OF STAFF TO WORK HERE
NUMBER AND TYPE OF STAFF TO WORK HERE
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SUPPLIES ALREADY IN PLACE
SUPPLIES ALREADY IN PLACE
SUPPLIES THAT WOULD BE NEEDED
SUPPLIES THAT WOULD BE NEEDED
OPERATIONS TO TAKE PLACE HERE
OPERATIONS TO TAKE PLACE HERE
POSSIBLE HAZARDS IN THE AREA
POSSIBLE HAZARDS IN THE AREA
NOTES
NOTES
25
7. Staff Notification
Responsibility for activation of the Emergency Response plan, including Business Continuity,
should be regularly updated and communicated to staff, key volunteers, and board members.
Determine how contact will be made (phone, email, text, social media, etc.), what exactly
triggers notification (type and severity of event), and what is communicated (consider making a
script). In the event all communications are down, affiliates should train staff and key
volunteers on where to report and /or primary responsibilities to be addressed.
A. Phone Tree: The following phone tree is for your affiliate’s primary staff. If you are the ”First
person to have knowledge of the event”, please continue with your assigned calls after
reporting the event to the Executive Director. If you are unable to contact your assigned board
or staff member, please continue the phone tree by contacting the person who would have
been contacted by that board or staff member. For example in the tree below, if the President
were unable to contact the Treasurer, they would then contact the Past President to ensure that
the tree continued to run to the end.
Once all calls have been completed please notify The Executive Director or Board President of
the names of those members that were not contacted.
Who initiates the call
Who receives the call
First person to have knowledge of event

XXX, Executive Director
XXX, Executive Director

XXX, President
XXX, Executive Director

XXX, HFHO Affiliate Support
XXX, President

XXX, Treasurer
XXX, Treasurer

XXX, Past President
XXX, Past President

XXX, Secretary
XXX, Secretary

XXX, Board Member
XXX, Board Member

XXX, Board Member
XXX, Board Member

XXX Director of Family Support
XXX Director of Family Support
Support

XXX Director of Volunteer
XXX Director of Volunteer Support

XXX Administrative Assistant
26
XXX Director of Family Support

Affiliate Families
XXX Director of Volunteer Support

Key Volunteers
B. Board/Staff Emergency Contact List: Please note the address, phone number and email
address of key staff, personnel and volunteers who are noted in the above Phone Tree. Include
their position or titles, and list in the order they appear in the Phone Tree.
Example:
Executive Director
John Doe
President
Jane Doe
Home: 541-123-1231
Home: 541-123-4567
Cell: 541-321-3213
JohnDoe@habitataffiliate.org
City, OR 97200
Cell: 541-321-0987
JaneDoe@habitataffiliate.org
City, OR 97200
27
8. Other Contact Notification
Include other important contact lists here, including affiliates, partner families, local emergency
contacts, etc.
A. Local Disaster Contact Information
Agency
Phone Number
LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, EMS, MEDICAL
Willamette Valley Communications Center
Law Enforcement
 State Police
 Salem Police
 Marion County Sheriff
Salem Fire
Ambulance
 Rural/Metro
 Salem Ambulance Service
 City of Salem Ambulance Service
 Capital Fire Med
State Emergency Management Agency
Marion County Emergency Operation Center
911
503-588-6123
Water
Power Companies
 Portland General Electric
 Salem Electric
 Oregon Municipal Electric Utilities
North West Natural Gas
Waste Recyclers
Regional Medical Centers
 Salem Hospital
 West Valley Hospital
Oregon Department of Human Services
503-588-6333
National
 FEMA
 Red Cross
 Salvation Army
 United Way
Local
 Red Cross
 Salvation Army
 United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley
503-397-3131
978-7442112
503-588-5032
503-588-6245
503-315-2260
503-588-6538
503-588-6238
503-588-6428
503-378-2911
503-588-5108
503-399-7717
503-362-3601
503-371-6625
503-585-6611
503-585-4300
503-561-5200
503-623-7327
503-945-5944
800-621-3362
800-438-4636
800-725-2769
800-555-5555
503-585-5414
503-585-6688
503-363-1651
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Emergencies Only
Primary Contact
HFHI CONTACTS
U.S Support Center
HFHI Disaster Response
877-HFHI-HELP (877-434-4435)
800-422-4828
B. Oregon Affiliates Contact Information
Affiliate Name
Contact/Address
Phone
Wanda Kinny
PO Box 1974 Albany 97321
Mark Quinlan
1860 NE 4th Street Bend
97701
Bettina Schemph
P.O. Box 1551 Corvallis
97339
Roxanna Jennings
PO Box 921 Saint Helens
97420
Kathy Kebler
PO Box 986 Coos Bay 97420
Linda Mays
PO Box 327, Cottage Grove
97424
Joe Donahue
PO Box 1212 Brookings
97420
Kate McBroom Redwine
PO Box 3302 Florence
97439
Davit Stil
PO Box 111 La Grande
97850
Jack Davis
PO Box 2667 Grants Pass
97528
Sharon Marvel
49 NE 12th Madras 97741
John Silvermoon
PO Box 171 Junction City
97448
Michael Greenstreet
PO Box 476 Klamath Falls
97601
541-9674030
aahfh@peak.org
541-3855387
mquinlan@bendhabitat.org
541-7523075
ed@bentonhabitat.org
5033664595
bshoemaker@actidyne.net
541-7569080
info@coosbayhabitat.org
541-7670358
info@habitatcg.org
541-4127166
jdonahue5895@charter.net
541-9027949
florencehabitat@gmail.com
541-9634874
davidstil@gmail.com
541-4742884
gpahfh@grantspass.com
541-4756650
skmarvel@crestviewcable.com
541-9989548
jsilvermoon@jchmhabitat.org
541-8502673
office@klamathbasinhfh.org
Lebanon
Debbie Roberts
PO Box 365 Lebanon 97355
541-4511234
lebanonoregonhabitat@gmail.com
Lincoln County
Sally Bovett
PO Box 133 Newport 97365
541-5744437
sbovett@habitatlincoln.org
Albany Area
Bend Area
Benton
Columbia County
Coos Bay
Cottage Grove
Curry County
Florence
Grand Ronde
Grants Pass
Jefferson County
Junction City/
Harrisburg/Monroe
Klamath Basin
29
Email
McMinnville Area
Mid-Columbia
Mid-Willamette
Newberg
Newberry
North-Willamette
Valley
Oregon Trail
Portland Metro/East
Redmond
Rogue Valley
Sisters
Springfield
The Dalles
Tillamook County
Umpqua Valley
West Tuality
Willamette West
Gretchen Phelps
PO Box 301 McMinnville
97128
Roger Holen
PO Box 161 Hood River
97301
Tony Fraiser
1220 12th St. SE Salem
97302
Rick Rodgers
PO Box 118 Newberg 97132
Randy Heise
PO Box 3364 Sunriver
976707
Jerry Ambris
PO Box 852 Mount Angel
97362
Stephanie Angle
240 E Gladys Ave,
Lanham Building Suite 2A,
Hermiston 97838
Steve Messinetti
PO Box 11527 Portland
97211
Scott Brown
PO Box692 Redmond 97756
Denise James
PO Box 688 Medford 97501
Sharlene Weed
PO Box 238 Sisters 97759
Don Griffin
1210 Oak Patch Rd. Eugene
97402
Corliss Marsh
PO Box378 The Dalles
97058
Kathleen Tyler
2610 3rd St. Tillamook
97107
Harl Clark
PO Box 1391 Roseburg
97470
Randy Roedl
PO Box 806 Forest Grove
97116
Mark Forker
5293 NE Elam Young
Parkway
Hillsboro 97124
503-4729637
gretchen@machabitat.org
509-4933720
midcolumbiahfh@gmail.com
503-3646642
info@salemhabitat.org
503-5379938
rick@newberghabitat.org
541-5935005
rheise@newberryhabitat.org
503-8452434
jambris@nwvhfh.org
541-5671509
oregontrailhabitat@eotnet.com
503-2879529
steve@habitatportlandmetro.org
541-5481406
541-7722808
541-5491193
30
hfhredmond@gmail.com
djames@roguevalleyhabitat.org
sharlene@sistershabitat.org
541-7411707
don@sehabitat.org
541-2968817
hfhthedalles@gmail.com
503-8427472
ktyler@tillamookhabitat.org
541-6720914
myfraqnk1@gotsky.com
503-3571201
rjroedl@comcast.net
503-8447606
markforker@habitatwest.org
C. Partner Families Contact Information
Please include an updated list of your affiliate’s partner families’ emergency contact info, so that
information and updates can easily be distributed.
31
9. Continuity of Management Plan
You can assume that not every key person will be readily available or physically at your facility
after an emergency. Ensure that recovery decisions can be made without undue delay by
establishing key tasks and primary, secondary and contingent personnel to perform those tasks.
This assures chain of command and lines of succession for key personnel. Please add or subtract
tasks as needed.
The following is a list of responsibilities in the event of activation of your affiliate disaster plan
(in no particular order.) The Primary designee is the person normally in charge of that task under
normal operations, the Secondary designee functions as his/her backup, and the Contingency
designee is someone who is capable of performing this task in the event of an extreme situation
impacting the two individuals previously mentioned.
PRE-DISASTER / BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING
TASK
Backup and safe records
maintenance
Communication of Disaster
Preparedness Plan
Activation and Leadership of
Plan
Securing of HFH offices
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
CONTINGENCY
Office Manager
Treasurer
Secretary
Executive Director
Office Manager
Affiliate Support
Coordinator
Executive Director
President
Executive Director
Office Manager
Secretary
Affiliate Support
Coordinator
POST-DISASTER / BUSINESS CONTINUITY ACTIVATION
TASK
Activation of Plan
Communication with families
in the affected area
Communication with state
emergency management
agency
Communication of Disaster
Preparedness Plan to local
community (news, etc.)
Communications with HFHO
within 48 hours (rapid
assessment)
Communication/nurturing of
Board and staff post-disaster
PRIMARY
Executive Director
Family Support
Coordinator
Executive Director
CONTINGENCY
Staff
Board Member closest
to the affected area
Executive Director
President
Secretary
Executive Director
Office Manager
Affiliate Support
Coordinator
Executive Director
President
Secretary
Chaplin
Executive Director
President
Documentation and
evaluation of response
Executive Director
Board Member
Secretary
32
SECONDARY
Board
10. Insurance Coverage Information
Use this section to consolidate insurance information, and to identify additional insurance
needs.
INSURANCE AGENT:
STREET ADDRESS
CONTACT NAME
CITY, STATE, ZIP
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER
TELEPHONE NUMBER
FAX NUMBER
CONTACT EMERGENCY NUMBER
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
CONTACT EMAIL
INSURANCE POLICY INFORMATION
TYPE OF
INSURANCE
POLICY NUMBER
DEDUCTIBLES
POLICY LIMITS
COVERAGE
DESCRIPTION
DISASTER RELATED INSURANCE QUESTIONS (Between you and your provider)
Do you need Flood Insurance? Y / N
What hazards or causes of loss does my policy
cover?
33
Do you need Earthquake Insurance? Y / N
How will my property be valued?
Do you need Business Income and Extra
Expense Insurance? Y / N
Does my policy cover the cost of required
upgrades to code? Y / N
How much insurance am I required to carry to
avoid becoming a co-insurer?
What does my policy require me to do in the
event of loss?
What types of records and documentation will
my insurance company want to see?
Do I have enough coverage? For how long is
my coverage provided?
How will my emergency management program
affect my rates?
To what extent am I covered if partner families
are unable to pay their mortgages?
Other questions
34
11. Memorandum of Understanding
Upon completion of your Business Continuity Plan and Disaster Response Plan, communicating
your plan to your Habitat for Humanity State Support Organization, HFHI, and local Emergency
Management agency is important in keeping communications open. After a disaster, lines of
communication are often down, slow, overwhelmed, or even nonexistent. Emergency Services
are likely overwhelmed, so the time to communicate is PRIOR to an emergency.
Drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and sending it to the proper entities will
assist them in knowing what your plan is, what your capacity may be for assisting after a
disaster, what your needs may be, and how you are going to operate and provide care for your
staff, families or community. This MOU should outline how you will function and take care of
affiliate responsibilities for the first 30 days following a local disaster. It may also communicate
how you will assist others (e.g. other affiliates, or other response and recovery agencies like Red
Cross). Contact your local Emergency Manager, HFHO, or HFHI for further information on the
format of the MOU, its contents, and the needs of those you would be reporting to.
Sample MOU content includes:
1. Introduction: The introduction helps the reader understand the agreement content. It
describes the need, the agencies involved, why it is necessary, for what capability or need the
MOU is describing, etc.
2. Purpose: The purpose section should be a concise statement of the intention of the MOU. It
explains the intended use, when it will be used and how it will be used. List the agencies and
jurisdictions to be included in the agreement and describe their relationship.
3. Policy: The policy section describes how you will be operating before and after a disaster, how
you will activate your plan, and the main aspects of your plan (business continuity,
communications, assistance, resources, etc.) Describe your procedures and who is in charge of
what. Answer: How will my organization maintain functionality for the first 30 days following a
disaster? How can my organization assist after a disaster or during long-term recovery (e.g.
housing, volunteer management, etc.)
4. Needs (Optional): The needs section (if necessary) describes pre-disaster activities your
organization may need assistance with. These could be in preparation or training, information or
communication services, or advise on how to assist if necessary. This section also could describe
possible needs following a disaster, including assisting vulnerable families, recovery of function,
etc.
5. Conclusion: Complete your MOU with specific contact information for the lead of your
agency, and consider including a copy of your Disaster Plan.
35
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Affiliates are encouraged to prepare supplies and protocols to immediately respond to a disaster
or emergency situation. These preparations include organizing an emergency supply kit for the
affiliate office, creating an office evacuation plan and shelter in place plan, and a checklist for
reviewing and updating the disaster plan itself. Assisting families with home disaster plans and
emergency kits are also vital preparedness activities.
1. Emergency Supply Kit
It is recommended that all HFH affiliate offices maintain an emergency supply kit that can serve
staff for at least 72 hours, in the event of a disaster. If possible, a larger supply should be
considered, lasting up to 3 weeks, particularly for coastal affiliates with the threat of tsunamis.
The following list is based on HFHI, Red Cross and FEMA recommendations. Amend as needed.
At a minimum, recommended emergency supplies include the following:
 Store one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
 At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
 Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
 Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio(s) (e.g. Eton Etn American Red Cross ARCFR600R
Solarlink)
 Battery-powered or hand-cranked flashlight(s)
 Extra batteries if needed for the radio(s) and flashlight(s)
 CPR/First aid kit(s)
 Whistle(s) to signal for help
 Dust or filter masks, readily available in hardware stores, which are rated based on how
small a particle they filter
 Leather Gloves, one pair per person
 Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (plus other essential tools like knife and can opener)
 Plastic sheeting and duct tape to "seal the room"
 Buckets, garbage bags, plastic ties and moist towelettes for personal sanitation
 Blankets and foldable cots or foam pads for sleeping
 Local maps
 Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
(www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit)
LOCATION OF EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT: _____________________________________
(include map if needed)
36
Maintenance for Emergency Supply Kit
Replenish the following perishable supplies in emergency supply kit every six months:




Water
Food
Batteries
First aid kit contents (as needed)
Replenishment Log
Record below the two dates each year that emergency supply kit is replenished:
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2. Office and ReStore Evacuation Plans
Your affiliate’s offices and ReStores (if applicable) should have a plan for warning staff,
evacuating the building, and turning off vital equipment and services (gas, water, electricity) in
case of emergency.
Designated Meeting Place:
______________________________________________________
(Include Map of Building, Evacuation Route, and Meeting Point)
Safety Coordinator
Primary
Alternate
Name
Work Phone
Alternate Phone(s)
Work email
Personal email
37
Shut-down Managers
Primary
Secondary
Name
Work Phone
Alternate Phone(s)
Work email
Personal email
Warning System
How people will be informed that they must evacuate the office? (eg. Whistle signal, siren, horn,
verbal command, etc.)
To ensure your evacuation plan is effective:
Place a check mark (  ) next to each task listed below when completed:
 We have developed these plans in collaboration with neighboring businesses and building
owners to avoid confusion or gridlock.
Not applicable – no immediate neighbors
 We have located, copied, and posted building and site maps, with exits and evacuation
routes clearly marked.
 Exits are clearly marked in all our facilities.
 We will test the warning system _____ times per year in January and July.
 We will practice evacuation procedures _____ times per year in January and July.
38
3. Shelter in Place Plan
Shelter Location:
___________________________________________________________________
(Include map of building and Shelter Location site if needed)
Shelter Managers
Primary
Alternate
Name
Work Phone
Alternate Phone(s)
Work email
Personal email
Shelter Manager Responsibilities
Ensure food and water supplies. Set up first aid station and administer first aid if needed.
Provide hand-operated or battery-operated radio and flashlights. Set up cots and sleeping
arrangements.
Maintain contact with local Red Cross, Executive Director, affiliate board of directors and
Habitat Oregon and International whenever possible.
Ensure security of premises from looting or structural damage.
Warning System
How will people be informed that they must shelter in place?
 We will test the warning system ______ times per year. Turning off gas and electricity to
your office or home following a disaster may prevent flooding, fire or explosions. Know
where your service disconnects are located, how to turn them off, and location of necessary
tools to do so.
39
PART III: RESPONSE PLANNING
Disaster response occurs immediately following a disaster, actions necessary to secure life
safety, property security, and initial assessment of damages and needs. Affiliates are
encouraged to assess and determine their capacity to assist immediately following a disaster,
both in terms of responding to the needs of your affiliate and partner families, and in terms of
assisting with local or regional response efforts. Habitat for Humanity is primarily organized for
long term housing recovery, as most affiliates specialize in home renovation and construction.
However, affiliates may determine that they have the ability to assist more directly following a
disaster (e.g. damage assessment, building inspections, emergency shelter construction etc.).
Having a Response Plan that can be referenced immediately following a disaster can be
extremely helpful during the hectic times to be expected if the local damage is extensive.
FEMA’s National Response Framework (NRF) helps to direct the response efforts of federal,
state and local emergency management agencies. It is recommended that affiliates familiarize
themselves with this national framework (see appendices), and the ways in which they
communicate, such as the Incident Command System (ICS). FEMA offers ICS trainings for local
responders and agencies active in disasters, so that they can “speak the language” of emergency
managers and can more successfully assist if needed.
Figure 4: FEMA’s National Disaster Response Network
40
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
The first aspect of disaster response is ensuring the safety of those at the office and their
families. Securing a safe location, starting first aid or calling for help, and notifying the
appropriate personnel should be the primary activities immediately after an event. After
immediate dangers are past, you can begin communications, assessments, evaluations and then
move into local or regional response.
Steps to Follow Immediately After a Disaster:
1. Stay safe. Evacuate or shelter in place following your plans. Take a head count and call for
help as needed. Gather emergency supplies and start first aid as needed.
2. Secure your location and prevent additional casualties. Turn off gas, electricity and water to
building if possible. (See below for basic instructions)
3. Get to safety and establish communications with emergency personnel or families.
4. Activate your Business Continuity Plan as soon as possible, starting with notification of staff
and key personnel.
5. Convene key staff and personnel to activate additional response plan elements. Notify local
authorities and HFHO.
6. Complete the HFH Rapid Assessment form and provide to appropriate offices.
7. Continue continuity and response actions.
8. Evaluate Disaster Response Plan for revisions.
41
1. Emergency Contact Information
Include as many emergency contacts as necessary. Additional emergency contacts may be found
in the Business Continuity sections above. Consider including contact lists for Employees and
Staff, Board Members, Key Volunteers, and Partner Families here.
EMERGENCIES
NON-EMERGENCY POLICE
DIAL 911
NON-EMERGENCY FIRE
ELECTRICITY PROVIDER
GAS/PROPANE PROVIDER
WATER PROVIDER
INSURANCE PROVIDER
IT SUPPORT CONTRACTOR
PROPERTY SECURITY
BANK/FINANCIAL AGENT
OTHER
OTHER
42
2. Service Disconnection
Turning off gas and electricity to your office or home following a disaster may prevent flooding,
fire or explosions. Know where your service disconnects are located, how to turn them off, and
location of necessary tools to do so. Designate a staff member responsible for this operation.
How to Turn Off Gas and Electricity
Gas: Turn off gas before turning off electricity
Important: Only turn off gas at the meter if you smell gas!
To turn off natural gas in your office or house, take a wrench and tighten it on to the quarter
turn valve on the pipe that feeds into the gas meter. Turn it one-quarter turn to make the
indicator parallel to the ground. In most locations, once you do this you cannot turn the gas
back on to the house without the utility company.
Electricity:
In the event you need to turn off the electricity in your house, go to the breaker box and do the
following:



Turn off smaller breakers one by one
Flip the “main” breaker to off position last
To re-energize your home, reverse the steps above
43
Water:
In the event you need to shut water off inside your office or home, find the main water valve
and turn it to your right. To open the flow of water back into the house, turn it to your left.
Some water valves are located outside the home, near the street or sidewalk, within a covered
box in the ground. A special tool is required. Consider purchasing a water valve tool to include in
your emergency supply kit.
Propane:
If you live or work in an area that uses outdoor propane or LPG you will find this outside the
home. Open the top of the tank and you will see either a regular turn knob or a quarter turn
valve. Turn the knob to your right to shut off the flow of propane into you house. For quarterturn vale see above.
3. Communications
Fill in answers to the following questions.
In the event of an emergency, how will your organization:

Account for all personnel?
IMMEDIATELY:
AS SOON AS FEASIBLE:

Provide timely and accurate critical information to our personnel?

Keep suppliers, distributors, landlords, and other partners informed?

Identify and communicate strategic issues to our board of directors?

Inform Habitat of changes to our operational status or services?

Inform the public and especially families about our operational status, services to the
community, and financial needs?
44
News Release (Sample only. Please rewrite as necessary)
“Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Affected by Local Disaster”
“Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Implements Emergency Plan”
For More Information Contact ______________ at ________________
For immediate release (Date________________):
How Habitat affiliate was affected:
Our planned response:
Any location changes:
How to communicate with us:
“As soon as it was safe to proceed, volunteers and staff of Habitat for Humanity XXX began
implementing their Disaster Response Plan. “We have a lot to do,” said ____________. “The
volunteers of Habitat for Humanity have proved that they are dedicated to housing God’s
people in need. We see this as a continuation of our mission.” It should be noted “at the time of
a disaster we need to balance short-term immediate response with our efforts to provide longterm permanent housing,” _______ continued.
We plan on using local volunteers to get our homeowners back into a safe living condition. We
will use local resources and expect offers of help from other Habitat groups from around the
county and state. By using volunteer labor and donated funds and materials, Habitat builds or
rehabilitates simple, decent houses and sells them to low-income families at cost with no
interest added. Habitat homeowners, called partners, contribute sweat equity as part of their
contribution to their home.
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry whose objective is to eliminate
poverty housing from the world and to make a decent shelter a matter of conscience and
action.”
45
3. Rapid Assessment
Immediately following an event, or within the first 72 hours, the Executive Director (or other)
will be responsible for completing the Affiliate Rapid Assessment Form and submitting it to the
appropriate HFHO and HFHI offices. This assessment form is designed to give a brief snapshot of
your affiliate’s perspective as soon as possible after a disaster. It will help to inform HFHO and
HFHI of needs and outline next steps as necessary. Please complete it to the best of your ability
in a timely fashion and submit it to HFHO and the US Support Center at
USDisasterResponse@habitat.org or via fax at (229) 410-7909.
(See next page for assessment form)
46
Date
Completed
Affiliate Rapid Assessment Form
Contact Information
Name/location of affiliate
Title
Best phone number to
reach you
E-Mail Address
Impact Questions
Was your office/ReStore damaged by the
disaster?
If yes, to what extent?
Were any Habitat homes damaged by the
disaster?*
If yes, how many?
Alternate Phone
Number
Yes?
No?
* Please be sure to direct Habitat homeowners to file a claim with their insurance provider as soon as possible.
Self-Assessment
Please indicate how severe an impact the disaster will have on your affiliate in the next 30 days. The
following areas should be judged based on a scale of 1 (no impact) to 5 (severe impact):
No impact--------Severe
Focus Areas
1
Affiliate staff workload & availability*
Loss of income from donors
Collecting timely payments from homeowners
Loss of current/potential volunteers
Comments explaining any concerns rating a 4 or 5 above:
*Includes your board if you have 3 or fewer full-time staff members at your affiliate.
47
2
3
4 5
LOCAL & REGIONAL RESPONSE
After Life Safety, Business Continuity, and Communications, affiliates may want to consider
participating in wider response efforts. Affiliates should discuss their potential capacity to assist
the local area immediately following an event. This could mean helping with evacuation efforts,
initial damage assessment, clean up, sheltering assistance, relocation, or volunteer and donation
management. Affiliates should consult with local emergency management, police and fire, as
well as local chapters of the Red Cross and VOADs, to identify service gaps, opportunities for
collaboration, and to open lines of communication among like organizations.
For example, affiliates can coordinate ahead of time with the local building departments so as to
expedite inspections and permits for construction of shelters. Affiliates may consider developing
pre-approved shelter designs to achieve this. These activities can decrease response times
following a disaster, clarify roles and capabilities, and help coordinate local recovery efforts.
After an event, affiliates should review their response plan document for direction. As soon as
possible following an emergency, affiliates should revisit these plans and review expected
capacities and determine actual resources and ability to assist in the short term response efforts
in their local area. If needed or called upon, affiliates may be able to assist in other areas
affected by disaster such as assisting one’s “Sister Affiliate”, ORVOAD or area government
agency.
1. Response Plan
Affiliates can plan for response based on many factors. Contact the HFHI Disaster Response
office for additional assistance with response plans. Answering these sample prompts, and
others developed by your affiliate, will be the beginning of your Response Plan:
The affiliate will respond depending on the following factors: (examples below)








The type, level and location of disaster
The safety and well being of our staff
The survival of Habitat affiliate offices
Our ability to respond with volunteers and materials
The capacity of our trucks or our ReStore facility to assist
The availability of our volunteers to assist in any clean-up or repair work
The Habitat ReStore and office may be used for distribution of emergency supplies
Instruction and advice from Habitat Oregon and Habitat International
The decision of whether or not to respond will be communicated by/through: (example below)


We will establish clear lines of communication via phone, text message or emails and will
collaborate with Emergency Management, the Red Cross and HFHO
The executive director (or other) will communicate with the appropriate authorities as per
the affiliate communications plan (if needed)
48





Our affiliate anticipates being able to help respond locally in the following ways: (example
below)
We will help coordinate clean up volunteers
We will be able to shelter 10-20 families in temporary facilities
We can help coordinate donations
We can assist our partner families with transportation
Our affiliate anticipates being able to help respond to other affiliate’s in the following ways:
(example)
1.
We will send supplies and volunteers to assist our Sister Affiliate
2.
We can accept 10-20 families as temporary evacuees
3.
We will assist with business continuity and volunteer management
2. Partner Family Assistance Plan
Planning for family safety and well-being should be a priority for all affiliates. Having policies
around what specific support will or won’t be given to families is important. Communicating
those policies and expectations is likewise very important. Consider answering the following
prompt, and others like it, when planning for family services following a disaster.
The affiliate will support partner families in a pre-disaster environment in the following ways:
(examples below)




Provide education and literature regarding local hazards, emergency preparedness,
evacuation and affiliate policies on assistance
Maintain emergency contact information and communications protocol with partner
families
Maintain high safety measures and proper signage in all residences and facilities
Consider hazard mitigation projects as part of community outreach and rehabilitation
efforts like a Brush with Kindness (such as strapping water heaters, anchoring foundations,
removing old chimneys, providing Family Disaster Plans and evacuation maps)
The affiliate will support partner families in the post-disaster environment in the following
ways: (examples below)





If any Habitat homes are damaged or destroyed, Habitat will do an on-site inspection
We will help notify insurance companies to set up an appointment for adjustor inspection
Any physical needs for food, shelter or clothing will be assessed, and referrals made to the
Red Cross, Unity Shoppe, Catholic Charities, the Food Bank or other appropriate agency
Our ability to help with reconstruction will be made on a case by case basis
Other actions as needed
49
3. Response Protocol
Initial steps when considering a broader response to an event are:
Step 1: Convene Affiliate Staff and Board for Decision Making
The Executive Director will be responsible for convening the affiliate staff and board within 72
hours of the disaster. Emergency contact information for all staff and board members will be
distributed in advance through the Plan and made available at (include website address).
Step 2: Decision-Making
The Board and staff will review their Response Plan (if available) and any Memorandums of
Understanding they may have with local emergency management or other partner agencies.
Depending on circumstances, the Response Plan may need to be adjusted. The Board will make
a decision as to whether/when to respond to the disaster based on the Plans and the needs and
capacities at the time.
Step 3: Communicate with HFHO and HFHI your affiliates intentions on responding
The board or affiliate staff will contact HFHO and HFHI, as well as local response agencies and
emergency management, and communicate their capacity and intention to assist in response
efforts. Affiliate will assist within the needs of the community and ability of affiliate. HFHI also
has additional responses and resources that can be utilized after a disaster, such as the Disaster
Corp managers and teams.
Step 4: Proceed with approved response activities
After receiving confirmation on response activities from the affiliate Board, HFHO, and local
emergency management (if necessary), affiliate should proceed with response actions to
support the administrative and functional aspects of the affiliate, life and property safety of
partner families, and any additional local or regional response actions the affiliate is capable of
assisting with.
50
4. Plan Evaluation
After each activation of HFH XXX’s Disaster Plan, the following evaluation should be completed
by those involved, and then used to determine potential changes and improvements to the plan.
Complete the evaluation within 30-60 days following its implementation.
The Affiliate Disaster Preparedness Plan was activated at (Date and Time):
What was the nature of the Disaster?
How was the Plan activated?
Was communication and leadership of the Plan adequate? Explain:
Was the affiliate’s ability to function compromised? To what degree?
Were any families or Habitat homes affected? To what degree?
What areas of the Plan worked well?
What areas of the Plan need improvement?
Additional comments:
51
PART IV: RECOVERY PLANNING
The National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) is the official document that directs and
guides the long-term recovery efforts of FEMA and regional and local agencies. FEMA also offers
the services of a Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator to assist communities with their
response efforts. Identifying where Habitat affiliates work within the Recovery Framework is
important.
In addition to the housing expertise that HFH brings to long-term recovery efforts, the NDRF
notes that faith-based and community organizations can provide assistance to track recovery
progress, ensure accountability and make adjustments to ongoing assistance. It stresses the
importance of local partnerships and open lines of communication. It also notes that community
stakeholders need to possess an understanding and have access to broad and diverse funding
sources in order to finance recovery efforts. The NDRF goes on to mention the importance of
retrofitting vulnerable structures, and incorporating stronger building codes and land use
ordinances in hazard zones. Other important areas for recovery include case management
services, volunteer coordination, psychological and emotional support, housing repair and
construction, and project implementation. Habitat affiliates may find they have capacity to serve
needs in these and other areas following a disaster.
RECOVERY PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Recovery planning should ideally take place immediately after emergency preparedness and
response plans are complete, or simultaneously if possible. Affiliate’s long-term recovery
planning efforts should likely be focused on rebuilding sustainable and durable housing.
Planning for the replacement of housing and/or the relocation of families can be difficult. These
plans should include issues like a potential impact and loss analysis, material and volunteer
supplies assessment, available land inventories, fundraising mechanisms, and pre-approved
housing designs.
The role an affiliate plays in recovery may look different at different phases or times. What an
affiliate is capable of in the first three weeks following a disaster will be different than what it’s
capable of in three months or three years. Affiliates should try and map out their capacities over
the short, medium and long term, where medium term may be 2 years, and long term 10 years.
Official Long Term Recovery Organizations (LTROs) may be active in your area, and your affiliate
is encouraged to join and participate. Building relationships with other affiliates, the state
support organization and other local agencies are encouraged to help speed up recovery in your
area. HFHI Disaster Response can also assist with affiliate Recovery Planning.
Affiliates can develop a Recovery Plan in many different ways. Assessing affiliate capacity, as
well as your communities likely needs are important preliminary steps. Mapping out potential
needs along a timeline of disaster response and recovery can help affiliates identify roles to fill.
52
Meeting with local emergency management, Red Cross, local partners and other nonprofits and
NGOs will help with this identification and assignment of responsibilities. Recovery is a
community activity, and planning for recovery and building local resilience in the process
requires cooperation and communication across sectors.
Some considerations when making your Recovery Plan are listed below: (example below)
1. Coordinator(s) of Plan: Executive Director
2. Goal of Plan: Aid other agencies in their disaster relief efforts; ensure continued or restarted
Habitat operations; assist Habitat families to remain in or return to their homes
3. Timeline: If any reconstruction is necessary, permits will be sought to rebuild within 6
months with preapproved housing designs.
4. Preliminary Budget: To be determined on a case by case basis and approved by board
5. Fundraising Plan: A general appeal through our website, e-newsletters and social media;
reconstruction funding available through HFHI or FEMA. Grant writing for specific disasterrelated activities.
6. Potential Partners: Jurisdictions in our service area; local churches and corporations; building
supply stores; HFHI Disaster Corp.
7. Volunteer Coordination Needs/Plan: To be determined on a case by case basis, announced
through electronic and social media. Disaster Volunteer Coordinator XXX has been trained by
HFHI on disaster management OR Disaster Corp manager identified ahead of time.
8. Communication/Public Relations Plan: Press release, newsletters, press conference if
necessary
9. Capabilities Over Time: Determine affiliate’s strengths over time, including during the
recovery phase, immediately following recovery efforts, and for short-, medium- and long-term
activities.
10. Decision Making Strategies: Outline affiliate’s methods of making recovery decisions and
strategies for increasing recovery actions over time. Consult with ORVOAD, HFHO, and HFHI for
critical or community-based activities.
53
PART V. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS
Business Continuity-Those actions taken post-disaster to restore an organization to full
operation.
Capacity-A combination of all the strengths and resources available within a
community, society or organization that can reduce the level of risk, or the effects of a
disaster. (From the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.)
Disaster (natural or of human origin): A serious disruption of a community’s basic
functioning, resulting in extensive human, material or environmental losses which exceed
the community’s ability to sustain a healthy life without assistance.
Disaster-Affected People: All people whose lives or health are made vulnerable by
disaster, whether displaced or in their home area. (Definition derived from “The Sphere
Project: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standard in Disaster Response.”)
Disaster Mitigation-The actions required to lessen the impact of future disasters. Most
mitigation measures are above and beyond normal building codes. These techniques are an
essential step toward ensuring the stability of a Habitat home during a disaster. Examples of
mitigation include choosing house sites outside of high-risk areas and elevating homes that
are located on flood plains.
Disaster Preparedness- The actions necessary to ready organizations for disasters.
Preparedness training is an additional component of the instruction that HFHO gives to each
new board or staff member.
Disaster Response-Those capabilities necessary to save lives, protect property and the
environment, and meet basic human needs after an incident has occurred.
Emergency Management-City, County, and State agencies tasked with planning and
response for natural and man-made disasters and emergencies.
Long Term Recovery-Phase of recovery that may continue for months or years and
addresses complete redevelopment and revitalization of the impacted area, rebuilding
or relocating damaged or destroyed social, economic, natural and built environments
and a move to self-sufficiency, sustainability and resilience.
54
Resilience- Ability to adapt to changing conditions and withstand and rapidly recover
from disruption due to emergencies.
VOAD-Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. A nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership
based organization that serves as the forum where organizations share knowledge and
resources throughout the disaster cycle—preparation, response and recovery —to help
disaster survivors and their communities.
(ADD Additional HFH affiliate & SSO-Specific definitions)
55
APPENDIX B: REFERENCES
1. State of Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI):
www.oregongeology.org
DOGAMI has surveyed Oregon and mapped such things as earthquake zones, tsunami zones and
landslide zones. Maps are available for hazards, as well as evacuation routes for coastal
communities.
2. Oregon Emergency Management (OEM):
www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM
OEM maintains the emergency services systems for planning, preparing and providing for the
prevention, mitigation and management of emergencies or disasters that present a threat to the
lives and property of citizens of and visitors to the State of Oregon.
Family Emergency Plan:
http://emc.uoregon.edu/content/create-your-disaster-plan
Emergency Supply Kit:
http://emc.uoregon.edu/EmergencyKit
3. Habitat for Humanity Oregon (HFHO):
habitatoregon.org
HFHO is Oregon’s state support organization, whose mission is to develop financial and in-kind
resources in support of Habitat Oregon affiliates’ efforts to house more families.
4. Habitat for Humanity International Disaster Response:
www.habitat.org/disaster
Habitat’s International and Domestic department of disaster response and recovery.
5. Partnership for Disaster Resilience (OPDR):
csc.uoregon.edu/opdr/
OPDR is an applied research program at the University of Oregon, working toward the mission of
creating a disaster resilient and sustainable state. OPDR provides communities and agencies
with planning assistance and guidance, with professional and graduate students on staff.
56
6. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
fema.gov
FEMA is the national agency in charge of assisting communities with disaster response and
recovery efforts.
National Recovery Framework:
https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/dam-production/uploads/20130726-1914-250458516/final_national_response_framework_20130501.pdf
National Disaster Recovery Framework:
https://s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/dam-production/uploads/20130726-1820-250455325/508_ndrf.pdf
Incident Command System:
http://www.fema.gov/incident-command-system
Family Emergency Plan:
http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
7. Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS):
www.disastersafety.org/
IBHS studies disasters and their effects to homes and communities. They offer guidance and
best practices for building design for safety and performance during natural disasters and
hazards (see their FORTIFIED program).
8. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
www.noaa.gov
NOAA tracks the nation’s weather and climate and provides warnings and news updates for
hazards and disasters across the country.
9. Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD)
www.orvoad.org
57
Oregon VOAD consists of mostly faith-based voluntary organizations with disaster relief roles, in
partnership with state government. A member organization of National VOAD, they are the
forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle.
Add local and regional references as needed.
58
APPENDIX C: FAMILY DISASTER PLANNING GUIDE
The following guide is for affiliates to distribute to their partner families. Family plans are a
critical part of Habitat’s overall disaster resilience, and should be encouraged for all families. In
locations with multi-family buildings with building managers, these managers can act as liaisons
to families for assistance in completing the plan. These plans, as well as additional hazard and
disaster information for your local area, can be distributed and completed during the
educational component for new families, prior to moving into their home. Copies of these plans,
or just the vital emergency contact information, should also be kept by the local affiliate in a
secure location or within the Additional Contact Information section of their Disaster
Preparedness Plan.
It is important to make sure that the entire family is prepared and informed in the event of a
disaster or emergency. You may not always be together when these events take place and
should have plans for making sure you are able to contact and find one another.
The American Red Cross suggests some basic steps to make sure you remain safe:
1.
Meet with your family or household members.
2.
Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen
where you live, learn, work and play.
3.
Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together
as a team.
4.
If a family member is in the military, plan how you would respond if they were
deployed.
Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency 1.
Choose two places to meet:
2.
Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire
3.
Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate
4.
Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long
distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have
emergency contact information in writing or saved on their cell phones.
59
Plan what to do if you have to evacuate 1.
Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may
choose to go to a hotel/motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an
evacuation shelter if necessary.
2.
Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and
plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable.
3.
Plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels/motels and animal
shelters that are along your evacuation routes.
(The following example plan is from the University of Oregon Emergency Management
department, and can be found at: http://em.uoregon.edu)
60
Your Family Disaster Plan
There are many different kinds of disasters, such as fires, floods, earthquakes,
chemical spills, pipeline leaks and explosions, which seldom give warning and
can be equally devastating to their victims. The planning you and your family do
now will be of benefit for any type of disaster that can strike your community.
This guide is a plan template and is intended to provide you a simple format and
possible suggestions about information you might want to include in your family
disaster plan. It is not all inclusive and should be modified by the user to suit
individual or family needs.
This plan can be filled in electronically or printed and filled in by hand. If filled in
by hand, we recommend that you use a pencil for ease of making future
corrections to information contained in the document.
At least once a year, have a meeting with your family to discuss and update
your disaster plan with current and correct information. Determine what
additional training, equipment, and supplies are needed.
Practice! Occasional drills can improve reaction time and help to avoid panic in
an actual emergency.
Update and review plan
Last update
61
Next update
Table of Contents
Household Members and Pets Inventory
4
Household Information
4
Emergency Numbers
5
Utility and Service Contracts
5
Insurance and Other Information
6
Family/Friends/Neighbors
6
Out of Area Contact Information
7
Work and School Contacts
8
Reunion Procedures
9
Medication List
10
Pharmacy/Doctors/Specialists
11
Additional Medical Information
12
Home Layout/Diagram
13
Utility Control
14
Practice Your Plan
15
Preparing a Disaster Supplies Kit
16
Pet Plan
23
Notes
24
62
Household Members
Household Members
Relation/Birth Date
Social Security Number
PETS
Pets
Pet License #
63
Vet name & phone
Household Information
Home Address:
Phone1:
Phone2:
E-mail 1:
E-mail 2:
Car Information
Car 1: Make
/ Model
/ Year
/ License #
Car 2: Make
/ Model
/ Year
/ License #
Car 3: Make
/ Model
/ Year
/ License #
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Emergency Numbers
CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCY
Note: After a disaster, 911 may not be working. Use these numbers when able.
Fire
Phone
Address
Police
Phone
Address
Ambulance
Phone
Address
Poison Control Center
Phone
Address
Hospital Emergency
Room
Phone
Address
Doctor #1
Phone
Address
Doctor #2
Phone
Address
Doctor #3
Phone
Address
Utility and Service Contacts
Water/Sewer
Phone
Address
Electric
Phone
Address
Gas
Phone
Address
Phone
Phone
Address
Cable
Phone
Address
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Insurance
Policy
Name
Policy #
Phone
Health
Auto
Home
Life
Family/Friends/Neighbors
Note: Identify two neighbors. Agree to check on each other
Name:
Address/Location:
Home #:
Work #:
Cell #:
Work #:
Cell #:
Work #:
Cell #:
E-mail:
Name:
Address/Location:
Home #:
E-mail:
Name:
Address/Location:
Home #:
E-mail:
66
Out-of-Area Contact
Name and telephone number of person outside your local area for family
members to call to report their location and condition. Everyone should
memorize this number! Also select an alternate contact just in case the primary
contact cannot be reached.
Important: During disasters, use phone for emergencies only. Local phone lines
may be tied up. Make one call out-of-area to report in. Let this person contact
others.
Primary Contact Information
Name:
Home Address:
Home #:
Work #:
Cell #:
E-mail:
Alternate Contact Information
Name:
Home Address:
Home #:
Work #:
Cell #:
E-mail:
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Work, School, and Other Contacts
Family members should know each other’s disaster procedures for work, school,
or other places where they spend time during the week.
Family Member:
Work/School/Other:
Address:
Phone #:
Disaster Procedures:
Family Member:
Work/School/Other:
Address:
Phone #:
Disaster Procedures:
Family Member:
Work/School/Other:
Address:
Phone #:
Disaster Procedures:
Family Member:
Work/School/Other:
Address:
Phone #:
Disaster Procedures:
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In case of emergency, you should know if the school will keep your children until
an authorized adult comes to get them. Determine what is required to release
your child to your representatives if you cannot get there yourself. Ensure that
the school knows your current contact information and those people authorized
to collect your children.
SCHOOL NAME:
SCHOOL PHONE NUMBER:
SCHOOL ADDRESS AND DIRECTIONS:
Reunion Procedures
Establish two places where you and your family can meet following an
emergency. One immediately outside of your home, e.g. a neighbor’s mailbox,
for use during a home emergency AND another site away from home in case
you can’t return.
In or Around
Inside House/Apartment
House/Apartment
Outside House/Apartment
When Family is
Not Home
Priority Location
69
(Leave note in a designated place such as inside mailbox
where you will be: i.e., neighbor, relative, park, school,
shelter, etc.)
Note: Reunion and evacuation procedures need to include children at school
and house members with disabilities. Talk to school officials. Write down
procedures.
Important Notes and Procedures
Note: People with disabilities are advised to identify two or three people at work,
school, neighborhood, etc. who will assist them in the event of a disaster.
70
Medication List
User’s Name
Medication
Name
Dosage/Frequency
Reason for Taking
Doctor
Prescription #
Date Started/Ending
Location of Meds
User’s Name
Medication
Name
Dosage/Frequency
Reason for Taking
Doctor
Prescription #
Date Started/Ending
Location of Meds
User’s Name
Medication
Name
Dosage/Frequency
Reason for Taking
Doctor
Prescription #
Date Started/Ending
Location of Meds
User’s Name
Medication
Name
Dosage/Frequency
Reason for Taking
Doctor
Prescription #
Date Started/Ending
Location of Meds
User’s Name
Medication
Name
Dosage/Frequency
Reason for Taking
Doctor
Prescription #
Date Started/Ending
Location of Meds
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Note: Keep at least seven days of vital medications and supplies on hand. Talk to
doctor before storing medication or if you use two or more medications. Take
them with you if you have to evacuate to a shelter, friend’s house, or other family
member’s home.
Pharmacy/Doctors/Specialists
Pharmacist Name:
Pharmacy Name:
Phone #:
Address:
Pharmacist Name:
Pharmacy Name:
Phone #:
Address:
Doctor’s Name:
Organization:
Phone #:
Address:
Area of Concern:
Doctor’s Name:
Organization:
Phone #:
Address:
Area of Concern:
Specialist Name:
Organization:
Phone #:
Address:
Area of Concern:
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Specialist Name:
Organization:
Phone #:
Address:
Area of Concern:
Specialist Name:
Organization:
Phone #:
Address:
Area of Concern:
Additional Medical Information
Allergies to Medications
Person’s Name:
Medication:
Person’s Name:
Medication:
Person’s Name:
Medication:
Person’s Name:
Medication:
Person’s Name:
Medication:
Health/Disability Information
Person’s Name:
Information:
Person’s Name:
Information:
Person’s Name:
Information:
Person’s Name:
Information:
Person’s Name:
Information:
73
Special Needs, Equipment, and Supplies
Person’s Name:
Information:
Person’s Name:
Information:
Person’s Name:
Information:
Person’s Name:
Information:
Person’s Name:
Information:
Note: Fill this and all sections out in pencil. Update regularly. If additional
information is needed, tape or staple another sheet of paper.
74
Home Layout/Diagram
Draw a floor plan of your home showing the location of exit doors and windows,
utility shutoffs, first aid kit, and emergency supplies. Ensure EVERYONE in your
household is familiar with it. Show it to babysitters and house guests when you're
going away.
75
Utility Control
Locate each of these utility control points in your home.
Electricity: In the event that you need to turn off the electricity in your house, go
to the breaker box and do the following:
1. Turn off smaller breakers one by one
2. Flip the “main” breaker to off last
To reenergize your home, reverse the steps above
Water: In the event you need to shut water off inside your home, find the main
water valve and turn it to your right. To open the flow of water back into the
house, turn it to your left. Check to determine if water shut off valve is located
underground near the sidewalk or curb. A special tool is needed to shut it off.
Purchase one in advance if needed.
76
Gas: IMPORTANT – Only turn off you gas at the meter if you smell gas!
To turn off natural gas in your house, take a wrench and tighten it on to the
quarter turn valve that is on the pipe that feeds into the gas meter. Turn it one
quarter turn to make the indicator parallel to the ground. In most locations, once
you do this you cannot turn the gas back on to the house without the utility
company.
Propane: If you live in an area that uses outdoor propane or LPG you will find
this outside the home. Open the top of the tank and you will see either a regular
turn knob or a quarter turn valve. Turn the knob to your right to shut off the flow of
propane into your house. For quarter turn valve see above.
LOCATION OF GAS AND WATER TOOLS:
77
Practice Your Plan
Once you have developed your plan, you need to practice and maintain it. Practicing
your plan will help your family instinctively take the appropriate actions during an
actual emergency; even in the middle of the night. You should review your plan at
least annually and make updates as necessary.








Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do, meeting
places, phone numbers, and safety rules.
Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills at least twice a year. Actually
drive evacuation routes so each driver will know the way. Select alternate
routes in case the main evacuation route is blocked during an actual
disaster. Mark your evacuation routes on a map; keep the map in your
disaster supplies kit. Remember to follow the advice of local officials during
evacuation situations. They will direct you to the safest route, away from
roads that may be blocked or put you in further danger.
Replace stored food and water every six months. Replacing your food and
water supplies will help ensure freshness.
Use the test button to test your smoke alarms once a month. The test feature
tests all electronic functions and is safer than testing with a controlled fire
(matches, lighters, or cigarettes). If necessary, replace batteries immediately.
Make sure children know what your smoke alarm sounds like.
If you have battery-powered smoke alarms, replace batteries at least once a
year. Some agencies recommend you replace batteries when the time
changes from standard daylight savings each spring and again in the fall.
"Change your clock, change your batteries," is a positive theme and has
become a common phrase.
Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years. Smoke alarms become less
sensitive over time. Replacing them every 10 years is a joint recommendation
by the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Consumer Products
Safety Commission.
Look at your fire extinguisher to ensure it is properly charged. Fire
extinguishers will not work properly if they are not properly charged. Use the
gauge or test button to check proper pressure. Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for replacement or recharging fire extinguishers. If the unit is low
on pressure, damaged, or corroded, replace it or have it professionally
serviced.
Educate your family on local hazards and potential disasters. Ask your Habitat
affiliate for information on local hazards, special flood insurance, tsunami or
earthquake evacuation plans, shelter in place guidelines, and any other
question about safety.
78
79
Preparing a Disaster Supplies Kit
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your
own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three
days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but
they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it
might take days.
Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones
may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to
evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will
not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household
may need in the event of a disaster.
Kit Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare
supplies for home, work, and vehicles.
Home
Work
Car
Your disaster supplies kit should
contain essential food, water,
and supplies for at least three
days.
This kit should be in one
container, and ready to "grab
and go" in case you are
evacuated
from
your
workplace.
In case you are
stranded, keep a
kit of emergency
supplies in your car.
Keep this kit in a designated
place and have it ready in
case you have to leave your
home quickly. Make sure all
family members know where
the kit is kept.
Make sure you have food and
water in the kit. Also, be sure to
have
comfortable
walking
shoes at your workplace in
case an evacuation requires
walking long distances.
Additionally, you may want to
consider having supplies for
sheltering for up to two weeks.
80
This
kit
should
contain
food,
water,
first
aid
supplies,
flares,
jumper cables, and
seasonal supplies.
What should I put my family’s disaster supplies kit in?
Disaster supplies kits can be large
or small depending on how many
persons you have to gather
supplies for in your household.
Your emergency supplies should
be sufficient to sustain you, your
family and pets for a minimum of
72 hours. A two (2) week supply of
medicines and prescription drugs
is recommended. This may make
a difference in what type of
container you utilize for your kit.
Next, remember that you may not
be the one picking up or carrying
the disaster supplies kit. Everyone
should be able to get the kit and
evacuate the home quickly. Some
containers have wheels, some have straps and carrying handles to make
evacuating quicker and easier.
Below are some options of types of containers to use for your disaster supplies kit.
You may have something to use already or you may need to purchase them.
Either way you will need something dedicated for your disaster supplies kit. Mark
it clearly so that everyone is aware of the contents.
81
How long can food supplies be stored?
To judge how long you can store food supplies, look for an “expiration date” or
“best if used by” date on the product. If you cannot find a date on the product,
then the general recommendation is to store food products for six months and
then replace them.
Some households find it helpful to pull food products for their regular meals from
their disaster supplies kit and replace them immediately on an ongoing basis, so
the food supplies are always fresh.
What kinds of food supplies are recommended to store in case of a disaster?




Avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don’t stock salty foods,
since they will make you thirsty. Familiar foods can lift morale and give a
feeling of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won’t require cooking,
water or special preparation. Take into account your families unique needs
and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy that are high in calories
and nutrition.
Store supplies of non-perishable foods and water in a handy place. You need
to have these items packed and ready in case there is no time to gather
food from the kitchen when disaster strikes.
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or
no water. Foods that are compact and lightweight are easy to store and
carry.
Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned food with high
liquid content.
Recommended Foods




Ready-to-eat canned meats,
fruits and vegetables. (Be sure to
include a manual can opener)
Canned juices, milk and soup (if
powdered, store extra water).
High-energy foods, such as
peanut butter, jelly, crackers,
granola bars and trail mix.
Comfort foods, such as hard
candy,
sweetened
cereals,
candy bars and cookies.




82
Instant coffee, tea bags.
Foods for infants, elderly persons
or persons on special diets, if
necessary.
Compressed food bars. They
store well, are lightweight, taste
good and are nutritious.
Trail mix. It is available as a
prepackaged product or you
can assemble it on your own.



Dried foods. They can be
nutritious and satisfying, but have
some have a lot of salt content,
which promotes thirst. Read the
label.
Freeze-dried foods. They are tasty
and lightweight, but will need
water for reconstitution.
Instant Meals. Cups of noodles or
cups of soup are a good


addition, although they need
water for reconstitution.
Snack-sized
canned
goods.
Good because they generally
have pull-top lids or twist-open
keys.
Prepackaged beverages. Those
in foil packets and foil-lined boxes
are suitable because they are
tightly sealed and will keep for a
long time
Foods to Avoid




Commercially dehydrated foods. They can require a great deal of water for
reconstitution and extra effort in preparation.
Bottled foods. They are generally too heavy and bulky, and break easily.
Meal-sized canned foods. They are usually bulky and heavy.
Whole grains, beans, pasta. Preparation could be complicated under the
circumstances of a disaster.
What is the basis for the Red Cross recommendation to store supplies to last
several days to a week?
The
American
Red
Cross
recommendations to have food, water,
and other emergency supplies on hand
are not new, and are considered
reasonable in case of any disaster. Our
recommendations are to have supplies to
last several days to a week. Most
reasonable people would not consider
such quantities of supplies as a "stockpile"
or "hoarding."
Some families may choose to store supplies to last several weeks or more.
Certainly, if they wish to do so, they may. It is always wise to have sufficient food
and water supplies on hand in case access to such supplies may be disrupted by
a disaster.
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How Much Water do I Need?
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally
active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.
Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into
account:
- Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity,
diet, and climate.
- Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
- Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
- A medical emergency might require additional water.
How Should I Store Water?
To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is
recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in
its original container and do not open it until you need to use it. Observe the
expiration or “use by” date.
If you are preparing your own containers of water
It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers from
surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with
water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and
rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the
container with water.
If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft
drink bottles – not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit
juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from
these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is
stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for
long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can
break and are heavy.
If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps
Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse
completely so there is no residual soap. Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution
of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of
water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces.
After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean
water.
Filling water containers
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been
commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add
anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes
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from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of
non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water. Tightly close the
container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by
touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the
container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place.
Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.
First Aid Supplies
Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
First Aid kits come in many shapes and sizes.
You can purchase one from a drug store, or
you can make your own kit. Kits are designed
for a variety of locations including your home,
office or automobile. They're also important to
have for special activities such as hiking,
camping or boating. Whether you buy a First
Aid kit or put one together yourself, make sure it
has all the items you need to be prepared for
emergencies. See the inventory list below but also be
sure
to
include any personal items, such as medications and emergency phone
numbers, or items your physician may suggest. Check the kit regularly to make
sure flashlight batteries work, out-of-date contents are replaced, and expiration
dates are current. Remember, the contents of a first aid kit can be dangerous in
the hands of young children, so store your first aid kit in a secure place.
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First Aid Kit Suggestions
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First Aid Cream
Triangular Bandage
First Aid Tape
Gauze Pads and Roller Gauze
(assorted sizes)
Antibacterial Ointment
Hand Wipes
Disposable Gloves
Hand Sanitizer
Rescue Breathing Barrier
Pencil and Notepad
Antiseptic Wipes
Plastic Bags
Band-Aids (assorted sizes)
Safety Pins
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Blanket
Scissors and Tweezers
Cold Pack
Small Flashlight and Extra
Batteries
Combined Sterile Dressings
SOS Banner
Gauze Pads and Roller Gauze
(assorted sizes)
Sting Relief Pads
Conforming Bandages
Syrup of Ipecac (use only if
instructed by Poison Control
Center)
Tools, Supplies, Clothing and Bedding
Supplies and Tools
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Mess kits, or paper cups, plates,
and plastic utensils
Emergency preparedness
manual
Battery-operated radio and extra
batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Cash or traveler's checks,
change
Non-electric can opener, utility
knife
Fire extinguisher: small canister
ABC type
Tube tent
Pliers
Tape
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86
Compass
Matches in a waterproof
container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench to turn off
household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating
shelters)
Sanitation

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Toilet paper, towelettes
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items

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Plastic garbage bags, ties (for
personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

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Sturdy shoes or work boots
Rain gear
Blankets or sleeping bags
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Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses
Special Items and Important Family Documents
Remember family members with special requirements.
For Baby

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Formula
Diapers
Bottles
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Powdered milk
Medications

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Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce
vomiting if advised by the Poison
Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if
advised by the Poison Control
Center)
For Adults

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Heart and high blood pressure
medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eyeglasses
Non-Prescription Drugs
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

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Important Family Documents (Store in a waterproof, portable container)

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Will, insurance policies, contracts
deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, social security cards,
immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers
and companies

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
Inventory of valuable household
goods, important telephone
numbers
Family records (birth, marriage,
death certificates)
Copy of Family Disaster Plan
Maintaining Your Disaster Supplies Kit
Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they
are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready
and in good condition:
Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool. Throw
out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect
from pests and to extend its shelf life.
Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the
front.
Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write
the date you store it on all containers.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs
change.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit
in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan,
camping backpack, or duffel bag.
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Pet Plan
Contact your veterinarian or local humane society for
information on preparing your pets for an emergency.
Before The Disaster
 Make sure that your pets are current on
their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require
proof of vaccines.
 Have a current photograph
 Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a
leash on hand to control your pet.
 Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers
should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn
around.
 Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet! Specialized pet
shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out
of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
 If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.
During The Disaster
 Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have: Proper identification
collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or
cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any
necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash
bags for clean-up.
 Bring pets indoors well in advance of a storm.
 Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis. Call ahead and
determine availability.
After The Disaster
 Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often
familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be
confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in
with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
 If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local
animal control office to find out where lost animals can be
recovered. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.
 After a disaster, animals can become aggressive or
defensive. Monitor their behavior.
Pet Disaster Supply Kit
o Proper
identification
including immunization
records
o
o
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Ample supply of food
and water
A carrier or cage
o
o
Medications
Muzzle,
collar
leash
and
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NOTES:
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