Preparing for disasters.

• Author: McRandle, P.W.
• Position: Planning of Civilian evacuation

Most of us don't want to think about disasters, much less prepare for them. Over the long term, we'll need to protect ourselves by preserving wetlands, mangrove forests, and other natural shields against extreme weather. But in the short term, we need to be ready for emergencies without surrendering to scaremongering. Knowing the best evacuation route out of town before a flood or hurricane hits, for instance, can be life-saving. Below are a few tips and eco-friendly solutions to help you get through disasters unscathed.

Be Informed. Contact your local authorities to find out about the hazards and emergencies your area is prone to and what you can do to reduce your risk. In the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides state-by-state historical disaster lists as well as preparedness tips (www.fema.gov). For worldwide information, the International Disaster Database at the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters provides country listings of natural and technological disasters (www.cred.be). Also, check with officials about obtaining copies of community and school emergency plans, and learn the evacuation plan for your workplace.

Plan Ahead. All family members should have a contact card listing a meeting place and phone number as well as contact information for a friend outside the region with whom members can check in. To prepare for possible medical emergencies, take a first aid or CPR course at a local chapter of your national Red Cross or Red Crescent society (www.ifrc.org). Check your insurance for coverage of emergencies known to strike your area, and make sure you have carriers and food ready for your pets.

Prepare an Emergency Kit. Depending on where you live and the types of disasters likely in your area, you may need to store enough non-perishable food and water to last your family three days or more, providing at least one gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person per day. Kits should include cash, bedding, matches, first aid supplies (including prescription medications and copies of insurance policies), deeds, credit cards, and other identification. Also, store enough gas to fill your car. Eco-friendly items to help keep you fed and informed during emergencies include:

* Non-perishable food (and a can opener): You can...