Emergency Preparedness Information: Evacuation - What to Bring

Here are some of the places where you can store your electronic documents "in the cloud:"

• Dropbox
  Dropbox offers free and paid cloud storage. When installed on a computer, files can be set to automatically back-up and sync to the cloud, allowing a user to have access to their latest copy without having to re-upload each time.

• Google Drive
  Google Drive allows users to store files in the cloud, synchronize files across devices, and share files. Google Drive encompasses Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, an office suite that permits collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, forms, and more. Files created and edited through the office suite are saved in Google Drive.
   
• iCloud
  The service provides its users with means to store data such as documents, photos, and music on remote servers for download to iOS, macOS or Windows devices, to share and send data to other users, and to manage their Apple devices if lost or stolen. Users can also back their devices up directly to the cloud (removing the need to physically plug their device in to a computer). 
   
• Box
  Box (formerly Box.net) is a cloud content management and file sharing service for businesses. The company uses a freemium business model to provide cloud storage and file hosting for personal accounts and businesses.
   
• Amazon Drive
  Amazon Drive, formerly known as Cloud Drive, is a cloud storage application managed by Amazon. The service offers secure cloud storage, file backup, file sharing, and Photo printing. Using an Amazon account, the files and folders can be transferred and managed from multiple devices.

[Note: Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the State Library of Louisiana.]

Is Your Family Prepared for the Next Disaster?

Disasters can strike at a moment's notice so being prepared before they occur is an important step in ensuring the safety of you and your family. 

Create a household disaster plan.

• Prepare first aid kits for the home and for each vehicle.

• Create an emergency supply kit or grab-and-go bag.

• Keep important papers in a fire-resistant carrying case and bring it with you in case of an emergency.

• Create a roadside emergency kit for each automobile (breaking down while evacuating could leave you and your family in worse shape than if you had simply done nothing).

Household Disaster Plan

• As a family, decide on two places to meet in case an emergency occurs in or near your home (one should be near your home; the other, outside of the neighborhood).

• Pick two out-of-town contacts (family, family friends) for the family to contact in case you become separated.

• Prepare a checklist of important phone numbers, addresses, and contacts.

• Develop a 'shelter in place" strategy in the event that evacuation is not an option.

• Prepare an evacuation strategy for different types of disasters that may occur in your area. Practice each strategy with your family several times a year.

• Train all able-bodied family members in the use of CPR, fire extinguishers, and common first-aid procedures.

• Ensure your yard is prepared for a disaster by trimming branches, replacing gravel or rock landscaping with light-weight mulch, and checking for fire hazards.

• Purchase a battery-operated radio or NOAA weather radio in case power is lost during a disaster.

Recommended Supplies for First Aid Kit

• A first aid manual

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

• Cleansing agents such as isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, soap, antibiotic ointments

• Several pairs of latex and/or vinyl gloves

• Petroleum jelly

• Cotton Balls

• Tweezers, needles, scissors

• Moistened towelettes or baby wipes

• Prescription medications

• Cash, traveler's checks, and loose change

• A sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow for each family member. Keep additional blankets handy if you live in a cold-weather climate

• At least one additional change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, durable shoes, and gloves

• A bottle of chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper can be used to create a disinfectant, or even drinking water if no other options are available. For a disinfectant, combine nine parts water to one part bleach. To treat water, add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Avoid scented or color-safe bleaches.

• A fire extinguisher

• Waterproof matches and a lighter

• Personal hygiene items

• Paper plates, paper cups, plastic utensils, and paper towels

• Paper, pens and pencils; books, magazines, videos, games, and puzzles

• Batteries of various sizes and types

• If you have pets, keep extra food and medicines on-hand. Also, have a travel crate ready for each pet in case you must evacuate your home.

• A pocket knife, whistle

• Dust mask

• Local maps.

Recommended Food for Emergency Supply Kit

• Dried meats (a good source of protein)

• Canned fish and meat

• Canned fruits and vegetables

• Whole grain crackers (can be used in place of bread)

• Nuts, granola bars, and/or dry cereals

• Juice boxes

• Electrolyte drinks

• Enough water to sustain each family member for 72 hours

• A bottle of multivitamins

• A manual can opener

• An assortment of Ziploc bags, Tupperware, and a roll of tinfoil

• A small camping stove or grill that can be used for cooking.

Grab-and-Go Box

Important papers that should be kept in a fireproof, waterproof container include:

• Copies of all insurance policies, wills, deeds, tax returns, driver's licenses, credit cards, automobile titles, and bank records

• Copies of utility bills which can be used to prove or establish residency

• Family records such as Social Security cards, passports, as well as birth and marriage certificates

• List of medical contacts, including family physicians, hospitals, and other medical service providers. It is also a good idea to keep a list of medical conditions, allergies, and drug prescriptions.

• For pet owners, keep vaccination and veterinary records, along with up-to-date photos of your pet can assist in locating them if you are separated.

• An inventory of valuable household goods can be helpful when filing insurance claims.

• A list of phone numbers and addresses of relatives and friends.

Recommended Supplies for Roadside Emergency Kit

• Jumper cables

• Several quarts of oil

• Spare fuses

• A flashlight and extra batteries

• A small tool box

• A can of tire inflator

• Tire pressure gauge.

Lists courtesy of University of Southern Mississippi, School of Library and Information Science: https://www.usm.edu/library-information-science/disaster-preparedness