Prepare

1. 1Gather everyone for a planning conversation

   Schedule a calm time when all household members can participate. Explain that the goal is safety, not fear.

   Do this

   • ✓Pick a weekend or evening when no one is rushed
   • ✓Include children at an age-appropriate level
   • ✓Write down decisions as you go

   Tips

   • Keep the tone practical — compare it to a fire drill at school
   • Revisit the plan when someone moves in, out, or changes phone numbers
2. 2List the emergencies most likely for your area

   Focus on hazards you may face: floods, earthquakes, fires, power cuts, heat waves, or industrial incidents near your home.

   Do this

   • ✓Check local disaster history and seasonal risks
   • ✓Note whether you live in a flood zone, seismic area, or high-rise
   • ✓Identify one primary scenario to plan for first

   Tips

   • Start with fire and medical emergencies — they apply everywhere
   • NDMA state disaster management plans list regional hazards
3. 3Map safe spots inside and outside your home

   Identify where to shelter during different events and where to reunite if you must leave.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark an interior room away from windows for storms or earthquakes
   • ✓Choose a meeting spot outside the home (mailbox, neighbor's gate)
   • ✓Choose a second meeting spot farther away (school, temple, community hall)

   Tips

   • Pick places everyone knows by sight, not just an address
   • If you have pets, include where they will be secured or taken
4. 4Plan two ways out of every room

   Every room should have a primary exit and an alternate route in case the main path is blocked.

   Do this

   • ✓Walk through each room and test that doors and windows open
   • ✓Clear furniture blocking exits
   • ✓Teach children how to unlock windows safely where appropriate

   Tips

   • Sleeping areas are highest priority — most home fires happen at night
   • If you live above ground floor, know the building evacuation procedure
5. 5Designate an out-of-area contact

   When local networks are overloaded, a relative or friend in another city can relay messages between separated family members.

   Do this

   • ✓Choose someone unlikely to be affected by the same disaster
   • ✓Share their number with every household member and school contacts
   • ✓Agree that each person will check in with this contact first

   Tips

   • Text messages often go through when voice calls fail
   • Save the contact as "ICE Out-of-Area" in every phone
6. 6Assign roles based on ability, not age alone

   Give each person clear jobs: who grabs the kit, who helps elders or children, who calls 112, who secures pets.

   Do this

   • ✓Match tasks to physical ability and location in the home
   • ✓Write roles on the plan posted on the refrigerator
   • ✓Include backup person for each role if someone is away

   Tips

   • Children can carry a whistle or comfort item — keep jobs simple
   • Avoid assigning one person every dangerous task
7. 7Document utility shut-off locations

   Know where and how to turn off electricity, water, and gas if instructed or if you smell leaks.

   Do this

   • ✓Locate main electrical breaker and label it
   • ✓Find water main shut-off valve
   • ✓Learn gas shut-off only if your utility recommends it — improper shut-off can delay reconnection

   Tips

   • Keep a wrench near the gas valve only if trained to use it
   • When in doubt during a fire, leave immediately and call 112 from outside
8. 8Write the plan and post it visibly

   A one-page summary beats a long document no one reads. Post copies where everyone sees them daily.

   Do this

   • ✓Include meeting points, contacts, roles, and emergency numbers
   • ✓Post on refrigerator and photograph for phones
   • ✓Give a copy to school, workplace, and out-of-area contact

   Tips

   • Use large print for elders and children learning to read
   • Review and update the plan at least twice a year

Sources: American Red Cross — Make a Plan · FEMA — Family Emergency Communication Plan · NDMA — Household Disaster Preparedness Guidelines

1. 1Understand why you need two meeting points

   A nearby spot handles small emergencies; a farther spot handles events where your neighborhood is unsafe or unreachable.

   Do this

   • ✓Explain to children: first spot is outside the house, second is outside the neighborhood
   • ✓Write both names and landmarks on the family plan

   Tips

   • Practice walking to both spots so children recognize them
2. 2Pick the near-home meeting point

   Choose a fixed outdoor location close enough to reach in minutes but far enough from the building to be safe.

   Do this

   • ✓Select a landmark everyone passes daily — neighbor's gate, community tap, large tree
   • ✓Ensure it is outside, not inside another building
   • ✓Confirm the spot is accessible at night and in rain

   Tips

   • Avoid choosing spots inside parking garages or near gas lines
   • Apartment residents: agree on a spot outside the main gate, not the lobby
3. 3Pick the away-from-home meeting point

   Choose a public place in another part of town that stays open or is easy to find during widespread disruption.

   Do this

   • ✓Consider a school, place of worship, library, or municipal office
   • ✓Verify multiple routes reach it if main roads are closed
   • ✓Add the address and a contact number for the location if available

   Tips

   • Pick somewhere familiar to children — a relative's shop or a well-known park
   • Ensure elders can reach it by foot or known transport
4. 4Plan for when family members are not at home

   Emergencies during work or school hours require knowing where each person usually is and how they reach the meeting points.

   Do this

   • ✓List typical locations: school, office, market, commute route
   • ✓Agree children stay at school until a designated adult collects them
   • ✓Identify who picks up children if parents cannot reach the school

   Tips

   • Share meeting point details with school emergency contacts
   • Teens should know both meeting points and the out-of-area contact
5. 5Account for pets and dependents

   Decide whether pets go to the meeting point, stay with a neighbor, or are included in evacuation plans.

   Do this

   • ✓Assign who carries pet carriers or leashes during evacuation
   • ✓Identify a neighbor willing to hold pets if you must leave quickly
   • ✓Include service animals in all movement plans

   Tips

   • Practice evacuating with pets — carriers should be ready at the door
6. 6Walk the routes together

   A meeting point only works if everyone can find it without GPS or phone navigation.

   Do this

   • ✓Walk from home to the near point with all family members
   • ✓Drive or ride to the away-from-home point on a normal day
   • ✓Time how long each route takes on foot

   Tips

   • Quiz children: "If we cannot find each other, where do we meet?"
   • Repeat after moving to a new home or changing schools
7. 7Add meeting points to wallets and phones

   Physical and digital copies help when stress makes memory unreliable.

   Do this

   • ✓Print wallet cards with both meeting points and contacts
   • ✓Save locations in phone maps with offline access if possible
   • ✓Pin a photo of the landmark for young children

   Tips

   • Laminate cards for durability
   • ICE contacts in phones should include meeting point addresses

Sources: American Red Cross — Emergency Contact Cards and Meeting Places · FEMA — Ready.gov — Make a Plan · NDMA — Community and Family Preparedness

1. 1Collect essential phone numbers

   List numbers for emergency services, family, neighbors, doctors, and your out-of-area contact.

   Do this

   • ✓Write 112 prominently — India's unified emergency number
   • ✓Add local hospital, family doctor, and pharmacy numbers
   • ✓Include at least two family contacts and one neighbor

   Tips

   • Verify numbers still work — update when someone changes SIM
   • Add police and fire local numbers only as supplements to 112
2. 2Add medical information for each person

   Blood group, allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications help medics treat correctly.

   Do this

   • ✓List blood type if known
   • ✓Note severe allergies (medicines, food, insect stings)
   • ✓Record daily medications with dosages and prescribing doctor

   Tips

   • Use generic drug names where possible — brands vary by region
   • Include insulin, inhalers, or EpiPen locations if applicable
3. 3Include identification and insurance details

   Copies of ID and policy numbers speed admission and claims after an emergency.

   Do this

   • ✓Note Aadhaar or passport numbers on a separate secure copy, not necessarily the wallet card
   • ✓Add health insurance policy number and helpline
   • ✓Include vehicle registration if relevant for roadside emergencies

   Tips

   • Wallet cards should have phone numbers; keep full ID copies in your kit
   • Redact sensitive numbers on cards carried by children
4. 4Set up phone ICE contacts

   In Case of Emergency (ICE) contacts let responders find your people quickly from a locked phone where supported.

   Do this

   • ✓Create contacts labeled ICE — Family, ICE — Doctor
   • ✓Use your phone's built-in emergency medical ID feature if available
   • ✓Ensure ICE contacts know they are listed and agree to respond

   Tips

   • Some phones allow emergency info on the lock screen — fill it in
   • Tell children which contact to call first if parents are unresponsive
5. 5Print and distribute copies

   Multiple copies in predictable places mean the information survives a damaged phone or dead battery.

   Do this

   • ✓Print wallet-sized cards for each adult and older child
   • ✓Tape a full-size copy inside a kitchen cupboard and on the refrigerator
   • ✓Place a copy in the home emergency kit and vehicle

   Tips

   • Use waterproof pouches or laminate cards near kitchens and kits
   • Review cards every six months when you check kit supplies
6. 6Share with schools, workplaces, and caregivers

   Anyone responsible for family members during the day needs the same critical information.

   Do this

   • ✓Give updated cards to school office and domestic helpers
   • ✓Provide babysitters and grandparents a copy when they watch children
   • ✓Inform workplace emergency contact of your out-of-area relay person

   Tips

   • Photo of the card in a shared family chat helps remote relatives
   • Update all copies the same day when anything changes

Sources: American Red Cross — Emergency Contact Cards · WHO — Emergency and Essential Surgical Care · NDMA — Personal Emergency Information Guidelines

1. 1List everyone who must stay in touch

   Include household members, caregivers, schools, and your out-of-area contact.

   Do this

   • ✓Write full names and primary phone numbers
   • ✓Note who works or studies far from home
   • ✓Add backup numbers for each person

   Tips

   • Text often works when voice calls fail during network overload
2. 2Choose one out-of-area contact

   Someone in another city can relay messages when local networks jam.

   Do this

   • ✓Pick a relative or friend unlikely to face the same disaster
   • ✓Ask them to agree before you list them
   • ✓Save as ICE Out-of-Area in every phone

   Tips

   • NDMA recommends an out-of-area contact for Indian households
3. 3Agree on check-in rules

   Everyone should know when and how to report they are safe.

   Do this

   • ✓Each person texts the out-of-area contact first
   • ✓Use a simple code: name + safe + location
   • ✓Set check-in times if separated for more than two hours

   Tips

   • Short texts use less battery than long calls
4. 4Plan for when phones die

   Power cuts and damaged towers can leave you without mobile service.

   Do this

   • ✓Carry a written contact card in wallet and go-bag
   • ✓Know meeting points that do not need phones
   • ✓Keep a power bank charged in your kit

   Tips

   • Landlines sometimes work when mobile towers fail — note one nearby number if available
5. 5Include schools and workplaces

   Children and adults may be away from home when an alert comes.

   Do this

   • ✓Give schools your out-of-area contact
   • ✓Ask workplaces how they notify staff during emergencies
   • ✓Match pickup rules with your family plan

   Tips

   • Schools may hold students until authorized adults arrive — do not assume you can take child immediately
6. 6Practice a communication drill

   A five-minute drill shows gaps before a real event.

   Do this

   • ✓Turn off Wi-Fi and run through check-in texts
   • ✓Have children read numbers from memory or card
   • ✓Time how long it takes to reach meeting point

   Tips

   • Practice twice a year — after monsoon and before summer heat
7. 7Update after any life change

   New phones, jobs, schools, or addresses make old plans useless.

   Do this

   • ✓Review contacts when someone changes number
   • ✓Re-share plan with schools after each term
   • ✓Photograph updated plan for all phones

   Tips

   • WhatsApp groups help day-to-day but fail without data — keep phone numbers too
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: FEMA — Family Emergency Communication Plan · American Red Cross — Communication Plan · NDMA — Household Disaster Preparedness Guidelines

1. 1Decide what each card must show

   Cards should help strangers, schools, or hospitals help you fast.

   Do this

   • ✓Full name and two phone numbers
   • ✓Out-of-area contact and blood group if known
   • ✓Allergies and daily medicines — names only, not doses unless doctor advised

   Tips

   • Keep cards small — credit-card size fits wallets
2. 2Make age-appropriate child cards

   Young children need simpler cards with pictures when possible.

   Do this

   • ✓Print parent names and meeting spot landmark
   • ✓Add school name and class for older children
   • ✓Use laminated paper or waterproof pouch

   Tips

   • Teach children to show card — not give it to strangers who ask for money
3. 3Add medical flags without giving medical advice

   List conditions so responders know what to ask doctors about.

   Do this

   • ✓Write diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, or pregnancy if applicable
   • ✓Note if person uses wheelchair, hearing aid, or service animal
   • ✓Include doctor name and clinic phone

   Tips

   • Do not list treatment steps — only facts and contacts
4. 4Print and laminate copies

   Paper survives short rain if protected.

   Do this

   • ✓Make two copies per person — wallet and go-bag
   • ✓Use large print for elders
   • ✓Write in local language and English if possible

   Tips

   • Update cards when medicines or numbers change
5. 5Set phone lock-screen medical ID

   Many smartphones allow emergency info without unlocking.

   Do this

   • ✓Enter allergies and contacts in health app or lock screen
   • ✓Show family how to find it on their phone model
   • ✓Test that a friend can read it from lock screen

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified for each phone brand — check manufacturer help pages
6. 6Give copies to trusted adults

   Teachers, coaches, and neighbors need cards when they watch your child.

   Do this

   • ✓Submit school copy at term start
   • ✓Give neighbor copy if child may evacuate to their home
   • ✓Include card photo in family chat for backup

   Tips

   • Review privacy — only share with people you trust
7. 7Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: American Red Cross — Emergency Contact Card · FEMA — Emergency Information Form · NDMA — Personal Emergency Information

1. 1Choose a container and location

   Use a sturdy, labeled box or bag stored where adults can reach it quickly but children cannot misuse contents.

   Do this

   • ✓Pick a waterproof container with a tight lid
   • ✓Store on a ground floor or accessible shelf — not buried in storage
   • ✓Tell all adults where the kit lives

   Tips

   • A wheeled bin works well for larger households
   • Keep a flashlight on top so you can find the kit in the dark
2. 2Stock water and food

   Plan roughly four liters of water per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. Include food that needs no cooking.

   Do this

   • ✓Store sealed water bottles or food-grade containers
   • ✓Add ready-to-eat items: biscuits, nuts, canned goods, dry fruit
   • ✓Include a manual can opener if you pack canned food

   Tips

   • Rotate food and water every six months
   • Account for infants: formula, baby food, and extra water
3. 3Pack first aid and hygiene supplies

   Treat minor injuries and maintain basic cleanliness when normal supplies run out.

   Do this

   • ✓Include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, gloves, pain relievers, thermometer
   • ✓Add soap, sanitizer, toothbrushes, menstrual products, trash bags
   • ✓Pack prescription backup doses if your doctor approves

   Tips

   • Match first aid contents to your family's known needs — e.g., glucose for diabetics
   • WHO recommends hand hygiene as a top priority in emergency settings
4. 4Add light, power, and communication tools

   Power cuts are common during disasters. Reliable light and charging keep you informed and safe.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack flashlights or headlamps with spare batteries
   • ✓Include a fully charged power bank and charging cables
   • ✓Add a battery or hand-crank radio for news and alerts

   Tips

   • Test batteries when you rotate supplies
   • Solar chargers help during extended outages
5. 5Include tools and safety items

   Small tools help you shut off utilities, signal for help, or make minor repairs.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack a whistle, multi-tool, duct tape, and work gloves
   • ✓Add dust masks and plastic sheeting for debris or smoke
   • ✓Include matches in a waterproof container or a lighter

   Tips

   • A whistle carries farther than shouting if you are trapped
   • Do not pack gas shut-off tools unless you are trained to use them
6. 6Secure copies of critical documents

   Identification, insurance, and medical records speed recovery after a disaster.

   Do this

   • ✓Place waterproof copies of IDs, policies, and medical records in the kit
   • ✓Include a list of account numbers and emergency contacts
   • ✓Store digital backups on encrypted cloud storage separately

   Tips

   • Use a sealed zip bag inside the kit for document copies
   • Refresh copies when policies renew
7. 7Add cash and comfort items

   ATMs and card machines may fail. Small bills and comfort items reduce stress for children and elders.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep small-denomination cash in a sealed envelope
   • ✓Pack comfort items for children: soft toy, books, coloring supplies
   • ✓Include spare glasses, hearing aid batteries, or mobility aids

   Tips

   • Split cash between kit and go-bag so one loss does not take everything
   • Comfort items help children cooperate during long waits
8. 8Schedule maintenance every six months

   Expired food, dead batteries, and outdated contacts make a kit useless when needed.

   Do this

   • ✓Set calendar reminders for kit review in April and October
   • ✓Replace expired items and recharge power banks
   • ✓Update documents and medication lists at each review

   Tips

   • Use daylight saving time changes as a memory trigger if your region observes them
   • Involve children in the check — it normalizes preparedness

Sources: FEMA — Build a Kit · American Red Cross — Survival Kit Supplies · NDMA — Home Emergency Kit Recommendations

1. 1Choose the right bag

   Each person needs a backpack or shoulder bag they can carry themselves for several hours.

   Do this

   • ✓Use a comfortable backpack sized to the carrier
   • ✓Label each bag with name and phone number
   • ✓Store bags near exits, not in basements or locked rooms

   Tips

   • Children's bags should weigh no more than they can carry comfortably
   • Keep bags off the floor during flood season
2. 2Pack the survival basics

   Water, food, and warmth sustain you during the first hours away from home.

   Do this

   • ✓Include water bottles and high-energy snacks
   • ✓Pack a light blanket, rain poncho, or emergency bivvy
   • ✓Add a change of underwear and socks

   Tips

   • Energy bars and nuts pack light and keep well
   • A sarong or shawl doubles as warmth and sun protection
3. 3Include personal identification and contacts

   If separated from your main kit, your go-bag should still prove who you are and who to call.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack photocopies of ID in a zip bag
   • ✓Include a printed contact card with meeting points
   • ✓Save the same information in phone with offline backup

   Tips

   • Laminate the contact card for rain resistance
4. 4Add health and prescription items

   A 72-hour supply of critical medicines belongs in the go-bag, not only the home kit.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack a week of prescription meds if possible — rotate before expiry
   • ✓Include copies of prescriptions and doctor contact
   • ✓Add glasses, inhalers, EpiPen, or insulin supplies as needed

   Tips

   • Ask your pharmacist about emergency refill policies
   • Cool bags help insulin during hot weather evacuation
5. 5Pack light, tools, and hygiene

   Small items reduce dependency on shelters that may be overcrowded or undersupplied.

   Do this

   • ✓Include flashlight, whistle, phone charger, and cash
   • ✓Add sanitizer, tissues, menstrual products, and a few masks
   • ✓Pack a pen and small notebook for recording information

   Tips

   • Headlamps free your hands when carrying children or bags
6. 6Customize for children and pets

   Young children and animals have needs adults must carry or supervise.

   Do this

   • ✓Children: comfort toy, light snacks, card with name and parent numbers
   • ✓Infants: diapers, wipes, formula, spare clothes in adult bag
   • ✓Pets: leash, collapsible bowl, small food supply, vaccination copy

   Tips

   • Practice putting on go-bags in under five minutes
   • Mark pet bags clearly so shelter staff see vaccination records quickly
7. 7Review seasonally and before travel

   Monsoon, winter, and heat waves change what you need in the bag.

   Do this

   • ✓Add mosquito repellent before monsoon season
   • ✓Swap in warm layers before winter
   • ✓Check bags before long trips away from home

   Tips

   • Keep go-bags ready during known high-risk seasons in your region

Sources: FEMA — Build a Kit — Go-Bags · American Red Cross — Be Prepared for Emergencies · NDMA — Evacuation Preparedness

1. 1Start with breakdown and visibility gear

   Being visible and able to call for help is the first priority when stopped on a road.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack reflective warning triangle or cones
   • ✓Include high-visibility vest for each adult
   • ✓Keep jumper cables or portable jump starter if you drive a car

   Tips

   • Turn on hazard lights before exiting the vehicle on a busy road
   • Stand behind a barrier if one exists — not in the traffic lane
2. 2Add tools and tire basics

   Flat tires and minor mechanical issues are common reasons vehicles stop.

   Do this

   • ✓Include jack, lug wrench, and spare tire in good condition
   • ✓Add tire sealant or compressor for temporary fixes
   • ✓Pack basic tools: screwdriver, pliers, duct tape, gloves

   Tips

   • Check spare tire pressure when you service the main tires
   • Know how to change a tire before you need to do it at night
3. 3Stock water, food, and climate protection

   Traffic jams and rural breakdowns can leave you in extreme heat or cold for hours.

   Do this

   • ✓Store sealed water bottles — replace in hot months more often
   • ✓Keep non-perishable snacks
   • ✓Include sun shade, blanket, or warm layer by season

   Tips

   • Never leave chocolate or heat-sensitive meds in a parked car long-term
   • Umbrellas help in sun and rain while waiting for assistance
4. 4Include first aid and personal safety

   Road accidents may require immediate basic care before ambulance arrival.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack vehicle first aid kit with bandages, gauze, gloves, antiseptic
   • ✓Include flashlight with spare batteries
   • ✓Add window breaker and seatbelt cutter tool stored within driver reach

   Tips

   • Take a basic first aid course to use the kit confidently
   • Call 112 for any serious injury — first aid supports, not replaces, professional care
5. 5Prepare for communication failures

   Remote roads may have no signal. Backup power and offline information matter.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep car phone charger and power bank
   • ✓Save offline maps of routes you travel often
   • ✓Write key numbers on a card in the glove box

   Tips

   • Inform someone of your route on long rural drives
   • Highway emergency call boxes exist on some routes — know how to locate them
6. 6Add seasonal and regional items

   Monsoon flooding, hill fog, and desert heat each demand different extras.

   Do this

   • ✓Monsoon: tow rope, rain gear, extra phone waterproof pouch
   • ✓Winter hills: antifreeze check, ice scraper, warm blankets
   • ✓Urban: small fire extinguisher rated for vehicles

   Tips

   • During flood warnings, avoid driving through water — turn around
   • Review kit when you rotate seasonal tires or insurance

Sources: American Red Cross — Car Emergency Kit · FEMA — Vehicle Safety and Preparedness · NDMA — Road Safety During Disasters

1. 1Choose a small container

   A desk drawer pouch or slim bag should not look like clutter.

   Do this

   • ✓Use zip pouch or small backpack under desk
   • ✓Label with your name — not MEDICINE unless accurate
   • ✓Keep it where you sit most days

   Tips

   • If hot-desking, use locker or carry slim kit in daily bag
2. 2Pack water and shelf-stable snacks

   You may wait hours before safe exit.

   Do this

   • ✓One or two water bottles — rotate monthly
   • ✓Energy bars, nuts, or biscuits in sealed packs
   • ✓Oral rehydration salts if your workplace allows

   Tips

   • Avoid strong-smelling food in shared offices
3. 3Add light and phone power

   Power cuts during emergencies are common in India.

   Do this

   • ✓Small flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
   • ✓Power bank charged weekly
   • ✓Short charging cable

   Tips

   • Test power bank every month — they lose charge when idle
4. 4Include personal safety basics

   Match items to your building risks.

   Do this

   • ✓Dust mask or cloth for smoke and air pollution
   • ✓Whistle on lanyard
   • ✓Small first aid: bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever you normally use

   Tips

   • Do not stock prescription drugs for coworkers without pharmacy guidance
5. 5Carry ID and contact copies

   If you leave without your wallet, copies help.

   Do this

   • ✓Photocopy of Aadhaar or employee ID
   • ✓Family contact list and home address
   • ✓Office emergency assembly point written on card

   Tips

   • Store digital copies in phone — offline if possible
6. 6Add comfort for long stays

   Shelter-in-place can last longer than one shift.

   Do this

   • ✓Light shawl or compact rain layer for monsoon
   • ✓Sanitary supplies as needed
   • ✓Small notebook and pen

   Tips

   • Seasonal update: add cap in summer, warm layer in winter
7. 7Know your workplace plan

   Kit supports the plan — it does not replace it.

   Do this

   • ✓Learn fire exit and assembly point
   • ✓Ask security about lockdown and flood procedures
   • ✓Save building manager and HR emergency numbers

   Tips

   • NDMA encourages workplace preparedness plans — ask if yours exists
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: FEMA — Workplace Emergency Kit · American Red Cross — Workplace Preparedness · NDMA — Workplace Safety Guidelines

1. 1Pack feeding supplies for your method

   Breastfeeding, formula, and mixed feeding need different items.

   Do this

   • ✓Formula: sealed tins, bottles, nipples, and safe water plan
   • ✓Breastfeeding: nursing cover, breast pads, hand pump if used
   • ✓Solid-food babies: soft foods in sealed pouches or jars

   Tips

   • Ask pediatrician how much formula to store — do not guess amounts
2. 2Store safe water for formula

   Boiled or sealed water is critical when tap water is unsafe.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep sealed bottles marked for infant use only
   • ✓Pack small stove or know how to boil at shelter if allowed
   • ✓Include bottle brush and small soap

   Tips

   • WHO emphasizes safe water for infant formula in emergencies
3. 3Add diaper and hygiene supplies

   Plan for at least 72 hours.

   Do this

   • ✓Diapers, wipes, rash cream, and disposal bags
   • ✓Extra clothes in zip bags — multiple sizes if growing fast
   • ✓Light blanket and sun hat

   Tips

   • Wet diapers increase infection risk — pack extra
4. 4Include comfort and sleep items

   Familiar objects reduce stress during evacuation.

   Do this

   • ✓Favorite small toy or cloth — not large stuffed animals
   • ✓Light sheet or sleep sack
   • ✓Baby carrier or sling for hands-free movement

   Tips

   • Practice using carrier before emergency
5. 5Prepare medical and ID information

   Infants need quick access to birth details and doctor contacts.

   Do this

   • ✓Copy of birth certificate or hospital discharge summary
   • ✓Vaccination record and pediatrician phone
   • ✓List of any medicines — only as prescribed

   Tips

   • Do not give adult medicines to infants
6. 6Plan for cold chain if needed

   Some medicines or expressed milk need cooling.

   Do this

   • ✓Insulated bag with ice packs — rotate ice packs in freezer
   • ✓Know shelf time for expressed milk without power
   • ✓Ask doctor about emergency options for refrigerated medicines

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — follow prescribing doctor guidance
7. 7Refresh kit as baby grows

   Outgrown diapers and wrong formula sizes fail when needed.

   Do this

   • ✓Check kit monthly during first two years
   • ✓Update clothes for season
   • ✓Replace expired formula and medicines

   Tips

   • Keep kit near go-bag grab point — not only nursery
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: WHO — Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies · American Red Cross — Baby Emergency Supplies · NDMA — Vulnerable Groups Preparedness

1. 1Pack food and water for at least three days

   Sudden moves disrupt pet feeding routines.

   Do this

   • ✓Sealed dry food in waterproof bag
   • ✓Collapsible bowl and bottled water
   • ✓Treats for stress — small amount only

   Tips

   • Rotate food monthly to avoid stale kibble
2. 2Use proper restraints and carriers

   Loose pets get lost or hurt during chaos.

   Do this

   • ✓Sturdy carrier for cats and small dogs
   • ✓Leash, harness, and ID tag with your phone
   • ✓Recent photo of pet on phone and printed

   Tips

   • Microchip registration should show current mobile number
3. 3Prepare sanitation supplies

   Shelters and cars need cleanup items.

   Do this

   • ✓Waste bags, litter, small litter box for cats
   • ✓Old towels and pet-safe disinfectant wipes
   • ✓Grooming tool if long-haired breed

   Tips

   • Not all shelters accept pets — list pet-friendly options in advance
4. 4Carry vaccination and ownership records

   Boarding, vets, and border checks may need proof.

   Do this

   • ✓Rabies certificate and vaccination card copy
   • ✓Veterinarian name and phone
   • ✓Medication list if pet takes regular drugs

   Tips

   • Ask vet about travel sedatives — do not use human medicines on animals
5. 5Plan evacuation with pets

   Decide who carries carrier and who grabs go-bag.

   Do this

   • ✓Practice loading pet into carrier calmly
   • ✓Know which relatives accept pets overnight
   • ✓Save numbers for local animal helplines and NGOs

   Tips

   • During floods, do not leave pets tied where water can rise
6. 6Add species-specific items

   Birds, fish, and livestock need extra planning beyond dogs and cats.

   Do this

   • ✓Birds: cover cage, seed, and water dispenser
   • ✓Fish: battery aerator short-term only — plan relocation early
   • ✓Livestock: coordinate with village panchayat or local vet office

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified for livestock — follow local animal husbandry guidance
7. 7Refresh and test the pet go-bag

   Expired food and wrong-sized collars fail in crisis.

   Do this

   • ✓Review kit every six months
   • ✓Update tag if phone number changes
   • ✓Replace worn leashes and carriers

   Tips

   • Include pet in family drills — even a five-minute carrier practice helps
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: American Red Cross — Pet Disaster Preparedness · NDMA — Animal Safety During Disasters · Humane Society — Disaster Planning for Pets

1. 1List medicines each person uses daily

   Only plan buffer stock for ongoing prescriptions.

   Do this

   • ✓Write name, dose schedule, and prescribing doctor
   • ✓Separate list for children, elders, and chronic conditions
   • ✓Mark which medicines are life-critical

   Tips

   • Ask doctor or pharmacist how much extra supply is safe to keep
2. 2Store medicines correctly

   Heat and humidity ruin many drugs common in India.

   Do this

   • ✓Use cool, dry place — not bathroom or car glove box
   • ✓Keep original labels with expiry dates visible
   • ✓Use insulated bag only for items doctor says need cooling

   Tips

   • Never use medicine after visible colour or smell change
3. 3Rotate stock like pantry food

   First in, first out prevents expired emergency supply.

   Do this

   • ✓Put new packs behind older ones
   • ✓Check expiry dates every three months
   • ✓Discard expired items at pharmacy drop points where available

   Tips

   • Do not flush medicines down toilet — ask pharmacy about disposal
4. 4Pack a travel-size medical pouch

   Separate from full home stock for go-bag grab.

   Do this

   • ✓At least 72 hours of critical prescriptions
   • ✓Copy of prescription and doctor phone
   • ✓Basic thermometer if family uses one

   Tips

   • Keep pouch where overnight evacuation is easy
5. 5Include non-prescription items carefully

   Only stock items your family already uses safely.

   Do this

   • ✓Pain reliever, oral rehydration salts, bandages
   • ✓Allergy medicine only if previously used under doctor advice
   • ✓Do not add new drugs just because lists online suggest them

   Tips

   • When in doubt, ask a pharmacist — not social media
6. 6Plan for power loss with cold-chain meds

   Insulin and some biologics need backup cooling.

   Do this

   • ✓Know maximum safe hours without refrigeration per your product label
   • ✓Keep ice packs ready in freezer during cyclone or flood season
   • ✓Write power company medical priority number if your state offers it

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — follow product label and doctor guidance
7. 7Review after every use or season change

   Used items must be replaced immediately.

   Do this

   • ✓Refill within one week of using emergency stock
   • ✓Update list when doctor changes treatment
   • ✓Share updated list with out-of-area contact

   Tips

   • Medical kit restock is as important as smoke alarm checks
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: WHO — Emergency Health Kit Standards · American Red Cross — Prescription Medication Planning · NDMA — Health Preparedness in Disasters

1. 1Choose one bag per able adult and child

   Shared bags cause confusion at departure.

   Do this

   • ✓Use backpack with chest strap for long walks
   • ✓Keep weight under 10–15 kg for adults if possible
   • ✓Child bag should hold snacks, water, comfort item, and card

   Tips

   • Store bags near exit — not buried in storeroom
2. 2Pack water and food for 72 hours

   Minimum guidance used by many disaster agencies worldwide.

   Do this

   • ✓At least 9 litres water per person if carrying — heavy; plan refill points too
   • ✓Ready-to-eat food: nuts, biscuits, canned goods with opener
   • ✓Oral rehydration salts and small stove if weight allows

   Tips

   • WHO recommends safe water as top priority — adjust carry weight realistically
3. 3Add clothing and weather protection

   Monsoon and heat waves need different layers.

   Do this

   • ✓One change of clothes in zip bag
   • ✓Rain poncho or foldable umbrella
   • ✓Hat, sunscreen, and warm layer for hill stations or winter

   Tips

   • Pack synthetic fabrics that dry faster than cotton
4. 4Include hygiene and health basics

   Sanitation prevents illness in crowded shelters.

   Do this

   • ✓Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, menstrual supplies
   • ✓Hand sanitizer and toilet paper
   • ✓N95 or cloth masks, basic first aid

   Tips

   • Pack small towel — multi-use item
5. 5Pack tools, light, and power

   Utilities fail together during major events.

   Do this

   • ✓Flashlight, whistle, multi-tool or knife where legal
   • ✓Power bank and charging cable
   • ✓Battery or hand-crank radio if available

   Tips

   • Save offline maps and contacts on phone
6. 6Secure documents and cash

   Recovery starts with proof of who you are.

   Do this

   • ✓Copies of ID, insurance, medical list in waterproof pouch
   • ✓Small cash in mixed notes
   • ✓House and meeting point written on card

   Tips

   • Original documents only if no safe copy exists elsewhere
7. 7Customize for each person

   Generic lists miss real needs.

   Do this

   • ✓Elders: spare glasses, walking aid supplies
   • ✓Children: toy, school contact card
   • ✓Pets: see pet kit guide — separate bag

   Tips

   • Review bag before cyclone and monsoon seasons
8. 8Test carry and refresh every six months

   Unused batteries die; clothes sizes change.

   Do this

   • ✓Walk 15 minutes with bag on
   • ✓Replace expired food and medicines
   • ✓Update documents and phone numbers

   Tips

   • FEMA and Red Cross both recommend six-month kit checks

Sources: FEMA — Build a Kit · American Red Cross — Survival Kit Supplies · NDMA — Emergency Kit Guidelines

1. 1Calculate how much to store

   General guidance suggests several litres per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene.

   Do this

   • ✓Plan minimum three days for household
   • ✓Add extra for infants, illness, and hot weather
   • ✓Include pets in count

   Tips

   • WHO guidance varies by climate — more in heat
2. 2Use food-grade containers

   Wrong plastic can leach chemicals or break.

   Do this

   • ✓Prefer sealed bottled water from shop for simplest storage
   • ✓Or use containers marked food-safe with tight lids
   • ✓Never use containers that held chemicals or fuel

   Tips

   • Label date filled on each container
3. 3Store in cool dark place

   Sunlight and heat grow algae and bacteria.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep off cement floor on wooden pallet if possible
   • ✓Away from petrol, pesticides, and LPG cylinders
   • ✓Not in direct balcony sun

   Tips

   • Rotate stored water every six months if self-filled
4. 4Know purification backup

   Stored water runs out; supplies get contaminated.

   Do this

   • ✓Learn boil method: rolling boil one minute
   • ✓Keep purification tablets from reputable pharmacy if doctor or label allows
   • ✓Cloth filter removes dirt — not germs alone

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified for tablet brands — follow package instructions only
5. 5Protect municipal tank and rooftop supply

   Many Indian homes rely on overhead tanks.

   Do this

   • ✓Clean tank before monsoon if feasible
   • ✓Close lids to prevent debris and insects
   • ✓Know when society stops pump during power cuts

   Tips

   • Report sewage mixing to municipal office immediately
6. 6Plan grab bottles for evacuation

   Large home storage cannot move quickly.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep six-pack sealed bottles in go-bag area
   • ✓Refill small bottles when rotating stock
   • ✓Teach children which bottles are for drinking only

   Tips

   • During flood, assume well and tap water unsafe until officials clear
7. 7Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: WHO — Water in Emergencies · FEMA — Food and Water in an Emergency · NDMA — Water Safety During Disasters

1. 1Test smoke alarms and plan replacements

   Working smoke alarms give early warning when seconds matter. Most homes need one on every sleeping level.

   Do this

   • ✓Press test button on every alarm monthly
   • ✓Replace batteries at least once a year or when chirping
   • ✓Replace units older than ten years or per manufacturer guidance

   Tips

   • Install alarms outside sleeping areas and on each floor
   • Interconnected alarms alert the whole house when one detects smoke
2. 2Check cooking and kitchen fire risks

   Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Simple habits prevent most kitchen incidents.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep flammable items away from stove and oven
   • ✓Never leave cooking unattended on high heat
   • ✓Clean grease buildup from exhaust hoods and filters

   Tips

   • Smother small pan fires by covering with a lid — do not use water on grease fires
   • Keep a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen use nearby
3. 3Inspect electrical outlets and wiring

   Overloaded circuits, damaged cords, and improper extensions create fire and shock hazards.

   Do this

   • ✓Replace frayed or cracked appliance cords
   • ✓Avoid running multiple high-watt devices on one extension board
   • ✓Hire a licensed electrician for warm outlets or frequent tripping breakers

   Tips

   • Unplug heaters and irons when not in use
   • Do not run cords under rugs where they can overheat
4. 4Clear escape routes and exits

   Blocked exits trap people during fires. Every room needs two ways out where possible.

   Do this

   • ✓Ensure doors and windows open easily from inside
   • ✓Remove storage from hallways and stairwells
   • ✓Practice opening security grilles or bars with the release mechanism

   Tips

   • Sleep with bedroom doors closed — they slow smoke spread
   • If smoke fills the hall, stay low and use your secondary exit
5. 5Place and learn to use fire extinguishers

   Extinguishers can stop small fires but only if accessible and used correctly.

   Do this

   • ✓Mount extinguishers near kitchen and garage — not hidden in closets
   • ✓Choose ABC-type extinguishers for general home use
   • ✓Learn PASS: Pull pin, Aim at base, Squeeze, Sweep

   Tips

   • If fire grows beyond a wastebasket size, leave and call 112
   • Check extinguisher pressure gauge during your six-month kit review
6. 6Plan and practice a home fire drill

   Everyone should know how to leave within two minutes of hearing an alarm.

   Do this

   • ✓Draw a simple floor plan marking two exits from each room
   • ✓Agree on outdoor meeting point away from the building
   • ✓Practice at night and during day — twice a year

   Tips

   • Teach children not to hide under beds or in closets
   • Assign who helps elders, infants, or pets
7. 7Reduce common ignition sources

   Candles, incense, smoking materials, and stored fuel increase fire risk when used carelessly.

   Do this

   • ✓Use stable holders for candles and incense — never near curtains
   • ✓Store matches and lighters out of children's reach
   • ✓Keep LPG cylinders upright, ventilated, and hose-checked by authorized service

   Tips

   • Switch to battery-operated candles during festivals if children are present
   • Smell for gas leaks before lighting stoves — ventilate and call emergency services if unsure

Sources: American Red Cross — Home Fire Safety · FEMA — Home Fires · NDMA — Fire Safety at Home

1. 1Identify safe spots in each room

   During shaking, Drop, Cover, and Hold On under sturdy furniture away from windows and heavy objects.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark safe spots: sturdy tables, interior walls away from glass
   • ✓Identify hazardous spots: near windows, mirrors, hanging lights, tall unsecured shelves
   • ✓Practice Drop-Cover-Hold with all family members

   Tips

   • Do not run outside during shaking — falling debris causes injuries at exits
   • NDMA recommends staying indoors until shaking stops
2. 2Anchor heavy furniture and appliances

   Tall bookcases, wardrobes, and refrigerators can topple and block exits or crush people.

   Do this

   • ✓Secure tall furniture to wall studs with L-brackets or straps
   • ✓Anchor water heaters and large appliances if manufacturer allows
   • ✓Move heavy items on high shelves to lower levels

   Tips

   • Renters: use removable earthquake putty or straps that do not damage walls severely
   • Check brackets during annual safety review
3. 3Secure hanging objects and glass

   Falling frames, lights, and shattering glass cause many earthquake injuries indoors.

   Do this

   • ✓Use closed hooks or wire for wall frames and mirrors
   • ✓Replace glass picture fronts with acrylic where possible in bedrooms
   • ✓Move beds away from windows and heavy wall hangings

   Tips

   • Potted plants on high ledges become projectiles — relocate or secure
4. 4Organize emergency supplies for aftershocks

   Power, water, and phone service may fail. Keep basics accessible in a quake-prone home.

   Do this

   • ✓Store home emergency kit in a ground-floor accessible location
   • ✓Keep sturdy shoes and flashlight under each bed
   • ✓Include work gloves and dust masks for debris

   Tips

   • After shaking stops, check for gas smells before using switches
   • Expect aftershocks — they can dislodge items already weakened
5. 5Know building-specific evacuation rules

   High-rise and old masonry buildings behave differently during earthquakes.

   Do this

   • ✓Learn your society's evacuation procedure and assembly point
   • ✓Identify stairwells — do not use elevators during or after quakes
   • ✓Know if your building has a designated safe floor or open area

   Tips

   • Old unreinforced masonry needs professional structural assessment
   • If outdoors, move to open ground away from buildings, walls, and power lines
6. 6Prepare for post-earthquake utilities

   Damaged wiring, gas lines, and water pipes create secondary hazards after the main shock.

   Do this

   • ✓Locate electrical main and know when to shut off if wiring is damaged
   • ✓Keep gas shut-off wrench only if trained — smell for leaks first
   • ✓Store enough water in case municipal supply is interrupted

   Tips

   • Use battery light, not matches, if you smell gas
   • Document home damage with photos for insurance after ensuring safety
7. 7Practice and include children and elders

   Regular drills build automatic response when shaking starts without warning.

   Do this

   • ✓Drill Drop-Cover-Hold twice a year at unpredictable times
   • ✓Ensure elders have clear paths to safe spots without climbing stairs unnecessarily
   • ✓Teach children to stay where they are at school until staff give instructions

   Tips

   • Use simple language: "Duck under the table and hold the leg"
   • Pair each child or elder with a specific helper adult

Sources: NDMA — Earthquake Preparedness · FEMA — Earthquake Safety at Home · American Red Cross — Earthquake Preparedness

1. 1Know your flood risk level

   Ground-floor homes, basement units, and riverside neighborhoods face higher flood exposure.

   Do this

   • ✓Check if your area appears in local flood hazard maps or past inundation records
   • ✓Ask longtime neighbors about historical water levels
   • ✓Identify whether drainage near your street clog regularly in monsoon

   Tips

   • Urban flash floods can occur far from rivers — low-lying roads fill quickly
   • Follow IMD and local disaster management alerts during heavy rain
2. 2Elevate valuables and utilities where possible

   Moving items above expected water lines reduces damage and recovery time.

   Do this

   • ✓Store important documents and electronics on upper shelves
   • ✓Raise appliances on platforms if ground-floor flooding is common
   • ✓Move vehicles to higher ground when warnings are issued

   Tips

   • Even one foot of water can ruin appliances and flooring
   • Do not store emergency kit in basement if flooding is likely
3. 3Install simple barriers and drainage checks

   Sandbags, door dams, and clear drains slow water entry during moderate flooding.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep sandbags or flood barriers if your area uses them routinely
   • ✓Clear rooftop and street-facing drains before monsoon
   • ✓Ensure sump pumps work if installed — test with water

   Tips

   • Seal lower windows only if safe to stay — evacuation may be better for major floods
   • Community drain clearing helps the whole lane
4. 4Prepare evacuation go-bags and routes

   Rising water can cut roads within minutes. Leave early when authorities advise evacuation.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack go-bags before monsoon season starts
   • ✓Identify routes to higher ground not prone to underpass flooding
   • ✓Agree where family reunites if separated during evacuation

   Tips

   • Never drive or walk through moving floodwater — depth is hard to judge
   • Six inches of moving water can knock down an adult; twelve inches can float a car
5. 5Protect drinking water and food

   Floodwater contaminates wells, taps, and stored supplies with sewage and chemicals.

   Do this

   • ✓Store sealed drinking water on upper floors
   • ✓Keep bleach or water purification tablets in your kit
   • ✓Discard any food touched by floodwater

   Tips

   • WHO advises boiling or treating water after floods until authorities confirm supply safety
   • Use bottled formula water for infants if tap supply is compromised
6. 6Plan for power and gas safety

   Water and electricity together create electrocution risk in flooded homes.

   Do this

   • ✓Turn off main power at breaker if water enters home and you can do so safely
   • ✓Do not touch electrical equipment while standing in water
   • ✓Shut off LPG at cylinder if leak suspected after flooding

   Tips

   • Have an electrician inspect wiring before restoring power after major flooding
   • Use battery lights until the building is declared safe
7. 7Document and insure before season

   Photos and policies speed recovery, but preparation must happen before water arrives.

   Do this

   • ✓Photograph rooms and valuables for insurance records
   • ✓Review home and contents insurance for flood coverage terms
   • ✓Store policy copies in waterproof bag in go-bag

   Tips

   • Standard policies may exclude flood damage — verify with your insurer
   • Keep receipts for high-value items when possible
8. 8After floodwaters recede

   Return only when officials say it is safe. Cleanup presents its own health risks.

   Do this

   • ✓Wear boots and gloves during cleanup
   • ✓Dry walls and furniture quickly to prevent mold
   • ✓Discard mattresses and soft furnishings soaked by sewage-contaminated water

   Tips

   • Children should not participate in contaminated mud cleanup
   • Watch for snakes and displaced animals in debris

Sources: NDMA — Floods: Do's and Don'ts · FEMA — Flood Safety · WHO — Flooding and Communicable Diseases Fact Sheet

1. 1Locate and label your main breaker

   Turning off power quickly prevents fires and shocks when wiring is damaged or water enters the home.

   Do this

   • ✓Find main electrical panel and label circuits if unclear
   • ✓Ensure adults know how to shut off main power
   • ✓Keep path to panel clear — no storage blocking access

   Tips

   • During floods or after earthquakes, shut off power only if you can reach panel without standing in water
   • Call a licensed electrician after any water contact with wiring
2. 2Inspect cords, plugs, and outlets

   Damaged insulation and loose connections are common causes of home electrical fires.

   Do this

   • ✓Replace frayed or cracked cords immediately
   • ✓Ensure plugs fit snugly — loose outlets need repair
   • ✓Stop using outlets that feel warm, smell burnt, or spark

   Tips

   • Pull plugs by the head, not the cord
   • One high-watt appliance per outlet when possible — avoid daisy-chaining extension boards
3. 3Use extension boards and adapters safely

   Overloaded multi-plug boards overheat and fail, especially with heaters and AC units.

   Do this

   • ✓Choose boards with surge protection and adequate watt rating
   • ✓Never run extension cords under carpets or through doorways pinched shut
   • ✓Unplug boards when not in use for high-draw devices

   Tips

   • Permanent wiring beats long-term extension cord use
   • In monsoon, keep outdoor connections off wet ground and use weather covers
4. 4Protect bathrooms and wet areas

   Water conducts electricity. Wet-area devices need proper isolation and habits.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep hair dryers and heaters away from sinks and wet floors
   • ✓Install RCCB/ELCB protection where required by local code
   • ✓Dry hands before touching switches and appliances

   Tips

   • Never use wired phones or touch appliances during thunderstorms if lightning risk is high
   • Teach children not to operate switches with wet hands
5. 5Childproof outlets and educate household

   Curious children insert objects into sockets. Simple guards and rules prevent injury.

   Do this

   • ✓Use outlet covers in rooms where toddlers play
   • ✓Store unused appliance cords out of reach
   • ✓Teach older children not to overload boards for phone charging stations

   Tips

   • Supervise charging of lithium batteries — damaged cables can overheat
6. 6Prepare for power outages safely

   Candles, generators, and inverters each carry risks when grid power fails during disasters.

   Do this

   • ✓Prefer battery flashlights over open flames near curtains
   • ✓Run portable generators outdoors only — never inside rooms or garages
   • ✓Follow manufacturer guidance for inverter and battery storage ventilation

   Tips

   • Turn off major appliances when power fails to avoid surge damage when it returns
   • Keep a charged power bank for lights and communication
7. 7Schedule professional inspection

   Licensed electricians detect faults invisible to untrained eyes — aluminum joints, rodent damage, aging panels.

   Do this

   • ✓Book inspection if home is over 20 years without upgrade
   • ✓Inspect after major floods, fires, or pest damage to wiring
   • ✓Use only licensed workers for panel upgrades and new circuits

   Tips

   • Temporary tape fixes on live wires are never acceptable
   • Document inspection date on your home safety checklist

Sources: NDMA — Electrical Safety Guidelines · FEMA — Home Electrical Safety · WHO — Prevention of Injuries at Home

1. 1Check cylinder and hose condition

   Leaks often start at worn hoses and loose connections.

   Do this

   • ✓Look for cracks, brittleness, or smell of gas near stove
   • ✓Replace rubber hose on schedule suggested by your gas agency
   • ✓Ensure regulator clicks firmly onto cylinder

   Tips

   • Apply soapy water to joints — bubbles mean leak; do not use match to test
2. 2Store cylinder safely

   Proper position and ventilation prevent gas buildup.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep upright and secured — not rolling under sink
   • ✓Ventilated area away from direct sun on balcony
   • ✓Do not store spare cylinder inside bedroom

   Tips

   • Many societies have rules — follow building guidelines
3. 3Turn off when not cooking

   Closing regulator when away reduces leak risk.

   Do this

   • ✓Switch off regulator knob after each meal if habit allows
   • ✓Turn off main valve when leaving home for days
   • ✓Teach all adults — not young children alone

   Tips

   • During earthquake or smell of gas, do not switch lights on — leave and call 112 from outside
4. 4Keep stove area clear

   Cloth, oil, and plastic catch fire fast.

   Do this

   • ✓No towel or plastic above flame
   • ✓Keep window or exhaust fan working
   • ✓Keep fire extinguisher or sand bucket reachable — know how to use

   Tips

   • Never leave cooking unattended on high flame
5. 5Know emergency shut-off and who to call

   Speed matters when you smell gas.

   Do this

   • ✓Learn which way closes regulator and main valve
   • ✓Open doors and windows while leaving if safe
   • ✓Call 112 and gas company emergency number from outside

   Tips

   • Do not re-enter until official clearance
6. 6Schedule authorized inspection

   Unauthorized mechanics cause many home gas accidents.

   Do this

   • ✓Use authorized distributor for cylinder swap
   • ✓Report damaged O-ring or faulty regulator immediately
   • ✓Keep delivery receipt with cylinder ID if available

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — follow your LPG provider safety leaflet
7. 7Include gas in family drills

   Everyone should leave — not search for leak source.

   Do this

   • ✓Practice leaving kitchen when alarm or smell detected
   • ✓Meeting point outside building
   • ✓Child role: go to neighbor — not fix stove

   Tips

   • NDMA includes LPG safety in household disaster guidance
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: NDMA — LPG Safety Guidelines · Indian Oil / Bharat Gas — LPG Safety Tips · National Fire Service — Domestic Gas Leak Response

1. 1Install and earth correctly

   Water heaters combine water and electricity — high risk if wired poorly.

   Do this

   • ✓Use licensed electrician for geyser install
   • ✓Ensure earth leakage protection where required
   • ✓Never use damaged plug or extension board

   Tips

   • Immersion rods need proper hook — not resting on bucket rim
2. 2Set safe temperature

   Scalds happen fast, especially for children and elders.

   Do this

   • ✓Lower thermostat if adjustable
   • ✓Test water before child bath
   • ✓Warn guests about very hot taps

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — follow geyser manual for settings
3. 3Maintain pressure relief

   Blocked valves can cause tank failure.

   Do this

   • ✓Know if your geyser has pressure release valve
   • ✓Report dripping or rust to technician
   • ✓Service annually in hard-water areas

   Tips

   • Do not block relief pipe
4. 4Switch off when not needed

   Saves power and reduces fire risk during outages.

   Do this

   • ✓Turn off geyser before long travel
   • ✓Unplug immersion rod before removing from bucket
   • ✓Avoid running geyser empty — damages element

   Tips

   • Power surges after outages can harm heaters — check before use
5. 5Keep area dry and clear

   Wet switches and stored chemicals increase risk.

   Do this

   • ✓No petrol or solvents in bathroom
   • ✓Dry hands before touching switch
   • ✓Keep children away from rod and panel

   Tips

   • Install heater out of direct splash if possible
6. 6Plan for earthquake and flood

   Falling heater or submerged unit is dangerous.

   Do this

   • ✓Secure wall-mounted unit with brackets if in seismic zone
   • ✓Switch off main power if bathroom floods
   • ✓Do not use until electrician inspects

   Tips

   • After flood, replace submerged geysers — do not dry and reuse
7. 7Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: Bureau of Indian Standards — Water Heater Safety · NDMA — Household Electrical Safety · WHO — Scald Prevention at Home

1. 1Measure and fix railing gaps

   Children can slip through gaps wider than about 10 cm.

   Do this

   • ✓Check balcony and stair rail spacing
   • ✓Add mesh or vertical bars if gaps are wide
   • ✓Repair loose or rusted railings

   Tips

   • Do not rely on flower pots to block gaps
2. 2Lock windows that open wide

   Sliding and casement windows need limits.

   Do this

   • ✓Install window locks or stoppers
   • ✓Keep furniture away from windows children could climb
   • ✓Use restrictors on upper floors

   Tips

   • Mosquito mesh is not a fall barrier
3. 3Supervise terrace and roof access

   Many homes use roof for drying and water tanks.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep terrace door locked when children present
   • ✓Teach older children never to lean on railings
   • ✓Block access during parties when supervision drops

   Tips

   • Kite flying near edge is a common risk on terraces
4. 4Teach simple rules without fear

   Clear rules work better than yelling after near-miss.

   Do this

   • ✓No climbing on balcony chairs
   • ✓No playing chase near stairs or edge
   • ✓Tell adult if ball goes over — do not reach

   Tips

   • Practice what to do if locked out on balcony — shout, do not climb
5. 5Prepare for storms and earthquakes

   Broken glass and shaky railings increase fall risk.

   Do this

   • ✓Close shutters during cyclone warnings
   • ✓Keep children away from windows during tremors
   • ✓Inspect railings after quake before normal play

   Tips

   • After flood on lower floors, wet tiles are slippery — dry first
6. 6Coordinate with building society

   Common areas need same standards as your flat.

   Do this

   • ✓Report broken common-area railings
   • ✓Ask society about terrace access rules
   • ✓Support child-safe design in new construction

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — local building bye-laws may specify railing height
7. 7Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: WHO — Child Injury Prevention · NDMA — Home Safety for Children · UNICEF — Safe Environments for Children

1. 1Draw a simple floor map

   Every floor needs its own map with two exits marked.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark doors, windows, and stairs
   • ✓Show meeting point outside
   • ✓Post map on fridge and bedroom doors

   Tips

   • Use colors — red for fire exits
2. 2Identify two exits from every room

   If one path is blocked by smoke, use the second.

   Do this

   • ✓Test that windows and grilles open quickly
   • ✓Keep keys near locked exit doors at night
   • ✓Clear clutter from corridors

   Tips

   • Sleeping area planning is most urgent
3. 3Assign who helps whom

   Elders, children, and pets need assigned helpers.

   Do this

   • ✓Adult helps child under eight
   • ✓Backup helper if primary is away
   • ✓Do not stop for belongings

   Tips

   • Practice low crawl under smoke — show children
4. 4Plan for high-rise buildings

   Elevators are unsafe during fire.

   Do this

   • ✓Know stairwell location and fire assembly point
   • ✓Learn building alarm sound
   • ✓Coordinate with society fire warden if exists

   Tips

   • Wet cloth over mouth helps smoke — not for gas leaks
5. 5Install and link smoke alarms

   Early warning buys escape time.

   Do this

   • ✓Place alarms near sleeping areas and kitchen
   • ✓Test monthly
   • ✓Replace batteries on fixed schedule

   Tips

   • Interconnected alarms alert whole home faster
6. 6Run timed fire drill twice a year

   Target under two minutes to meeting point.

   Do this

   • ✓Press test button or announce drill start
   • ✓Time exit and head count
   • ✓Debrief: blocked paths, missing keys, confusion

   Tips

   • Night drill once a year reveals dark hallway hazards
7. 7Call 112 only after safe exit

   Do not delay escape to make calls from inside burning building.

   Do this

   • ✓Designate one person to call from meeting point
   • ✓Give address and whether anyone missing inside
   • ✓Never re-enter for pets or phones

   Tips

   • NFPA and Red Cross both emphasize escape before calling
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: NFPA — Escape Planning · American Red Cross — Home Fire Escape · NDMA — Fire Safety at Home

1. 1Buy appropriate alarm type

   Battery and wired models both work if maintained.

   Do this

   • ✓Choose certified product from reputable shop
   • ✓Consider combined smoke and CO if you use gas
   • ✓One per floor minimum for most homes

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — check BIS or local certification marks
2. 2Install near sleeping areas

   Most fire deaths happen when people sleep through early smoke.

   Do this

   • ✓Mount ceiling or high on wall per manual
   • ✓Inside each bedroom or just outside sleeping hallway
   • ✓At least one on every floor including ground

   Tips

   • Keep away from steamy bathroom direct spray — false alarms
3. 3Add kitchen alarm thoughtfully

   Cooking smoke causes false alarms if too close to stove.

   Do this

   • ✓Use photoelectric type near kitchen if recommended
   • ✓Place slightly away from direct stove steam
   • ✓Never disable alarm because of nuisance trips

   Tips

   • Open window and fan beats removing batteries
4. 4Test every month

   Dead batteries fail silently until too late.

   Do this

   • ✓Press test button until beep
   • ✓Replace battery immediately if chirping low-battery sound
   • ✓Note test date on calendar or phone reminder

   Tips

   • Diwali and winter heater season — extra check
5. 5Replace units on schedule

   Sensors degrade after years.

   Do this

   • ✓Replace batteries at least yearly in battery models
   • ✓Replace whole unit per manufacturer age limit — often 10 years
   • ✓Write install date on back of alarm

   Tips

   • After fire or heavy dust renovation, inspect or replace
6. 6Link to family fire plan

   Alarm means leave — not investigate first.

   Do this

   • ✓Teach children alarm sound means exit now
   • ✓Practice drill when alarm sounds during test if children present
   • ✓Assign adult to help elders when alarm rings

   Tips

   • If alarm rings without visible smoke, still exit and call fire service
7. 7Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: NFPA — Smoke Alarms · FEMA — Smoke Alarm Installation · NDMA — Fire Safety Guidelines

1. 1Choose right class for home

   Kitchen oil fires need different agent than paper fires.

   Do this

   • ✓ABC dry powder common for Indian homes
   • ✓Consider kitchen-specific extinguisher near stove
   • ✓Check weight — adults must lift easily

   Tips

   • Ask fire dealer which class fits your cooking fuel
2. 2Mount near exit — not near stove

   Reach extinguisher while moving toward door, not into fire.

   Do this

   • ✓Kitchen entrance or hallway near sleeping area
   • ✓Mount on wall at visible height
   • ✓One unit per floor in multi-story homes

   Tips

   • Do not block extinguisher with storage boxes
3. 3Learn PASS method

   Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep — only for small contained fires.

   Do this

   • ✓Pull pin
   • ✓Aim at base of flames not top
   • ✓Squeeze handle and sweep side to side

   Tips

   • Practice motion without discharging — or use training demo
4. 4Know when NOT to fight fire

   Wrong choice traps you inside.

   Do this

   • ✓Leave if fire spreads past small pan size
   • ✓Leave if room fills with smoke
   • ✓Leave if you doubt extinguisher type

   Tips

   • LPG leak fire — evacuate and call 112 — do not hunt for extinguisher first
5. 5Inspect monthly and service yearly

   Pressure gauge should be in green zone.

   Do this

   • ✓Check pin, hose, and gauge
   • ✓Invert dry powder units and shake gently per label
   • ✓Professional service when gauge low or after use

   Tips

   • Expired extinguisher gives false confidence
6. 6Train all adults in household

   One trained person may be away.

   Do this

   • ✓Show location to family and domestic help
   • ✓Include in fire drill — grab extinguisher only if exit clear
   • ✓Children evacuate — adults fight only small fires

   Tips

   • After any use, replace or recharge immediately
7. 7Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: NFPA — Portable Fire Extinguishers · American Red Cross — Using Fire Extinguishers · NDMA — Home Fire Safety

1. 1Buy rated capacity for real need

   Oversized generators waste fuel; undersized units overheat.

   Do this

   • ✓List fridge, fan, lights, and medical devices you must run
   • ✓Ask dealer for load calculation
   • ✓Prefer inverter-type for sensitive electronics if budget allows

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — follow BIS marked products where possible
2. 2Never run generator indoors

   Exhaust kills — carbon monoxide has no smell.

   Do this

   • ✓Place outdoors away from windows and doors
   • ✓Minimum several meters from sleeping areas — follow manual
   • ✓Never in bathroom, garage, or stairwell

   Tips

   • NDMA warns against indoor generator use after every major outage season
3. 3Ground and fuel safely

   Petrol storage and electrical earth reduce fire risk.

   Do this

   • ✓Store fuel in approved container away from LPG
   • ✓Refuel only when engine cool
   • ✓Use proper earthing rod if manual requires

   Tips

   • Keep fire extinguisher nearby
4. 4Connect appliances correctly

   Wrong wiring back-feeds grid and shocks linemen.

   Do this

   • ✓Plug appliances directly into generator outlets
   • ✓Never plug generator into wall socket without transfer switch installed by electrician
   • ✓Use heavy-duty extension rated for load

   Tips

   • Illegal back-feed can kill utility workers restoring power
5. 5Ventilation and weather

   Rain covers must not block exhaust.

   Do this

   • ✓Use canopy that keeps rain off but exhaust open
   • ✓Stop if engine overheats in heat — allow cool down
   • ✓Secure unit so children cannot touch hot parts

   Tips

   • Night operation — secure from theft but still ventilated
6. 6Maintain on schedule

   Stale fuel and old oil cause failure when needed most.

   Do this

   • ✓Run monthly short test
   • ✓Change oil per manual
   • ✓Drain fuel if storing months

   Tips

   • Keep spare air filter and fuses
7. 7Medical device priority

   Plan load for oxygen or CPAP if used.

   Do this

   • ✓Medical device on dedicated circuit if electrician installs
   • ✓Battery backup bridge while starting generator
   • ✓Notify family when generator stops

   Tips

   • Ask doctor about device tolerance to power fluctuation
8. 8Shut down safely after outage

   Grid return plus generator running damages equipment.

   Do this

   • ✓Turn off connected loads before stopping engine
   • ✓Disconnect before mains restored if manual says so
   • ✓Store dry and locked

   Tips

   • Listen for mains return — neighbors often shout when power returns

Sources: NDMA — Generator Safety Advisory · Central Electricity Authority — Distributed Generation Safety · American Red Cross — Generator Safety

1. 1Assess mobility and daily support needs

   Understand what an elder can do independently during an evacuation versus what requires help.

   Do this

   • ✓List mobility aids used: walker, wheelchair, cane
   • ✓Note whether stairs, narrow doors, or building lifts affect escape
   • ✓Document who provides daily care and their contact numbers

   Tips

   • Honest assessment prevents plans that assume speed the person cannot manage
   • Include hearing and vision limitations in communication plans
2. 2Create a personal support network

   Neighbors, relatives, and building staff can check on elders when family is away.

   Do this

   • ✓Ask two neighbors to check in during alerts or power cuts
   • ✓Share spare key only with trusted contacts
   • ✓Register with local senior helplines or ward office lists if available

   Tips

   • Exchange phone numbers with floor neighbors in apartments
   • A daily check-in call routine helps detect problems early
3. 3Organize medications and medical records

   Interruptions in pharmacy access are dangerous for elders on multiple prescriptions.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep a printed medication list with dosages and doctor names
   • ✓Store at least one week of critical medicines in a go-bag
   • ✓Pack copies of recent prescriptions and health insurance card

   Tips

   • Use a pill organizer refilled weekly with a caregiver
   • Include blood pressure or glucose logs if conditions require monitoring
4. 4Plan evacuation with mobility limitations

   Leaving quickly may require extra time, assistance, or shelter that accepts medical equipment.

   Do this

   • ✓Identify ground-floor assembly points if stairs are difficult
   • ✓Keep wheelchair, walker, and spare batteries charged and path clear
   • ✓Know which shelters or hospitals accept patients with ongoing oxygen needs

   Tips

   • Practice evacuation at the person's actual pace — do not rush unrealistically
   • Elevators should not be used during fires; plan stair assistance in advance
5. 5Prepare for heat, cold, and power loss

   Elders regulate body temperature poorly. Outages during extreme weather pose high risk.

   Do this

   • ✓Store extra drinking water and oral rehydration salts
   • ✓Keep battery fan or cooling towels for summer; blankets for winter
   • ✓List neighbors who have inverter power for brief medical device charging

   Tips

   • WHO emphasizes hydration for older adults during heat emergencies
   • Never rely on candles alone — fire risk rises when mobility is limited
6. 6Make information visible for responders

   If an elder is alone and unconscious, visible medical information saves time.

   Do this

   • ✓Post emergency contacts and conditions on refrigerator
   • ✓Use medical alert bracelet or wallet card
   • ✓Set phone lock-screen medical ID where supported

   Tips

   • Large print helps elders with low vision read their own plan
   • Update fridge list whenever medications change
7. 7Review the plan with healthcare providers

   Doctors and home nurses may suggest condition-specific steps for cardiac, diabetic, or dementia care.

   Do this

   • ✓Ask about emergency medication adjustments — e.g., insulin storage without refrigeration
   • ✓Discuss when to evacuate versus shelter in place for fragile patients
   • ✓Get written guidance for oxygen or dialysis-dependent individuals

   Tips

   • Dementia patients need familiar caregivers during evacuation to reduce confusion

Sources: American Red Cross — Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs · WHO — Older Persons in Emergencies · NDMA — Vulnerable Groups Preparedness

1. 1Document access and functional needs

   A clear profile helps rescuers and shelters provide appropriate support without guessing.

   Do this

   • ✓Describe mobility, vision, hearing, speech, and cognitive support needs
   • ✓List all assistive devices and spare parts required
   • ✓Note whether service animal accompanies the person

   Tips

   • Use the person's own words about what help they want — not assumptions
   • Update the profile when equipment or condition changes
2. 2Plan accessible evacuation routes

   Standard exit maps may not show ramps, lift dependencies, or door widths.

   Do this

   • ✓Walk routes with wheelchair or mobility device — measure narrow passages
   • ✓Identify backup exits if primary ramp floods or blocks
   • ✓Coordinate with building management on evacuation chairs or lift protocols

   Tips

   • Ground-floor exit is preferred when lifts cannot be used during fire
   • Practice transferring from wheelchair to stair-evacuation chair if provided
3. 3Prepare communication backups

   Deaf, hard-of-hearing, non-verbal, or cognitively disabled people need alternate ways to receive and send alerts.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack pen and paper or printed communication cards
   • ✓Save text-only emergency numbers — SMS may work when voice does not
   • ✓Register for accessible alert formats if your municipality offers them

   Tips

   • Visual or vibrating alerts help when audio sirens alone are insufficient
   • Picture-based cards help non-verbal children and adults express pain or needs
4. 4Pack assistive device emergency kit

   Devices fail or run out of power during long emergencies.

   Do this

   • ✓Include spare batteries, chargers, hearing aid desiccant, and repair tools
   • ✓Store lightweight backup cane or glasses if applicable
   • ✓Label devices with owner name and contact number

   Tips

   • Power banks sized for medical devices may need higher capacity than phone chargers
   • Keep repair contact for wheelchair vendor in emergency contacts
5. 5Coordinate with schools, workplaces, and transit

   Places where the person spends hours must know how to assist during drills and real events.

   Do this

   • ✓Share written plan with school disability coordinator
   • ✓Confirm workplace evacuation buddy assignment
   • ✓Identify accessible transport options if public transit shuts down

   Tips

   • Ask schools how they account for students who cannot use stairs quickly
6. 6Research shelter and hospital accessibility

   Not every temporary shelter accepts power-dependent equipment or service animals.

   Do this

   • ✓List hospitals and shelters known to have ramp access and power outlets
   • ✓Ask disaster management offices about disability registration lists
   • ✓Plan to bring own bedding and hygiene supplies if shelter accessibility is uncertain

   Tips

   • Calling ahead during non-emergency times clarifies what facilities can support
7. 7Include the person in all drills

   Plans imposed without participation often fail at critical moments.

   Do this

   • ✓Run drills using actual assistive devices and routes
   • ✓Adjust timing based on real performance, not ideals
   • ✓Debrief: what worked, what equipment failed, what scared the person unnecessarily

   Tips

   • Red Cross guidance stresses involving people with disabilities as planners, not only recipients

Sources: American Red Cross — Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities · FEMA — Individuals with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs · NDMA — Inclusive Disaster Preparedness

1. 1Build a complete medication list

   Include every prescription, over-the-counter drug, supplement, allergy, and prescriber contact.

   Do this

   • ✓List generic and brand names, dose, schedule, and reason for each medicine
   • ✓Add pharmacy name, phone, and prescription numbers
   • ✓Note drug allergies and past reactions prominently

   Tips

   • Ask your doctor for a consolidated prescription summary annually
   • Keep list in wallet, kit, and phone photo
2. 2Maintain an emergency medication supply

   A buffer stock prevents gaps when supply chains or travel are disrupted.

   Do this

   • ✓Discuss with doctor or pharmacist how much extra supply is safe to keep
   • ✓Rotate stock using oldest items first to avoid expiry
   • ✓Store according to label — many meds need cool, dry places

   Tips

   • Insulin and some biologics need cold chain — plan cooler packs for evacuation
   • Never share prescription medications between family members
3. 3Plan for medical devices and power

   CPAP, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, and pumps depend on reliable electricity.

   Do this

   • ✓Document device model, settings, and supplier emergency line
   • ✓Keep backup batteries or inverter capacity tested
   • ✓Know manual alternatives where they exist — e.g., spare inhaler vs nebulizer

   Tips

   • Inform your power company about life-support equipment if they maintain a priority list
   • Car power inverters can bridge short outages during evacuation
4. 4Prepare clinical documents

   Hospitals unfamiliar with you need quick access to history, implants, and recent labs.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack recent discharge summaries, ECG reports, or care plans if applicable
   • ✓Include blood type, implant cards, and vaccination record
   • ✓Store scans on encrypted cloud and printed waterproof copy

   Tips

   • A one-page summary beats a thick file during triage
5. 5Coordinate with caregivers and clinics

   Home nurses, dialysis centers, and specialists should know your disaster contacts.

   Do this

   • ✓Give caregivers copy of emergency plan and medication list
   • ✓Ask clinic for after-hours emergency line
   • ✓Know alternate dialysis or infusion centers in your region

   Tips

   • During widespread disasters, clinics may activate phone triage — save those numbers now
6. 6Pack a dedicated medical go-bag

   Separate from general supplies, this bag holds health-critical items grabbed first.

   Do this

   • ✓Include 72-hour meds, copies of prescriptions, thermometer, pulse oximeter if used
   • ✓Add specialty supplies: glucose tabs, epinephrine auto-injector, catheters
   • ✓Mark bag with red cross label and owner name

   Tips

   • Place bag where overnight grab is easy — bedside or bathroom hook
7. 7Review after any emergency use

   Consumables used during a crisis must be restocked immediately.

   Do this

   • ✓Refill used medications within days of returning home
   • ✓Replace used first aid and specialty supplies
   • ✓Update list if doctors changed treatment during the event

   Tips

   • Treat medical bag restocking like smoke alarm checks — non-negotiable maintenance

Sources: WHO — Emergency Health Kit Standards · American Red Cross — First Aid and Medical Emergency Planning · NDMA — Health Preparedness in Disasters

1. 1Talk to your obstetric provider early

   Doctor knows if travel or stress poses special risk for your pregnancy.

   Do this

   • ✓Ask about signs that need immediate hospital
   • ✓Get written emergency number for clinic
   • ✓Know which hospital accepts your case if primary closes

   Tips

   • Do not rely on online due-date calculators for emergency decisions
2. 2Pack a pregnancy go-bag by trimester

   Needs change as pregnancy progresses.

   Do this

   • ✓Maternity records and ultrasound copies
   • ✓Comfort items and extra clothes
   • ✓Snacks safe for pregnancy — ask doctor if unsure

   Tips

   • Include sanitary pads — useful for multiple situations
3. 3Plan transport to hospital

   Flooded roads delay ambulances.

   Do this

   • ✓Save 112 and 108 numbers
   • ✓Identify neighbor or relative with car
   • ✓Know alternate routes to labor ward

   Tips

   • Practice route before monsoon if flood-prone
4. 4Avoid preventable exposures

   Heat, smoke, and standing water add risk.

   Do this

   • ✓Stay hydrated in heat waves — ask doctor how much
   • ✓Avoid flood cleanup and heavy lifting
   • ✓Use mask on high AQI days if doctor agrees

   Tips

   • Do not take new medicines without pharmacist or doctor
5. 5Register with family communication plan

   Partner and out-of-area contact should know due date and hospital.

   Do this

   • ✓Share blood group and doctor name
   • ✓Agree check-in if separated during alert
   • ✓School or workplace contingency for bed rest if ordered

   Tips

   • Keep phone charged during alerts
6. 6Know shelter limitations

   Not all camps have privacy or maternity care.

   Do this

   • ✓Identify hospitals along evacuation route
   • ✓Carry own water and food for dietary needs
   • ✓Ask officials about medical desk at shelter

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — shelter medical services vary
7. 7Include postpartum backup if due near season

   Newborn period overlaps cyclone or flood in many regions.

   Do this

   • ✓Newborn supplies in waterproof bag
   • ✓Breastfeeding support contact or lactation counselor number
   • ✓Pediatrician chosen before birth if possible

   Tips

   • WHO supports breastfeeding during emergencies when safe for mother and baby
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: WHO — Reproductive Health in Emergencies · American Red Cross — Pregnancy and Disaster · NDMA — Maternal Health in Disasters

1. 1Identify who carries baby during evacuation

   Primary and backup adult assigned in writing.

   Do this

   • ✓Baby carrier always near go-bag
   • ✓Practice stairs with carrier before emergency
   • ✓Never leave infant with untrained older sibling alone

   Tips

   • Assign who grabs diaper bag vs document pouch
2. 2Protect feeding plan

   Breastfeeding, formula, or mixed — each needs written steps.

   Do this

   • ✓Breastfeeding: mother hydration and stress support
   • ✓Formula: safe water and clean bottles prioritized
   • ✓Know breastfeeding is encouraged when safe — ask counselor if unsure

   Tips

   • WHO infant feeding in emergencies guidance applies
3. 3Keep vaccination and birth records portable

   Shelter registration and hospital admission need proof.

   Do this

   • ✓Waterproof copy in go-bag
   • ✓Photo on phone
   • ✓Pediatrician number on card

   Tips

   • Update after each vaccination visit
4. 4Plan sleep safely in shelter

   New sleep places increase suffocation risk if crowded.

   Do this

   • ✓Firm flat surface if possible — not soft couch edge
   • ✓Avoid overcrowded bedding with adult
   • ✓Keep smoke and mosquito coils away from crib area

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — follow safe sleep guidance from pediatrician
5. 5Monitor fever and dehydration closely

   Babies worsen faster than adults.

   Do this

   • ✓Know when to call pediatrician or 112
   • ✓Oral rehydration only if doctor or product label allows for age
   • ✓Thermometer in baby kit

   Tips

   • Do not give adult fever medicine dose to infant
6. 6Coordinate caregivers

   Grandparents, ayah, and creche must know plan.

   Do this

   • ✓Share allergy and feeding rules in writing
   • ✓Authorized pickup list at creche updated
   • ✓Breast pump and storage plan if mother travels separately

   Tips

   • Daily check-in during disaster season
7. 7Refresh monthly

   Size, formula stage, and medicines change quickly first year.

   Do this

   • ✓Update clothes and diaper size
   • ✓Replace expired formula
   • ✓Reconfirm pediatrician holiday coverage

   Tips

   • Link to baby emergency kit guide for supply list
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: WHO — Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies · UNICEF — Baby Friendly Emergency Response · NDMA — Child Protection in Disasters

1. 1Microchip and tag every pet

   Reunion depends on visible ID.

   Do this

   • ✓Update phone on collar tag today
   • ✓Register microchip with national database if used
   • ✓Keep recent photo on phone

   Tips

   • After flood, check social media lost-pet boards cautiously — verify claims
2. 2Build pet go-bag

   See pet supplies guide for full list — summary here.

   Do this

   • ✓Food, water, leash, carrier, waste bags
   • ✓Vaccination copy
   • ✓Calming item familiar to pet

   Tips

   • Train cat to carrier before cyclone season
3. 3List pet-friendly shelters and vets

   Many official shelters exclude animals.

   Do this

   • ✓Hotels or relatives that accept pets
   • ✓NGO animal shelters phone numbers
   • ✓24-hour vet if available in city

   Tips

   • Source: To be verified — pet shelter lists are local
4. 4Plan livestock and village animals

   Cattle and goats need early movement to high ground.

   Do this

   • ✓Know panchayat livestock evacuation field if any
   • ✓Mark animals with owner phone if possible
   • ✓Stock fodder upstairs or on high ground

   Tips

   • Do not tie animals where floodwater rises
5. 5Include pets in family drills

   Load carrier once during fire drill timing.

   Do this

   • ✓Assign who holds pet vs go-bag
   • ✓Practice car loading
   • ✓Teach children not to open door to scared dog during alarm

   Tips

   • Muzzle only if trained — stressed pets bite
6. 6After disaster reunion and health

   Contaminated water and stress cause illness.

   Do this

   • ✓Offer clean water gradually
   • ✓Check paws for cuts and glass
   • ✓Visit vet if vomiting or not eating 24 hours

   Tips

   • Report strays to local animal welfare — do not corner injured animals
7. 7Volunteer safely with animals

   Rescue without training risks bite and infection.

   Do this

   • ✓Work with registered NGOs
   • ✓Wear gloves and boots
   • ✓Rabies exposure needs immediate medical care

   Tips

   • 112 for human injury from animal
8. 8Schedule regular review

   Preparedness fails when kits and plans go stale. Set a calendar reminder.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark review date on family calendar before monsoon and cyclone season
   • ✓Replace expired items and update phone numbers
   • ✓Run a five-minute drill after each review

   Tips

   • Twice-yearly review matches Red Cross and NDMA maintenance guidance

Sources: NDMA — Animal Safety During Disasters · Humane Society — Disaster Planning for Pets · World Organisation for Animal Health — Emergency Guidelines

1. 1Use simple, honest language

   Children trust adults who explain what might happen and what adults will do to keep them safe.

   Do this

   • ✓Describe emergencies as unusual events where we follow special safety rules
   • ✓Avoid graphic details — focus on actions: "We leave the house and meet at the tree"
   • ✓Answer questions truthfully at the child's level

   Tips

   • Compare to fire drills at school — familiar frame reduces anxiety
   • It is okay to say "I do not know" and look up answers together
2. 2Teach ages 3–5 basic recognition

   Very young children learn trusted adults, names, and one meeting place at a time.

   Do this

   • ✓Teach full names of parents and home area in simple words
   • ✓Practice staying close to a designated adult in crowded places
   • ✓Use a song or picture card for the family meeting spot

   Tips

   • Repeat short lessons monthly — retention needs practice
   • Reward cooperation during drills with praise, not treats tied to fear
3. 3Teach ages 6–10 actionable skills

   School-age children can learn when and how to call for help and follow escape routes.

   Do this

   • ✓Practice calling 112 on a deactivated phone or toy phone
   • ✓Teach address and landmark description: "Near the blue temple"
   • ✓Assign one simple drill job — flashlight, whistle, comfort toy for younger sibling

   Tips

   • Explain smoke alarms mean leave immediately — do not hide or collect toys first
   • Role-play stranger vs helper: uniform, name badge, known neighbor
4. 4Teach ages 11 and up broader responsibility

   Older children can learn multiple routes, online alert verification, and helping younger siblings.

   Do this

   • ✓Include them in family planning meetings
   • ✓Review routes from school, coaching class, and friends' homes
   • ✓Discuss not sharing live location publicly during crises

   Tips

   • Teens may receive misinformation on social media — teach checking official sources
   • Give them a real task: updating contact cards or checking kit batteries
5. 5Address emotional responses

   Fear, crying, or freezing are normal. Practice builds confidence over time.

   Do this

   • ✓Name feelings: "It is okay to feel scared. Our job is to follow the plan"
   • ✓Use breathing exercises during drills
   • ✓Watch for lasting anxiety and consult school counselor if needed

   Tips

   • WHO notes psychosocial support for children after disasters — preparation reduces later trauma
   • Avoid testing children with surprise scares — drills should feel structured, not punitive
6. 6Coordinate with schools and activities

   Children spend hours away from home. Know how schools teach and drill emergencies.

   Do this

   • ✓Ask school what children learn about earthquakes, fire, and lockdown
   • ✓Ensure emergency contacts at school are current
   • ✓Align home meeting points with who picks up child if parents cannot

   Tips

   • Duplicate school lessons at home so messages reinforce each other
7. 7Use stories and games for retention

   Narratives and hands-on activities stick better than one long lecture.

   Do this

   • ✓Draw a family escape map together and color safe spots
   • ✓Play "find two exits" when entering new buildings
   • ✓Read age-appropriate preparedness storybooks if available in your language

   Tips

   • Keep sessions under 15 minutes for young children
   • End on a confident note: "We practiced — we are ready to help each other"

Sources: American Red Cross — Prepare with Pedro · FEMA — Ready Kids · WHO — Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies

1. 1Choose drill types for your risks

   Different emergencies need different responses. Drill the scenarios most likely for your home.

   Do this

   • ✓Fire: evacuate to outdoor meeting point within two minutes
   • ✓Earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold for 60 seconds then assess exits
   • ✓Flood or chemical alert: grab go-bags and follow evacuation route

   Tips

   • Start with one scenario until smooth — do not combine all on day one
2. 2Schedule drills in advance

   Predictable timing reduces panic while still building muscle memory.

   Do this

   • ✓Mark two dates per year on the family calendar
   • ✓Tell children a drill is coming that week — surprise drills can traumatize young kids
   • ✓Pick varied times: evening once, weekend morning once

   Tips

   • After dinner on Sunday works well for many households
   • Avoid drilling during illness or high-stress weeks
3. 3Assign roles before starting

   Everyone should know their job: who helps elders, who grabs go-bag, who calls 112 after safe exit.

   Do this

   • ✓Read roles from posted plan
   • ✓Confirm backup person if primary is away
   • ✓Place go-bags and flashlights in starting positions

   Tips

   • Rotate roles so children learn multiple skills over time
4. 4Run the drill and time it

   Walk through realistically — no skipping steps because "we know it."

   Do this

   • ✓Start timer when alarm sounds or leader says "start"
   • ✓Use actual exits — open doors and windows as planned
   • ✓Gather at meeting point and do head count

   Tips

   • Night drill reveals dark hallway obstacles daylight hides
   • If someone is slow, adjust plan — do not shame
5. 5Simulate communication failure

   Practice finding each other when phones do not work.

   Do this

   • ✓Turn phones off for one drill and rely on meeting points only
   • ✓Have out-of-area contact practice relay: each person sends one text
   • ✓Teach children to stay at meeting point until an adult arrives

   Tips

   • Children should not wander searching — staying put is safer
6. 6Debrief and improve

   Five minutes of discussion fixes more than repeating the same mistakes silently.

   Do this

   • ✓Ask: What blocked exits? Who needed help? What was confusing?
   • ✓Update written plan with changes immediately
   • ✓Celebrate improvement — faster time or smoother roles

   Tips

   • Write debrief notes on back of plan or family chat
   • Fix physical barriers before next drill — move furniture, replace dead flashlight batteries
7. 7Coordinate with neighbors optionally

   Community-wide awareness helps if your meeting point is shared or evacuation is lane-wide.

   Do this

   • ✓Inform neighbor if children might arrive at their gate during drill
   • ✓Share lessons if building society runs its own drill same week
   • ✓Join local disaster volunteer training if interested

   Tips

   • NDMA encourages community-level mock drills during disaster preparedness weeks

Sources: FEMA — Practice Your Plan · American Red Cross — Home Fire Escape Planning · NDMA — Mock Drill Guidelines

1. 1Decide readiness honestly

   Home alone during emergencies requires maturity, not just age. Consider judgment, fear response, and duration alone.

   Do this

   • ✓Assess whether child follows rules without supervision
   • ✓Start with short errands before long absences
   • ✓Agree minimum age and conditions with all caregivers consistently

   Tips

   • Indian households vary — align with family comfort, not only peer comparison
   • Children with medical conditions may need adult present regardless of age
2. 2Post visible emergency instructions

   A single sheet near the phone lists what to do for common situations.

   Do this

   • ✓Write: fire → leave and call neighbor then 112
   • ✓Include neighbor numbers, parent numbers, and address
   • ✓List forbidden actions: do not use stove, do not open door to strangers

   Tips

   • Use pictures for younger readers
   • Laminate sheet near landline or charging station
3. 3Teach when to call 112 vs a parent

   Life-threatening situations need emergency services first — not waiting for parents to pick up.

   Do this

   • ✓Practice 112 call script: name, address, problem, callback number
   • ✓Define emergencies: fire, serious injury, intruder, gas smell, unconscious person
   • ✓Define non-emergencies: minor scrape, lost keys, sibling argument

   Tips

   • Stay on line until dispatcher says to hang up
   • Calling parent after reaching safety is the second step, not the first in true emergencies
4. 4Establish neighbor and relative backup

   A trusted adult nearby is faster than a parent stuck in traffic.

   Do this

   • ✓Designate one neighbor child can go to immediately
   • ✓Give neighbor spare key or entry code if agreed mutually
   • ✓Inform relative to accept collect calls during emergencies

   Tips

   • Child should know neighbor by name and house appearance
   • Pre-arrange with neighbor — surprise arrivals confuse everyone
5. 5Set kitchen, tool, and internet rules

   Most home-alone injuries involve cooking fires, falls, or risky online behavior during crises.

   Do this

   • ✓Prohibit stove, gas, and sharp tools unless explicitly trained
   • ✓Keep matches, cleaners, and medicines locked
   • ✓Teach not to post emergencies on social media in real time

   Tips

   • Microwave-only snacks are safer for younger teens
   • Location sharing with parents is okay; public posts attract scammers during disasters
6. 6Practice scenarios while a parent is home

   Role-play builds confidence before the first real solo evening.

   Do this

   • ✓Simulate power cut: find flashlight, stay inside, call parent
   • ✓Simulate minor cut: press cloth, call neighbor for bandage
   • ✓Simulate stranger at door: do not open, call parent

   Tips

   • Debrief each scenario — ask what felt hard
7. 7Prepare the physical environment

   Reduce hazards before leaving child alone — same as baby-proofing but for independence.

   Do this

   • ✓Ensure smoke alarms work and child knows alarm sound
   • ✓Leave charged phone and power bank accessible
   • ✓Lock outer gates but ensure child can exit in fire emergency

   Tips

   • Test that child can unlock main door and security grille quickly
   • Leave light meals prepared — reduce need to cook
8. 8Check in and review after each solo period

   Short feedback loops catch problems before they become habits.

   Do this

   • ✓Schedule parent check-in calls at fixed times
   • ✓Ask what happened, even if "nothing"
   • ✓Update rules when child shows readiness for more responsibility

   Tips

   • If child reports fear or near-miss, pause solo time and retrain

Sources: American Red Cross — Children Home Alone Safety · FEMA — Youth Preparedness · NDMA — School and Home Safety for Children

1. 1Inventory documents you may need

   Recovery, insurance claims, school re-entry, and hospital admission all require specific papers.

   Do this

   • ✓Identity: Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID, birth certificates
   • ✓Property and vehicle: sale deeds, registration, insurance policies
   • ✓Health and education: vaccination records, diplomas, medical summaries

   Tips

   • Prioritize documents hardest to replace quickly
2. 2Create certified or clear copies

   Copies speed processes while originals stay secured when possible.

   Do this

   • ✓Photocopy or scan each document front and back
   • ✓Obtain certified copies of birth and marriage certificates if originals stay in bank locker
   • ✓Save high-resolution scans with consistent file names

   Tips

   • Scan at 300 dpi minimum for readable text
3. 3Use waterproof and fire-resistant storage

   Paper survives ordinary life but fails quickly in floods and fires.

   Do this

   • ✓Place copies in zip-sealed bags inside a small fire-safe box if affordable
   • ✓Store go-bag document pouch near kit exit path
   • ✓Keep originals in bank locker or highest-safe location in home

   Tips

   • Double bag with silica gel reduces moisture damage in humid climates
   • Do not store only one copy in basement during flood season
4. 4Set up encrypted digital backups

   Cloud copies survive home destruction if credentials are accessible elsewhere.

   Do this

   • ✓Upload encrypted archive to reputable cloud storage
   • ✓Share vault password with trusted out-of-area contact — not written beside computer
   • ✓Enable two-factor authentication on cloud accounts

   Tips

   • USB backup in go-bag helps when internet is down after disaster
   • Review digital privacy settings — documents are sensitive
5. 5Make a one-page document index

   An index tells you what you have and where without searching panicked hours.

   Do this

   • ✓List each document, location (original vs copy), and renewal date
   • ✓Include insurance policy numbers and helplines
   • ✓Store index in phone photo and printed kit copy

   Tips

   • Update index when you buy vehicle, property, or change name
6. 6Plan grab-and-go document pouch

   Some documents must leave with you during evacuation — not stay in a destroyed home.

   Do this

   • ✓Pack copies of ID, insurance, medical records, and property papers in go-bag
   • ✓Use bright-colored waterproof pouch labeled DOCUMENTS
   • ✓Assign adult responsible for grabbing pouch during evacuation drill

   Tips

   • Evacuation beats saving papers if you must choose — life first, then pouch if seconds allow
7. 7Know replacement procedures

   Understanding reissue steps before loss reduces paralysis afterward.

   Do this

   • ✓Bookmark UIDAI, passport, and RTO reissue portals or offices
   • ✓Keep one non-address proof ID copy with relative in another city
   • ✓Photograph document storage locations for insurance inventory

   Tips

   • Police FIR may be required for lost documents — know local process

Sources: FEMA — Financial Preparedness — Important Documents · American Red Cross — Document and Financial Preparedness · NDMA — Recovery and Documentation After Disasters

1. 1Maintain emergency cash reserves

   Digital payments fail when power and networks drop. Small bills pay for food, transport, and medicine.

   Do this

   • ✓Keep small-denomination notes in home kit and go-bag split locations
   • ✓Rotate notes to avoid damaged or withdrawn series
   • ✓Agree family spending rules during emergencies

   Tips

   • Cash complements cards — it does not replace long-term savings
   • Avoid keeping entire savings as home cash — theft and fire risk
2. 2Review insurance coverage before disaster season

   Policies you never read matter most after damage. Verify what is covered and how to claim.

   Do this

   • ✓Read home, contents, vehicle, and health policy summaries
   • ✓Confirm flood, earthquake, or cyclone riders if needed in your region
   • ✓Save insurer helpline and agent number in phone and kit

   Tips

   • Under-insurance is common — update coverage when renovating or buying valuables
3. 3Photograph assets for claims

   Visual proof of belongings and home condition speeds insurance and aid applications.

   Do this

   • ✓Walk through home filming each room and major appliances
   • ✓Capture serial numbers of electronics where visible
   • ✓Store photos in cloud separate from physical device

   Tips

   • Update photos after major purchases
   • Receipts for high-value items help but photos work when receipts are lost
4. 4Secure online banking access

   You may need to pay remotely, transfer funds, or freeze accounts if documents are stolen.

   Do this

   • ✓Memorize or store securely net-banking credentials — not on paper in wallet
   • ✓Register for SMS alerts on all accounts
   • ✓Know how to block debit and credit cards by phone

   Tips

   • Out-of-area contact can hold backup access instructions if your phone is lost
5. 5Build a modest disaster fund if possible

   Savings dedicated to emergencies cover hotel nights, medicine, and repair deductibles.

   Do this

   • ✓Set automatic transfer to separate savings account even if amount is small
   • ✓Define triggers for using fund: evacuation, job loss from factory shutdown, medical copay
   • ✓Replenish after use before non-essential spending

   Tips

   • Any buffer helps — start with one week of essential expenses as a goal
6. 6Organize bills and autopay risks

   Missed payments during displacement create secondary credit and service problems.

   Do this

   • ✓List autopay accounts and due dates
   • ✓Enable email billing to access from anywhere
   • ✓Contact lenders proactively if disaster disrupts income — many have hardship programs

   Tips

   • Keep scanned copies of last three months utility bills in document pouch
7. 7Protect against post-disaster fraud

   Scammers target stressed families with fake charities and repair schemes.

   Do this

   • ✓Verify charity registrations before donating
   • ✓Get repair estimates in writing from licensed contractors
   • ✓Never share OTP or PIN with callers claiming to be relief officials

   Tips

   • Official disaster aid rarely asks for upfront fees
   • Red Cross and government agencies publish official donation channels