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Be Prepared! The best time to
think about this information is before something happens. Last year many military families were evacuated with no advance
warning during the wildfires. If these disasters occur, there are many resources available. The list
below will get you started.
All TV and radio stations will have ongoing coverage in the event of a disaster. Listen carefully
and follow directions on when and how to evacuate and what areas to avoid as well.
While this list focuses on wildfires, many of these
tips can be used for any man-made or natural disaster. By being prepared ahead of time you lessen the fear
and anxiety you and your family will experience during any type of disaster.
American Red Cross
Does your family know where to meet if there is a disaster in your area? Do you know what
you should have on hand to care for yourself and family? The "Get Prepared" section can help you set up a plan and gather
a disaster kit.
They also offer specific information on wildfires and other disasters.
San Diego Fire Recovery
Navy Region Southwest
This site will be updated should there be a disaster in the San Diego area. It will show where
you can obtain resources for military members and families and additional directions as needed.
Navy One Source
There are several pages addressing disaster preparedness and recovery. It aslo offers guidelines
on how to help your children cope with disasters.
Fleet and Family Support Center
This site has links to information to assist you in preparing for a disaster. Should a disaster
occur in our area the FFSC will be avialable by phone 24 hours. Family Assistance Centers will be
organized to assist sailor's and families as needed. http://www.cnrsw.navy.mil/fsc/default.htm
Federal Emergency Management Agency
This agency has a prevention and preparedness section as well as information on how to apply for
assistance after a disaster.
USS Pearl Harbor
In the case of a command or community disaster, information will be passed to
the sailors and families as directed by the Commanding Officer. Check with the USS Pearl Harbor home
page and this website should you need information during that time.
Things to do before a disaster strikes:
- Be sure all ID cards have not expired.
- Be sure all dependent family members are enrolled in DEERS. All dependents should be registered
to insure access to medical care.
- All dependents should also be enrolled in TRICARE. This insurance provides the medical
coverage for families.
- Servicemember and spouse should have current wills. These can be done through the command or
base legal offices for FREE.
- SGLI - Are the beneficiaries up to date? Is all other information up to date?
- The sailor's SRB page 2 should be updated by the sailor. Be sure to note if the family members
speak English. If they do not, note what language they do speak in case an interpreter is needed. Do
the family members listed have medical concerns that might need to be considered - Alzheimer's, disabilities, etc.
You can also list someone you would like to have present at the time of notification in the event of the death of the sailor.
- All family members should be listed on the United Concordia Family Dental Plan regardless of age.
Sign the children up when they are born and they will be covered when the time comes. Should something happen to the
sailor all dependents would then have access to the coverage.
- Command Family Information forms should be updated as necessary.
Things to have available in a disaster:
- Water.
Have at least one gallon per person per day.
- Food. Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select
foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
- Flashlight. Include extra batteries.
- First aid kit. Pack a reference guide.
- Medications. Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.
- Battery-operated radio. Include extra batteries.
- Tools. Assemble a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, a screwdriver, hammer, pliers, a knife,
duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
- Clothing. Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
- Personal items. Remember eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution; copies of important papers, including identification
cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.; and comfort items such as toys and books.
- Sanitary supplies. You'll want toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
- Money. Have cash. (ATMs and credit cards won't work if power is out.)
- Contact information. Carry a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the
area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.
- Pet supplies. Include food, water, leash, litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.
- Map. Consider marking an evacuation route on it from your local area.
15. Cell Phone/Pager. Have batteries or chargers with you.
16, Face Masks. At least one face
mask with built-in filter per family member.
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