“You are responsible for your own safety. Plan ahead. Don’t think it can never happen to you or your family. Take some time with your loved ones and discuss it. Plan for it.”
- Jerry Howell, Interim Fire Chief

HOME EMERGENCY CHECKLISTS
Important information on how to prepare for disaster - provided for you by the Lombard Fire Department.

Lombard is subject to conditions the year round which could pose a threat to life and property. This brochure is designed to help you and your family cope with a disaster by preparing before a crisis occurs. The checklists are a guide to stock basic items and to prepare for an emergency.

When there is time to warn the public before an emergency, local radio and television stations will broadcast advisories. Check WDCB 90.0 FM for emergency information.

Before Disaster Strikes:
Prepare a home survival kit
Prepare a first aid kit
Stock nonperishable food items with at least a 7-day supply for the entire household. Store in a cool and dry place. Don’t forget your pets.
Plan in advance where to locate household members in case they are separated.
Store important documents and valuables in protective packaging where they can be moved.
Keep at least ¼ tank of gasoline in car
Cash

When Disaster Strikes:
Do:
Stay tuned to local radio or TV station for news, official weather information and emergency instructions.
Secure your home. Lock the doors and windows. Know where to locate electrical, water and gas service source if advised to turn off utilities. Secure or store objects that may cause damage or injury.

Don't:
USE THE TELEPHONE. Leave lines open for emergency calls only.
TOUCH DOWNED POWER LINES or objects in contact with power lines. Always assume lines are live.
USE ELEVATORS. A power outage will shut down elevator systems, trapping occupants. Use the stairs.
GO SIGHTSEEING. Cooperate with local officials. For your own safety, never enter high-risk areas.
SPREAD RUMORS. Get the facts from official sources only.

Other thoughts:
Show each family member how to turn off water, gas and electricity.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home.
Make sure all family members know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them.
Install a carbon monoxide detector.
Check batteries on detectors once a month, change batteries twice a year.

Home Survival Kit Checklist:
Portable radio
Batteries
Flashlight
Candles
Matches
First Aid Kit
Medications
Prescription glasses
7-day supply of nonperishable food
Cooler
3 days of water (1 gal. per person per day)
Fire extinguisher
Important papers
Tool kit, gloves
Wrench to turn off gas and water
Sleeping bags or blankets
Change of clothing for each person
Fuel for stoves or lanterns
Masking tape for windows/glass doors
Clock (wind-up or battery)
Can opener

- Post emergency telephone numbers by each telephone. Remember to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

- Take a basic First Aid Class and a CPR Class.

- Do not overload electrical outlets as this could cause a fire.

- Consider installing home sprinklers.

- Change your stored water supply every three months so it stays fresh.

First Aid Kit Checklist:
Adhesive tape
Sterile gauze pads
Antiseptic wipes
Pain reliever
Prescription medications
Cough medicine
Diarrhea medication
First Aid book
Instant cold pack
Scissors
Soap
Splint material
Tissues
Thermometer
Tweezers
First Aid kit container
Other desired items

Sanitation Kit checklist:
Plastic garbage can with lid
Plastic bag liners
Toilet paper
Disinfectant/deodorant
Shovel
Feminine supplies

Water:
Is essential. Do not ration water. Have a three-day supply of water for each person. Ration food, not water. Keep a supply of one gallon, per person, per day. If you get caught without it, here are some hidden water sources in your home: your hot water tank, and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water from the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).
Ways to purify water:
Boiling. Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Let water cool before drinking. Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring back and forth between two containers.
Disinfection: you can use household bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Don’t use scented bleaches, color-safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

Prepare a home escape plan:
In an emergency, you must get out fast!
Draw a floor plan of your home. Go over how each family member will exit. Designate a Meeting Spot. Any questions regarding home escape planning, call Lombard Fire Prevention at 630-620-5750.