Disaster Preparation Project

Bonnie Keller
Earth Science teacher
Meadowbrook High School
Chesterfield County, VA
 

Every year, thousands of people are caught in natural disasters and are without electricity, food, and water for several days or longer. Some cases such as the recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, earthquakes in California, and the tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean, displace hundreds of thousands of people who are then homeless as well.

Sadly, much of the suffering of the minor disasters could be avoided with a little planning beforehand. It is with this in mind that we will undertake this project that will hopefully prove useful during the next such event in our area.

Project Description:

Your project will have two parts -  a family plan, and a disaster supply kit.

The family plan will include:

• an evacuation map for your home
• a designated location outside the home to meet
• a plan on what to do with family pets
• a list of emergency contact names and phone numbers
• a written description of where in your home the electric, gas, and water shutoffs are located
• a list of needed medications, doses, and medical contact numbers for your family
• a map of the areas major highways, indicating primary and secondary evacuation routes
• a plan on how to contact each other if you get separated (remember, cell phones may not work! I suggest using a family member/friend that lives elsewhere as a point of contact)

Optional parts (suggested, but not required):

• a plan on what to do with extra vehicles
• an evaluation of your family’s insurance benefits to see if you have needed coverage
• photocopies of Ids and credit card info
• photocopies of insurance policy info & contact #’s
• photos of household members to be able to give authorities if they go missing

The Disaster Supply Kit will include:

• water and non-perishable food – enough for 2 people for 3 days (obviously, your family may be bigger, but I will only grade you for 2 people to help keep costs down)
• can opener
• plastic utensils, paper plates, etc.
• battery operated radio
• battery operated flashlight
• extra batteries for flashlight and radio (may need different types – check this!)
• 1 blanket per person
• small first aid kit (Band-Aids, small bandages, gauze, alcohol, cotton balls/swabs, sling, etc)

Optional – suggested, not required for grade

• cell phone & charger (though the service/power may be off initially in a disaster)
• small pillows (big ones are too bulky)
• change of clothes/shoes for each person
• games/books/toys to keep occupied; especially for young children
• small household tool kit

Due Date:  Friday, January 13^th (odd classes) or Friday, Jan 20^th (even classes)

Intermediate due dates:

Rough draft of Family Plan and Parental sign-off that Disaster Supply Kit is underway is due Dec 9^th/16^th  

This will be a separate grade!

Logistics and Planning Tips:

1)      DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT TO DO THIS!!!! This will be much easier physically and financially if you do a little at a time.

2)      Use the dollar store for many of your items. Use things already in the house whenever possible. I’m not looking for you to spend a lot of money, but get the best batteries and supplies you can afford – I want this to actually be useful to you if you need it!

3)      Use a large Rubbermaid-type container to hold your supply kit. One with wheels make it easier to get around.

4)      Use a plastic folder/envelope for your Family Plan – this will keep it dry.

5)      On the due date, you will bring me your family plan, and a PHOTOGRAPH of your supply kit. A Polaroid is fine, or digital picture, or whatever way you have to photograph it. If you don’t have a digital camera or Polaroid, you will have to photograph it in time to get the pictures developed!!  PLAN ACCORDINGLY!!!

FINAL GRADING:

Grading will be done on the dates due. I will not accept any projects late unless you have an excused absence. (Note: being suspended is not an excused absence for this.) Plan ahead – if you wait until the day before, you’re likely not going to be able to get/find/do something, which will drastically affect your grade!!!  This project is a major grade for the 2^nd nine weeks – it will be a test grade that counts three times!!! See the attached Rubric for how I will grade your project.  It is simple and straightforward – either you have it, or you don’t.  You should know what your grade is before you turn it in, actually. Look to see what you’re supposed to have, compared to what you do have.