How would you survive for 168 hours?

In a major disaster, it might be at least seven days before vital services are restored.

Are you prepared?

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Department of Emergency Services works closely with emergency responders, community partners and the public to engage in comprehensive disaster planning.

In a major disaster, it might be at least seven days (168 hours) until vital services are restored. This information provides ideas and resources to help you prepare your home, work-place and community during this critical period.

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• Assemble emergency kits. (See Basic Emergency Supplies.)
• Keep copies of important documents (passport, driver license, social security card, marriage license, will, deeds, financial statements, etc.) in an offsite location such as a safety deposit box.
• To facilitate insurance recovery, include an inventory of your valuables with serial number list of tools and equipment and photographs or video of other valuables.
• Use a USB jump drive to store these files. Make duplicate jump drives and keep one at home, and one in a safety deposit box or other off-site safe location.
• Learn how and when to shut off your utilities. (See Utilities.)
• Discuss all possible exit routes from each room, building and neighborhood. Ensure that your family has at least two exits from each.
• Reunification location: choose two places, one outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, like a church, community center, store parking lot, or other open area to meet at if you are separated.
• Conduct emergency drills and practice “DROP, COVER and HOLD” for earthquakes at least once every six months.
• Always keep your car’s gas tank at least 3/4 full.
• Take classes on first aid, CPR and disaster preparedness. (See Training & Volunteer Opportunities).
• Practice your plan once a year. Pick a weekend with nice weather to set up in your yard and use your disaster kit. This allows you to see how well it works and add to it before a real emergency.