Families can learn to prepare for disaster

Find out how to prepare for family emergencies and community disasters Saturday and Sunday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

Several area agencies are coming together to offer information, training and more to help individuals and families better handle a crisis. September is National Preparedness Month.

"We're trying to make available the information that's out there," said Jim Sutherland, executive director of Cantigny Park. "Our hope is they'll be better prepared as individuals and families and as community members … should a disaster occur in their community."

Research shows only 7 percent of Americans are prepared for disasters, said Martha Dittmar, spokeswoman for American Red Cross of Chicago.

Suburbanites might not have to worry so much about earthquakes or hurricanes, but house fires, tornadoes, flooding and car accidents do wreak much havoc in the area, she said.

"It's very important (to prepare) because we know something is going to happen. We don't know what. We don't know when," Dittmar said. "It's going to take some time for rescuers to reach you."

The emergency preparedness fair will feature information booths by Northern Illinois Food Bank in St. Charles, the American Red Cross, Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield Fire Department, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Citizen Corps, the Hinsdale Human Society and Walgreens.

The Red Cross will offer information on how to prepare, samples for emergency kits and CPR training from 1 to 5 p.m. each day at a reduced fee of $5. To register, call (800) 337-2338 or visit www.chicagoredcross.org.

A blood drive also will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Donors must be 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

"We'd love it if one person in every family was (CPR) trained," Dittmar said. "You never know when you're going to be in a restaurant or at work and you're going to need those skills. It could save a life."

Central DuPage Hospital staff will explain how they do triage and how medical care is accessed, while Walgreens representatives will talk about prescription needs in time of crisis. The humane society will advise on what to do with pets in an emergency.

Firefighters will help people devise home evacuation plans and demonstrate how to install car seats correctly, as well as inspect some installed car seats.

Community Emergency Response Team members will be on hand with information on how to become qualified as one of the volunteers who help police and firefighters in emergencies.

Free emergency kits, prepared by area Scout troops, will be given to the first 500 families who visit select booths at the fair.

For entertainment, the North West Territory Alliance will present a Revolutionary War Re-enactment and encampment with activities throughout each day.

Morning battles will commence at 11 a.m. each day, followed by music, educational talks, children's battle and games, artillery demonstrations, another battle and closing colors.

"It's a chance to get out with the family," Sutherland said.

The event, which is being sponsored in part by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in and around the Visitors Center at Cantigny, Roosevelt and Winfield roads, Wheaton. Parking costs $8 per vehicle and the fair is free.

For details, call (630) 668-5161 or visit www.cantigny.org or www.chicagoredcross.org.

If you go

What: Emergency Preparedness Weekend

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Special event: Revolutionary War Re-enactment and Encampment by the North West Territory Alliance, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton

Cost: Admission is free; parking is $8.

Details: (630) 668-5161

Emergency checklist

Water: Have at least one gallon per person per day. Use bleach or water tablets to purify tap water if contaminated.

Food: Pack at least a three-day supply of nonperishable, 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: Hand crank and alternative energy options are available. Include extra batteries, if applicable.

First aid kit: Include a first aid reference guide.

Medications: Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.

Radio: A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather radio is best. Include extra batteries or use a hand-crank radio.

Tools: Gather a wrench to turn off gas (if necessary), a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting, garbage bags and ties.

Clothing: Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.

Personal items: Remember copies of important papers (including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports), eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution, and comfort items like toys and books, if pertinent.

Sanitary supplies: You may need toilet paper towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.

Money: Have cash on hand, including small bills. Remember ATMs and credit cards won't work if the power is out.

Contact information: Carry a 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 down or overloaded.

Pet supplies: For each pet, include food, water, a collar, a leash/cage/carrying case, litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.

Map: Consider marking an evacuation route on your map that directs you out of your area.

Source: American Red Cross