Surviving Disaster: How Texans Prepare - Documentary and Toolkit

TexasPrepares.org - http://www.texasprepares.org/default.htm

Texas is a large state with diverse geography, climates and weather. Many types of natural disasters threaten Texas, including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, winter storms and more. Some parts of Texas are more vulnerable to tropical weather whereas other parts experience frequent tornadic activity so it’s important to learn about the emergencies most common in your area.

While natural disasters occur frequently, they are not the only threat we face. Other emergencies Texans should learn about and get prepared for include pandemics, hazardous-materials incidents and bioterrorism.

After taking three critical steps: 1) making an emergency plan, 2) building an emergency supply kit, and 3) learning about disasters, you can consider yourself ready for emergencies.

The Surviving Disaster: How Texans Prepare documentary toolkit contains six short videos plus the additional tools listed below. The toolkit is designed to be a resource for community leaders, volunteer organizations and other groups interested in promoting emergency preparedness. Use the tools to help you hold screening events and facilitate group discussions.

To organize a screening, follow these steps:

1. Watch the videos and consider how the stories and lessons apply to your community.
2. Get a documentary toolkit (it contains all the videos and promotional and educational tools below).
3. Identify opportunities to educate others. Hold a “stand-alone” screening where the videos are the main attraction, or incorporate them into an existing meeting or presentation.
4. Execute your screening event using the promotional and educational tools below.
5. Report your results using the online form to let us know how it went and give us your feedback.

Video Series
• Order the DVD from DSHS’s online Literature Catalog (search by catalog #: DV0617-1).
• Download the entire series in .wmv or .mov formats.
• Watch the videos online.

Screening Guide
The 13-page guide will show you how to organize and execute successful screening events.

Emergency Supply Checklist
Print and copy the checklist; then distribute at screening events.

Emergency Contact Cards
Print and copy the cards; then distribute at screening events.

Promotional Poster
Use the pre-designed poster to promote your event. Just fill in date, time and location.

Promotional e-mail
Publicize your screening event by using this e-mail message or customize as needed.

Emergency Bag Document Exercise
Use this exercise to start a group discussion.

Emergency Document Bags
Order supplies at DSHS’s online Literature Catalog (catalog #: 9-200)

Surviving Disaster: How Texans Prepare was produced by the Texas Department of State Health Services in partnership with the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The series will help individuals and communities prepare for disasters. Each video features survivors telling their stories and guidance from subject matter experts. Showing these videos to others can help save lives.