Attachment 7 - Conduct an "Ability Self -Assessment"
Evaluate your capabilities, limitations and needs, as well as your surroundings to determine what type of help you and your family will need in an emergency.

1 . Will all of the adults in your household be able to independently shut off the necessary utilities (gas, water, electricity)?
•	Do you know where shut-off valves are? Can you get to them? 
•	Can you find and use the right wrench to turn those handles? 
•	Does everyone know when (under what circumstances) to do this?
•	Write instructions on what needs to be done (give a copy to all adults and share a copy with your neighbor or personal support network)  
•	You can color-code or label these for quick identification. (Main gas valve, located next to the meter - blue; Electrical power circuit breaker box - red; and Main water valve - green.)

2. Will all the adults know how to put out a small fire? (Children should be instructed to call 911 and leave.)
•	Can everyone operate a fire extinguisher?  Have they practiced? 
•	Do you have fire extinguishers accessible?  Does everyone know where they are?  Are they serviced annually?
•	Do you know what types of fires your Extinguisher is good for?
•	Do you know when to use other means (water, baking soda, fire extinguisher)?
•	Do all of your smoke detectors work?

3. Will everyone (including older children) be able to carry their evacuation kits?
•	What needs to be done, in order to make that possible? 
•	How much can they carry regularly?  For how long?
•	Are there duplicates at other locations? 

4. Have you moved or secured large objects that might block your escape path?

5. How Will You Evacuate? Be aware of barriers and possible hazards to a clear path of exit.      
•	Change what you are able to change (clear obstacles from aisles; secure large, heavy items such as bookcases that may fall to block your path). 
•	Plan alternate exit paths.
•	Does everyone know where to meet after evacuation?

6. What about those who will need extra help (elderly, small children, pets)?
•	Have you discussed this and assigned those able to be responsible for specific household members?  
•	Have you practiced to know what needs to be done and how long it will take?  
•	Have you discussed your plan with all family members so that they will be working together with minimum confusion?