Are You Ready?

An emergency can happen anytime, anywhere. Have your family practice emergency procedures often, this will help them feel less disoriented and better organized in case of a disaster – even in the middle of the night or in the middle of winter.

Start preparing now, don’t wait for an emergency to happen. There are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself. This article will help get you started and future articles will show you how to prepare your emergency disaster kit. Update the kit once a year, checking contacts, foods, medications, batteries etc.

On of the first things you should do is contact local authorities to find out more about the hazards in your community:

Ask how you would be warned

Find out how to prepare for each type of disaster

Meet with your family and discuss the types of disasters that could occur

Meet with you family and explain how to prepare and respond to each type of disaster

Meet with your family and discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate

Work with your neighbors to make sure everyone is taken care of in your neighborhood. Identify people who might need extra help during an emergency.

Family Communications

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.

Complete a wallet card for each family member, this card should include names and contact information of parents as well as an out-of-area contact. The cards should also include information on meeting places both locally and out of state or province. I recommend that once you complete your cards have them laminated to help them last. Have family members keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child to keep on file. Pick an out-of-area contact, someone each member of the family can call or e-mail in case of an emergency. This person can help family members stay in touch and get together if they are separated. Be sure to pick someone who is far enough away so as not be affected by the same situation

Always have personal documents and family identification and notice of any family members’ medical conditions. Make copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, licenses, wills, land deeds, keep them in a safe place at home as well as outside the home in a safety deposit box or a friend’s house.

Keep a list of important contacts easily accessible for all family members to reach. Keep these contacts near each phone.

Safety Skills

It is important that family members know how to administer first aid and CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher.

Learn first aid and CPR.

Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides, under the “good Samaritan” law, protection for those giving first aid.

Learn how to use a fire extinguisher.

Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguisher(s) and where it is kept. You should have, at a minimum, an ABC type.

Safety Escape Plan

Plan escape routes from each room of your home.

Try to think of two possibilities for each room.

Mark each route on a map and keep the map with your home emergency kit.

If you live in an apartment consider an alternate to the elevator.

Plan an escape route from your neighborhood in case you are ordered to evacuate.

Arrange for temporary accommodations, such as a friend’s place or hotel, where you can stay for a few days in case you are evacuated. This may also be where you decide to meet if are separated during a disaster.

When choosing your shelter, remember that bridges may be out or roads may be blocked.

You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.

Evacuation Plans

When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations.

The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead, is essential.

Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes and see if maps may are available with evacuation routes marked.

Being prepared is your greatest allie when it comes surviving emergency and disaster situations. Set aside time and get prepared, start this weekend.