How To Prepare Your Family For An Emergency
How to Prepare for Emergency Situations
Disasters, both man-made and natural, have often been striking our nations and the world at large. If you look in the news, you will be amazed by the number of calamities occurring such as, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, terrorist attacks and severe flooding among many others. Being ready for such calamities can be the determinant in the survival of you and your family. Here are four important things which you can do to prepare your family for an emergency, as well as a quick and efficient evacuation in the case of a disaster.
Research on disasters.
It is important that you find out which disasters are most prone to your area. This information can be sourced from different areas e.g. the national meteorological center or from the city or county Emergency Managers. Learn how the local government warns people in case of a disaster. Is it using sirens? Over the radio? What station is it? Etc.
Emergency Prepare Checklist for your Family.
It is important that all members of your family, know how to respond to any possible danger. Questions such as, where to go in case of a disaster or who to call, should be well answered. Write down basic rules that each family member should follow since you are not always assured that all of you will be together during the disaster. Go over the plan frequently until everyone is on the same page. Disaster management agencies recommend that families learn strategies that can help them manage disasters.
Items to Prepare for Emergency – Your Emergency Supply Kit.
Create a survival kit that can get you and your family through for at least three days. It may take days before aid workers reach you and without some basic necessities, your family can find it hard to survive. The recommended items include
- water, at least one gallon per person,
- non-perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables,
- utensils,
- first aid kit,
- whistle,
- radio,
- flash light with extra batteries,
- solar charger
- and a can opener
. If your family has any special needs such as food allergies, medication, diapers etc. it is important to pack them too. Important documents such as,
- birth certificates,
- wills,
- passports,
- marriage certificates
- and social security cards
should also be carried.
Establish Escape Routes.
Determine the best escape routes from your home and learn about the evacuation plans of your community. You need to map your home to set up possible exits such as windows, door and balconies. Create at least two routes from each room that your family members can use to escape. All the escape routes should eventually lead the person to the safe zone, which you should also set up.