1. Develop a family emergency plan:
In developing an emergency plan, it is important to consider the needs of all family members and make sure everyone understands what they need to do in case of an emergency. This includes taking into account any special needs, such as those with disabilities or medical conditions, pets and other dependents. The plan should include how to get in touch with each other in case of an emergency, where to go and how to get there, who is responsible for specific tasks during the emergency, and what items are necessary.
2. Assemble an emergency supply kit:
An emergency supply kit should include food and water for at least 3 days for each family member, a first aid kit, extra clothing and blankets, flashlights or glow sticks, battery-operated radios and extra batteries, copies of important documents such as birth certificates or insurance cards and cash in small denominations. It is also important to have supplies for your pets if applicable.
3. Make sure all family members know the location of your emergency supply kit:
It is important to ensure that everyone in the family knows where the emergency supply kit is located and what items are in it. This will help family members access necessary items quickly in an emergency situation.
4. Learn how to turn off utilities:
In some cases, such as a major storm or pipe burst, it may be necessary to shut off utilities such as electricity or gas. Familiarizing yourself with how to turn these off can save lives and prevent further damage to property in an emergency situation.
5. Research safer places you could go during different types of emergencies:
Depending on the type of emergency, there may be different areas that are safer than others. Do your research ahead of time and have a plan for where you would go in different types of emergencies.
6. Ensure everyone knows who their nearest neighbors may be for assistance during times when help is not immediately available:
It is important to know who your neighbors are and how you can contact them in an emergency. Having a list of contact information for people located nearby will help ensure that you are able to get help quickly if needed.
7. Create a list outlining tasks each member should complete before, during and after an emergency event:
Creating a checklist with specific tasks for each family member can help ensure that all necessary steps are taken before, during and after an emergency event. This will also help family members stay organized and focused on the task at hand during the stressful event.
8. Identify at least two escape routes from each room in your home should they become blocked due to fire or other hazardous materials:
Every family member should know two ways out of every room in the house, just in case one route becomes blocked due to a fire or other hazard. The best way to practice this is by doing an evacuation drill on a regular basis with your entire family present.
9. Practice evacuating your home twice a year with everyone present to ensure everyone is familiar with the plan and can react quickly in an emergency situation:
Practicing your emergency plan twice a year will help ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency and can react quickly when needed. During these drills, you should practice using both escape routes from each room in the house and make sure all family members understand their roles during an emergency.
10. Review the checklist at least once a year or when relocating or making any changes to family structure or lifestyle:
It is important to review the emergency plan checklist regularly, at least once a year. This will help ensure that the plan is up-to-date and accurate in case of an emergency. It is also important to review the checklist when relocating or making any changes to family structure or lifestyle. This will ensure that everyone’s roles and responsibilities are clear during an emergency.
