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Nobody wants to think about bad things happening to him or her, or to families. But emergencies inevitably happen. They are a fact of life. So, it's better to prepare ahead of time. Disasters come from any corner or direction, and can hit any one of us in any number of ways. Exploring the potential hazards can help determine the precautions to take, before emergencies arrive. You're not wishing for disaster by making plans to cope with one.
For most situations, a well-stocked first aid kit can be a lifesaver. You can buy a ready-made kit, of various sizes and contents, from different companies who specialize in emergency supplies. These can be pricey, and they may not have the best mix of needed items. Still, these are better than having nothing. If you stock your own kit, research the items you think you will most need. By all means, include bandages, bandage tape, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, knife, antiseptic, some form of pain reliever, first aid book, scissors,
Post emergency numbers in a prominent place in your home, near phones, and make sure all family members know where to find these lists. Include numbers for 911, police, fire department, poison control, personal physician for all family members, hospital, who to call in the event of an emergency.
Stock emergency supplies that might be needed after an earthquake, a tornado, a hurricane, a flood, or any other natural disaster. Keep blankets, extra clothing, non-perishable foodstuffs, bottled water, candles or lanterns or both, matches, can opener, flashlights, battery-operated radio, and lots of extra batteries. Keep a knife and other useful utensils on hand, including an ax or a hatchet. Also include rope, plastic tarps, and, perhaps, personal toiletries. Just look at the things you use everyday, as well as those things you think you might most need or want following a disaster. And, if you can afford it, have some cash stashed in a safe place, in case your bank is inaccessible.
In case of a house fire, for advance preparation, keep valuables and important papers in one place, preferably in a fireproof container that could either be quickly taken during an escape, or could at least withstand a structural fire where your belongings are kept.
In fires or other disasters, the family will also need a well-developed plan to safely escape your home. While you have time to carefully think this through, plan and map out escape routes and where family members should meet outside. Be prepared for those times when all you can think of is getting out of the house as quickly as possible. Then, practice those escape plans on a regular basis, even if family members moan and groan in complaint. Having a plan that becomes second nature can be the difference in life or death of entire families.
Keep updated and working fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors in your house. Regularly change batteries and test them, so that you are sure these devices are working properly.
In the event of a community-wide disaster, make sure all family members know when, where, and how to contact one another. Make a plan that works to keep the family connected, and safe. You don't want frantic family members rushing around, all over town, trying to locate unaccounted for family and friends. It's far safer to plan exactly what everyone should do, before disaster ever hits.
Police departments, fire departments, hospitals and the Red Cross are all great resources from which you can gather valuable disaster information. Make plans to contact all of these agencies and request any publications they have to offer for preparing for home emergencies. Use these printed materials as guides, when planning your own preparations and stored supplies.
Disasters come in all shapes and forms, and at any time. Make the most of advance-planning time, to ensure your family's optimum chances for health and safety.
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