Organize Your Emergency Plan
Everyone should have an emergency plan that is developed well in advance of any disaster that might hit their area. Some of us live in zones more prone to certain natural disasters such as tornadoes, active volcanoes, hurricaines, floods,tsunami areas, etc. At school we learn what to do if an earthquake or other disaster strikes, but families and individuals should have a plan in place that will help us cope effectively at home with an emergency.
Go over the following list with your children and spouse to cover the following:
- contact person in and out of town.
- health information and where documents are stored.
- a designated meeting place to reunite with family members.
- a designated person to pick up the children if you are unable to.
- location of water valve, fire extinguisher, electrical box, gas valve, floor drain.
- location of fire extinguisher, electrical box, gas valve, floor drain, water valve.
Calling 9-1-1 ” this needs to be clearly explained. The times to call 911 are for reporting crimes, fires and to save a life.
In an emergency, follow the plan, take the emergency kit which should have been organized ahead of time, keep tuned in to the radio and television for alerts and evacuation orders, stay at home until all is safe or evacuation is ordered.
One important mistake we make is forgetting about designated someone to pick up family members. Children should be assigned a password, in order for them to know when it is okay to go with someone else. This password should be frequently tested in order to ensure they do not forget it. They need to know they cannot share this password with anyone. Its very funny providing scenarios and seeing them handle themselves with a password, but in real life, it is not funny if they are vulnerable to leave with someone they shouldnt. Practice scenarios so they know what to do regardless of what the person tells them.
There is a 72-hour emergency plan that is known worldwide. This is a three day period that people should be amply prepared for with supplies in order to deal with unexpected access issues to services and shelters.
Part of an emergency plan is identifying safe areas in the home in the event such as an earthquake. Identify heavy furniture to drop under and hide, how to cover your head and torso to protect from flying objects and heavy items falling, windows and outer walls to stay away from. If you are outdoors, stay away from trees, walls, power lines and other buildings. If you are driving, stay away from bridges, buildings, power lines, and stay in the car off the side of the road until the tremors have ceased.
Radio Stations ” a decent radio should be able to pick up on AM 530 ” 1710 khz, FM 88 ” 108 mhz, Shortwave 3 -12 mhz with antenna.
Television Stations ” VHF channels and Weather Alert channels.