June is National Safety Month, and at Beanster’s Bytes we have been talking about all things safety. From pool safety to bug bite tonics, to playground first aid kits we are discussing it all!
Today, it is all about the logistics of preparing your family for emergency. It can seem daunting or not high on the list of things to do, but preparing for an emergency is important and essential. While not all emergencies can be prepared for, having a plan can (hopefully) minimize the damage both physical and mental.
Step 1: Know your Emergency
Regardless of where you live, there could be a natural disaster that your area is known for (i.e. Midwest = tornados, Gulf of Mexico = hurricanes, etc.). It is important to know what event(s) is mostly to happen in order to prepare for it. Since I live in Los Angeles, it is all about earthquakes. Also, we can get forest fires, extreme heat, and even flooding (depending on the location). Any of these events can come on quickly and without much warning, so it is important to be ready for them.
Tip: If you are unsure what emergency to prepare for, contact the Red Cross in your area to find out. They can also give you information on preparing for an emergency.
Step 2: Make an Exit Plan
I don’t know about you, but I remember when I was in grade school the local fire department coming to our school to talk about fire danger and making a fire escape plan. It stuck with me and to this day, I (at least) make a mental note of the various ways to exit my home. This is extra important for me as there are power lines that run above my front door and in a major emergency I may not be able exit that way. Also, making sure that you set a spot outside the home to meet is important.
Tip: Make sure your whole family knows the exit plan and if needed is posted in a common area.
Step 3: Communicating and Meeting Spot
Another important aspect of preparing for emergency is knowing how to get a hold of your family and friends (sans cell phone). Creating a place that you can meet up with each other after the emergency occurred. Depending on where you live this could vary from shelters, parks, community, or even another family members house.
Another concern, could be communicating with loved ones that are not local to let them know how you are. Case in point, a few months ago there was a minor earthquake in Los Angeles. I had been driving and didn’t feel it, so I didn’t think to post on Facebook or email anyone that I was okay. What followed was a bunch of messages asking if I was okay. I was touched and learned my lesson, which was that when I didn’t contact my family they worried.
Obviously, this could be difficult if cell towers and Internet is down. However, creating a plan to get a hold other is important. Have a contact person that can let everyone else know you are okay and have his or her contact info with your emergency kit.
Step 4: Prepare you Home
Depending on where you live and the natural disasters you may encounter, will determine how you prepare your home. Living in earthquake country means bookcases bolted to wall, no wall art or decorations over beds or sofas, making sure anything that could fall is not placed on a high shelf or cabinet and many other things. Contacting a professional, Red Cross, or doing your own research may be needed. I have a Red Cross Earthquake App, which is full of information on how to prepare, what to do during, and after. Red Cross also make similar apps for many other natural disasters or emergencies.
Tip: Make sure that you and other family members know how to off the gas, water, and any other utilities off.
Step 5: Family and Community
Have your family help with preparedness will not only make it easier, but it will help the whole family be knowledgeable about what to do in an emergency. Assigning responsibilities for people either before, during, or after will help make sure that everything is covered. Of course, these tasks need to be age appropriate.
Depending on your neighborhood, you may also want to talk with your neighbors and develop a plan with them as well. It could be as simple as checking in on each other and making sure you have each other’s contact info.
Next week, I will be covering how to put together an emergency kit for the whole family and even your pets!
Have you put together an emergency plan? Tips, comments, or questions? Post them below!
Prepared and Ready,
Mrs. Know it All
