Home Security Beat

Develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan

In the event of a fire, hurricane or tornado, do you have an emergency preparedness plan for your family? This plan would include different ways of escaping your home as well as designating safe areas within your house in case you need shelter. If you don’t have a disaster supplies kit or any of these other issues figured out, it’s time to sit down and prepare a way to cope with these potential disasters.

Contents of a Disaster Supplies Kit

A disaster supplies kit would be useful in case of power outages or severe weather that would keep you indoors. The following items should be stored in a container or bag that is easily accessible:

• Jugs of water (one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable or canned foods and a non-electric can opener
• Extra clothing, shoes and rain gear
• Blankets and pillows
• A first aid kit and prescription medications (e.g. insulin for diabetics)
• Extra glasses or contacts
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and batteries
• A form of I.D., credit cards and cash
• Extra keys for your house and car
• A list of family physicians and other important family information
• Other supplies for infants and elderly or disabled family members

Determine Your Escape Route

If your home catches on fire, it’s important to know a few different ways of getting out of your apartment, condo or house safely. Drawing a floor plan of your home can help determine which doors and windows are best. Visualizing your home might also prompt you to make some changes. For instance, if you have furniture or other heavy items blocking your extra door, it would be a good idea to find another place for these belongings.

In addition, you might notice that you don’t have some simple precautionary measures setup such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and collapsible ladders. These items might prevent disasters from escalating into life threatening situations. Remember, all of the family members should be aware of the possible escape routes, and you should also establish a meeting place near your home.

Developing an emergency preparedness plan can increase your chances of survival when a tornado, flash flood, earthquake, etc. strikes. It’s also beneficial to act out your plan at least twice a year so it becomes a natural response. Disasters can be chaotic experiences, and it’s easy to panic and lose your train of thought. Planning for the event can calm your nerves during these situations and allow you and your family to react more effectively.

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Tags: disaster supplies kit, emergency planning, emergency preparedness plan, escape route