No one likes to think about emergencies and disasters which is why being prepared for one can make all the difference! The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reminds us to: Create an Emergency Supply Kit Make a Plan Know the Facts The American Red Cross provides a vast wealth of information about getting your family, school, workplace and community prepared for all types of disasters. Order your First Aid Kit GET A KIT, MAKE A PLAN, BE INFORMED To help your children understand how and why it is necessary to prepare for a disaster, download the American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness coloring book here. Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit* *compliments of www.ready.gov Have a Family Emergency Plan Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. Family Emergency Plan -It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. -Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. -You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, but be patient. Emergency Information -Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. -You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door. Emergency Plans You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance. *compliments of www.ready.gov Be Informed Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them. In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. Emergency preparedness is no longer the sole concern of earthquake prone Californians and those who live in the part of the country known as "Tornado Alley." For Americans, preparedness must now account for man-made disasters as well as natural ones. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.* Click here for local resources and preparedness in your community. *compliments of www.ready.gov © Mark Stout, Image from BigStockPhoto.com © Trishina Nina, Image from BigStockPhoto.com
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
Emergency Planning
Create an Emergency Supply Kit
Have an Emergency Supply Kit.