Prepare for emergencies “As a Family”:

  This month’s topic will address being prepared for a disaster “as a family”. We have all heard about the six steps to becoming a safe family, but given the different world that we live in today and the many brutal winter storms that have been marching through much of the country, I believe these steps are well worth another look.  

The steps are:

1. Write a disaster plan
2. Write an evacuation plan
3. Learn about safety plans at work and school
4. Prepare for fires
5. Assemble disaster supplies
6. Learn lifesaving skills.  

As each one of these steps is important; we will look at them individually.
 

Writing a disaster plan:             

  There are a few things that I consider important under this first step. 

  When a disaster strikes, all of your family members may not be together in one place.

  Your family should select two places to meet in an emergency situation. This is an easy task. Get the family together and let everyone make a suggestion.
 

• In case of a household emergency, such as a fire, pick a spot in the neighborhood to meet and make sure that everyone knows exactly where that spot is.     

• In a more widespread emergency, when all of your family may not be able to get home, or you must evacuate your neighborhood, pick a second place outside of your immediate neighborhood and make sure that all family members knows the address and phone number.     

  An out of town relative or friend may be your “family contact” place. If family members become separated, they should check with this contact as soon as possible. Everyone must know the address, phone numbers and E-mail of the family contact.
 

And last, but not least, plan how to take care of your pet.

  Our pets are an important part of the family, be sure that you plan now for their safety.   You must establish a place to take your pets. Emergency shelters cannot accept pets because of health regulations, so it may be very difficult to find shelter for your pets in a disaster situation.  Plan ahead for that eventuality now. 

  You should also prepare a disaster supply kit for your pet, and have it easily available when it is needed.
   It should include any medical records that you may have, medications and a pet first aid kit. Remember to include, in your pet’s survival kit, any specific medical and behavior information along with the veterinarian’s name and phone number. A leash and / or carriers that will be required to transport your pet. Include some food, water and a can opener, along with a photo of your pet, in case he or she gets lost.   

  You need to come up with a workable plan for your pet’s safety, do not leave your pets alone to fend for themselves.  Make sure that they have collars with up to date information and include a means of contacting you or your “family contact”. 

Write an Evacuation plan: 

  If you need to evacuate you home due to an evacuation notice issued by the authorities or if a fire starts in your home, everyone needs to know exactly what to do. Any hesitation, especially in case of a home fire can be fatal.

  If you prepare and then practice an escape plan, you and your family will have a much better chance of survival in case of an emergency. 

  Making a family escape plan has to involve all family members. Pick a time when everyone is home and sit down at the table and make your emergency escape plan. Include all of the children in the planning, so they feel part of the decision-making. 

• Make a floor plan of your home 
• Find and least two ways out of each room and mark them on the floor plan. Discuss the best escape routes with each family member and remember that windows can be used as exits. Check that all family members can open all windows that you plan to use as exits. 
• Pick a meeting location right outside the house, but out of harms way for everyone to meet after they have escaped the house. Perhaps a neighbor’s front porch would be a good spot. It is very important that everyone goes to the same place so that you will know if there is anyone missing.  
• Practice your plan to make sure everyone knows how to get out and is comfortable with the plan.
  Imagine that one of the room exits is blocked by debris or fire so that you can practice using the other exit. Practicing your plan a few times will help all family members to feel comfortable with it. 
• Remember, do not stop to call the Fire Department, just get out and stay out. Do not go back inside your home for any reason. There are no possessions that are worth a family members life. 

Other things to consider while you are writing your families escape plan. 

  If your home is two-story, consider purchasing escape ladders for each bedroom. Practice using them and store them near the window. If the stairs are blocked with debris or fire, the up-stairs window may be your only escape route. 

  I know you already have smoke detectors on every level of your home, now is a great time to test them. They should be tested at least once a month. 

  Well folks, that is all for this month. I will continue with this important topic in our next newsletter. In the meantime, stay well and stay safe. 

Thank you.

Allan Wright
First Aid Kit Products

www.firstaidkitproducts.com

Make your Home Safe for the Holiday Season

I realize that home safety is a topic with many facets, however I would like to share with you a few examples of Home Safety that I see around my own home.

 

Statistics have always shown an increase in the number of accidents in the home when we are exposed to a change in routine, unusual distractions and increased stress levels. These factors all come together during Christmas – New Years.

 

The risk from fire also increases as more time is spent at home, often with guests. Combined with alcohol, this can make homes more vulnerable to accidental fires.

 

However by keeping a few simple safety steps in mind, we can all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

 

It is absolutely vital to use a proper stepladder when putting up or taking down decorations in positions that you cannot normally reach. The few minutes required to get a proper stepladder can save a very painful fall.

 

Care must be taken not to overload wall sockets with Christmas lights and other electrical decorations. Avoid the use of long extension cords.

Remember to keep the tree away from floor heaters, fireplaces, or other heat sources, even if it is artificial.

Use only UL-listed lights, no more than 3 strands linked together and consider replacing your old lights with the new miniature lights with cool-burning bulbs. Lower your electric bill and your risk of fire with these new lights!

 
Remember, an extension cord and wires should never be warm to the touch! If they are, unplug some of the decorations immediately.

Avoid tree decorations that are made from thin glass that can break easily, as these pieces are very sharp and can injure a youngster crawling around the tree.

 

Always turn off the Christmas lights and decorations at bedtime, or if you leave your home for an extended period.

Never, never, never use candles to decorate the tree; even an artificial tree.

Do not leave any burning candle unattended.

 

Discarded wrapping paper and boxes represents a significant fire hazard in your home.  Tidy up these items ASAP and put them in a safer location, well away from any heat source.

Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace; it can result in a very large fire very quickly, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may even result in a chimney fire.

Keep toys, games, decorations with small parts and button batteries out of reach of young children, babies and toddlers can choke on these small items. Also remember to clear away the last dregs of drinks left in glasses before you go to bed, as even very small amounts of alcohol can poison young children.

 

The holiday season is the time of greatest activity in the kitchen and a little extra effort and organization in keeping worktops and stovetops tidy can pay dividends.  Make sure that all hot, heavy or sharp objects are well back from the edges, with pot handles turned in so as to reduce the risks of any accidents. This is especially important with excited youngsters around.

 

Apply the basic food safety measures when handling any meal. With the stress of the moment, it is easy to overlook a vital food safety step.

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw food products.
• Ensure clean utensils and cooking surfaces are used when preparing foods.
• Don’t cross-contaminate by allowing foods and their juices to come into contact with one another during preparation.
• Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on a plate or tray, so raw juices don’t drip onto other foods in your refrigerator.
• Use one cutting board for raw meat products, another one for salads and other ready-to-eat foods, or wash cutting boards in between each use with soap and a few ounces of bleach.
• Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood unless the plate has been thoroughly washed.
• Eat the meal as soon as it is prepared.
• Never keep salads that contain meats, cheese or fish out of the fridge for more than two hours.
• Refrigerate leftovers As Soon As Possible; cut the meat off the bones or into slices and put it in shallow containers in the refrigerator. Food that takes too long to cool can still grow harmful bacteria in your refrigerator.
• Reheat all leftovers to 165°F (use your thermometer). Gravy should be brought to a rolling boil.  

 

Finally, as you do in every season of the year, have working smoke alarms on every level of your home.  Test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Also consider installing Carbon Monoxide detectors in you home. There have been far too many cases of Carbon Monoxide deaths reported so far this year.

And last, but not least, please take the time to check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors this time of the year – make sure they are safe and secure.

 

Have a Great Holiday.

Sincerely:

Allan Wright

First Aid Kit Products