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:
- Write a disaster plan
- Write an evacuation plan
- Learn about safety plans at work and school
- Prepare for fires
- Assemble disaster supplies
- 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.
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
