|  | Public Health Safety | Emergency Preparedness

Disaster Preparation Tips

No one wants to be caught in a natural disaster but turning a blind eye to that possibility is no way to address that concern. Educating yourself and taking steps to prepare for an emergency may well mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. With so much at stake, hoping it never happens to you is a risk not worth taking.

  1. Plan Escape Routes

    • Don't wait until a disaster happens before you decide the best way to get out. Imagine an emergency is happening in your room right now and determine your escape plan. Go through each room in your house and find at least two ways out of each room. Write your findings down and practice frequently. Doing this gives you the foundation of a disaster preparation plan.

    Decide on an Emergency Contact

    • Choose someone who does not live with you, such as an out-of-town relative or friend to serve as your family's emergency contact. Write down the contact information for this person and make sure everyone in the family carries it at all times. In the event a disaster occurs while your family is separated, each person has the ability to check in with the emergency contact and plan accordingly.

    Make a Kit

    • Surviving the actual disaster itself is just the first part. Depending on the nature of the disaster, you may need to survive for quite a while longer without having access to the outside world. Because of this possibility, it's vital to put together an emergency survival kit and keep it well stocked. Fill it with enough food, water and first aid supplies to last at least three days.

    Plan Pet Care

    • Although you don't want to leave your pet behind, emergency shelters are often unable to house pets due to health regulations. Make plans on what to do with any animals that share your residence in the event a disaster hits. Inquire with family friends, veterinarian offices or animal shelters and make sure someone is able to house your pets if you have to evacuate your home.

    Work Together

    • Communities must pull together and work as a team during emergency situations. Get together with your neighbors and discuss ways to assist each other in the event of a disaster. Find out whether anyone has special equipment that will come in handy, such as a power generator, or expert knowledge on subjects such as medicine if first aid is required. Make arrangements for a house your children can go to if something goes wrong when you aren't home to help them.

Emergency Preparedness - Related Articles