Weekly Emergency Preparedness Tips

Emergency preparedness is an important topic that many people and families forget to think about. Depending on your geographical location, you may be subject to certain types of disasters, such as floods, hurricanes or earthquakes. Individuals and families with pets and young children have an added reason to make a plan to get out, get safe and reunite during a disaster. Devoting just a small amount of time each week to solidifying your plan can make all the difference in the event of a disaster.

Escape Routes

• Escape routes are one of the most important topics to bring up with your entire family, especially if you live in a multi-story house or a house with limited exits. When you begin to think about how each member of your family would escape in the event of a flood, fire or earthquake, you may realize that your children need window ladders or other tools to get out, especially if you can't reach them safely when a disaster strikes. Each family member must be aware of all possible exits, the preferred exit and backup solutions in case an exit is blocked. If you have to employ tools like a window ladder, make sure each member of the family knows how to use it safely via regular practice sessions.

Travel Bag

• Emergency preparedness kits are not only essential, they can be fun to put together, especially for young children. Sit down with your family and brainstorm items you might need in an emergency situation where you have to leave the home. Possible items include flashlights, cash, credit cards, emergency contacts, a cell phone, batteries, a radio and comfort items. You can let your children decorate their travel bag; make room for their favorite stuffed animal and other things that will engage them in the project of making the travel bag while understanding its importance.

Stay Informed

• Preparing for an emergency is about staying informed. Weather-related disasters are constantly changing and paper, radio and television news broadcasts serve to keep the public informed. Make it a habit to check at least two news sources each week, and include your children in this activity so that they develop this habit at a young age. Show each member of your family how to check the weather, crime statistics in your neighborhood and read about major disasters in other parts of the world in newspapers and online articles. You can schedule this information session at the same time every week so that it eventually becomes second nature for you and your family.

Check and Update

• Making a plan, packing a bag and staying informed are tips recommended by FEMA, the American Red Cross, U.S. Homeland Security and other organizations. These steps are incomplete, however, if you fail to constantly check and update your plan and your travel bag, and seek to stay updated with changing news. Developments in your house may make it necessary to plan new escape routes and meeting points outside of the house. Your travel bag, if never or rarely used, may need to be updated with new batteries or more bandages. News about a natural disaster can change quickly, so when there is a possibility of disaster, you have to be diligent about staying informed. Review and update your family's disaster plans and travel bags at least once a month.