Emergency Preparedness Instructions

During an emergency, swift and deliberate actions reduce danger and save lives. Although it can be difficult or even impossible to predict when an emergency can arise, precautions and plans may be put in place to keep your family ready. Emergencies vary from region to region; a family in Michigan may not worry about earthquakes, but a family living along the San Andreas Fault must be ready to handle one. No single plan can cover every emergency, so it is important that families understand what dangers they may be prone to and act accordingly.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bins
• First aid kit
• Emergency supplies

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Instructions

• 1

  Assess potential dangers that could affect your region or area. Scenarios might include fire, weather dangers, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods, home intruders or national disasters.

• 2

  Develop an action plan to handle each emergency situation. According to Ready America, a plan should include an out-of-town contact, cell phones or calling cards for each family member and a meeting place. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also suggests determining escape routes.

• 3

  Gather emergency preparedness items necessary to meet potential dangers. Keep the items in clear, plastic bins and label each bin. The bins must be easily accessible.

  Emergency supplies vary depending on the danger. Ready America suggests keeping water, non-perishable food, battery-powered radios, a first aid kit, extra batteries, dust masks and survival gear, such as warm blankets and extra clothing.

• 4

  Learn and practice safety skills. FEMA suggests that each family member should know basic first aid and how to administer CPR. Additionally, each family member should know how to use items in the emergency preparedness kits, such as fire extinguishers and radios.

• 5

  Conduct safety drills. Periodically, go over emergency action plans and conduct drills as necessary. Tweak the plans to handle new issues or gaps.