How to Test for Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared for emergency situations is a role not to be taken lightly. The situations in which an emergency can happen are numerous, and the scenarios in how you will respond are unique and critical in each way. Testing your skills in an emergency drill will give you real-time measurements in how well you have prepared and can give you an indication of how you need to improve.

Instructions

• 1

  Your first test is preparing or reviewing your plan.

  Develop an emergency-response plan. If you preparing at home, create an emergency supply kit with necessities such as food, water and blankets and make phone lists with emergency contacts such as fire and police department numbers. Educate all family members about the plan. Create an evacuation plan with your family to prepare for fire or create a plan to seek shelter in case of tornadoes, hurricanes or other weather-related emergencies. Business, community and group plans will more involved because more people need be educated and the level of readiness requires greater preparation.

• 2

  Local agencies are often used on larger scale drills.

  Plan an emergency drill. Regardless of home or business drills, stage drills to accurately gauge how well everyone understands the emergency-response plan. Repeat the drills with different scenarios as individuals' experience improves in a specific area. Inform participants of an upcoming drill as to not create panic. However, make sure everyone takes the drill seriously. For example, during a fire drill, do not allow anyone to stay in the building.

• 3

  First-aid training is a vital component of any emergency response.

  Enlist the help of emergency personnel. Ask professionals to instruct and train when they are available. Organizations such as your local fire department, police force and rescue teams can offer valuable assistance with the preparation of your drills and help audit your existing plans. For further education, the American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Centers for Disease Control will supply you adequate information regarding preparation and response for emergency and disaster planning (see Resources).