Top Preparedness Tips for Any Emergency

“It is ultimately our own responsibility to be prepared. No one is going to do it for us”.

Here is a list of several safety tips (not in any particular order) for you and your family. Read them over and see how many you can implement in your life!

• The most important thing to remember in the even of an earthquake or other emergency situation is to remain calm.
• The three basic actions recommended by the American Red Cross when you begin to feel an earthquake are to drop to the floor, take cover and hold on.
• Always keep at least ½ a tank of gas in your car.
• Your emergency kit should include food, water, first aid, search and rescue equipment, lighting, comfort and sanitation products to sustain each person for at least 3 days.
• Keep your emergency kit in a place that is easily accessible such as in a coat closet or under your bed.
• Keep all your important documents such as insurance (including medical, home and car), birth certificates, doctor’s name, medical records and passport in one place for easy access.
• Keep cash on hand in small bills.
• If you are on medication on a daily basis, make sure you have an extra prescription.
• If you wear glasses, have an extra pair in your emergency kit.
• Keep a pair of shoes under your bed.
• Have an out of state contact person.
• Make an evacuation plan with your family. Discuss it and practice it once every 6 months to a year.
• Don’t forget your pets! Make sure you have plenty of food for them!

When making a plan, it is important to include your entire family, including any caregivers for your children.   Make sure that you plan on sharing responsibilities and work together as a team.  This is especially important for kids because it empowers them rather than scares them.  A plan is so important because if there is a situation where you do need to leave your home, everyone can remain calm because everyone knows his or her job!

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen in your community. Explain what to do in each case, i.e., earthquake, fire, and severe weather.

Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so make sure you plan how you will contact one another. Cell phones might not be working so it is extremely important to have an out of town contact who knows your plan.  Review what you will do in different situations.