September is “Emergency Preparedness Month,” it’s a good time to review or make a safety plan. Everyone should have an emergency family plan; plans are needed for all emergencies – not just for a terror emergency. There are weather emergencies such as hurricane or blizzard and emergencies related to loss of power or water. Your family’s plan should be specific to the needs of your family. Once you have a plan be sure to follow it.
Your family plan should include the following:
- Establish a family meeting place.
- Have all emergency phone numbers (fire, police, MD, hospital) in your phone.
- Have a family emergency contact person: this can be an out of town person because they may be easier to reach than someone closer to the emergency.
- Have all of your important documents together in a waterproof, portable container. These documents should include birth certificates for all family members, passports, social security and insurance cards, bank and housing documents.
- Have a family emergency kit. This should include 1st aid supplies and all of your family’s medications. You will need to have a supply kit ready that should include infant formula, water, and non-perishable food for 5 days. Be sure to check your supplies every 6 months. Replace any supplies that have passed their expiration date. You should have a flashlight with extra batteries and a battery powered radio.
- Remember that the family car should have a full tank of gas, a flashlight and emergency flares. It is also a good idea to keep the car stocked with water and snacks. In the winter, keep blankets in the car.
- Have cash and coins as ATMs may not be accessible.
- Don’t forget about your pets.
Plan to commit a weekend to updating telephone numbers, buying emergency supplies and reviewing your emergency plan with everyone involved.
For more information go to: Ready.gov
