Coming Up with a Family Emergency Plan

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Make sure your loved ones are safe and their basic needs are met by developing a family emergency plan to put into place in the event of a disaster by having a plan. It is easy to panic during an emergency, so being prepared can help to minimize that panic and enable you to help your family in a calm and safe manner.

An emergency plan should include a disaster supply kit and essential supplies, and they should be easily accessible in a place that is pre-arranged.

A disaster supply kit should include medical supplies, medications, non-perishable foods and water, batteries, blankets and clothing. When you are putting your kit together, make sure the items you include meet basic needs - don’t worry about luxury items. The basic necessities are food, water, clothing, and shelter, so focus on making sure your family has these items.  

An emergency plan that is easy to follow is also a good idea. If your family includes older children or adults, you will want to make sure that they can remember what to do, so keep it as simple as you can, using places that are familiar if possible. In the event of a house fire, for example, direct your family to a safe meeting place that is close by, like a neighbor’s house, and for a large scale emergency, use a familiar building in the area such as a church or school, where the family can meet up.

Directives for each member will ensure that everyone knows what they are supposed to do during an emergency. Each family member can be assigned a partner to keep track of, for example, and someone can be in charge of carrying the emergency kit to the meeting place. Discuss it together and pick the best person for the job.

Create an emergency checklist and put it somewhere memorable. It should include emergency contacts such as addresses and phone numbers. Add important items to the list to take from the home, like spare car keys, vital records, and pets.

Natural disasters may knock out power, contaminate drinking water, or make it difficult for first responders to get to you. Have an emergency food supply, consisting of canned and non-perishable items, including bottled water. This is especially important for families that reside in areas prone to events such as blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires.

Click here for more information of our residential services for emergencies.

Here at SERVPRO of Huron and East Seneca Counties, we care about you and your family. Be safe! (419) 441-1790.