Family emergency
planning can be the key to surviving an emergency. That's
why it's important to talk to your family to prepare them
for various emergencies. Ensure the whole family is a part
of the planning process so that the plan addresses
everyone's needs. Recognize that in extreme situations, city
emergency resources may be limited. Be prepared to care for
yourself and your family for at least 3 days.
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Designate a location to
meet in case it is impossible to return home or if you
have to evacuate. Choose two - one near your home
and one outside the neighborhood. Make sure your family
knows the address and phone number of both locations.
-
Designate on an
out-of-area contact person. This person should be
far enough away that it is unlikely he or she would be
affected by the same emergency. Family members should call
this person to report their location if they cannot reach
each other. Provide your contact person with important
names and numbers so they can assist in keeping others
posted on your situation.
- Create an
Emergency Supply Kit and a Go Bag.
Make sure that all members of your household know where
these supplies are.
-
Keep a flashlight and a
pair of shoes by each bed.
- Determine
the best escape routes from your home. Identify at least
two separate escape routes and practice using them.
-
Locate your gas main and
other utilities.
Make sure the entire household knows where they are and
how to operate them.
-
Familiarize yourself with
emergency plans at places that are a part of your everyday
life, such as school, work, church, daycare, etc.
-
Make sure your
home is as safe and
secure as possible.
-
While making your plan,
consider the special needs of children,
seniors, persons
with disabilities, non-English speakers, and pets
in your household
-
Create communications
card for each member of your household to keep with them
at all times.
-
Make copies of all
important documents and keep them off-site in a secure
location. Documents to include: passports, birth
certificates, social security cards, wills, deeds,
driver's licenses, financial documents, insurance
information, and prescriptions.
-
Catalog and photograph
valuables. Keep these with your second set of
documents.
-
This second
set of documents should be with your out-of-state
contact or in a secure location.
-
This should
be updated at least each year…if you can, when you get
or sell a piece of furniture or add a child or send one
away to college or they get married, consider updating
your records then.
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If you must
travel during poor winter conditions, let someone know where
you’re going, when you’re leaving, and your intended route.
Finally, be sure to let them know when you’ve arrived at
your destination. Make sure you have your winter survival
kit in your vehicle as well. If you become stranded in your
vehicle, remember the following:
- Stay in the
car. Do not leave the car to search for assistance. You
may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting
snow.
- Display a
trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio
antenna and raise the hood.
-
Occasionally run the engine to keep warm – about 10
minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running.
Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is
running.
- Beware of
carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of
snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
- Watch for
signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Do minor
exercises to keep up circulation.
- Clap hands
and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in
one position for too long.
- If more
than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
- For warmth,
huddle together.
- Use
newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for
added insulation.
- Avoid
overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the
heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or
pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other
medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of
dehydration.
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