Are You Really Ready?

Do you know what to do in the event of a national or local emergency? Earthquakes, fire, severe weather and terrorist attacks are all examples of emergencies we may all face. Whether it is in the home, office or school, the importance of individual involvement in emergency preparedness cannot be overstated. Advance planning of what you will do in an emergency is crucial. Our government is working hard to ensure that the country is prepared and it is important that you are ready too.

Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense, and take care of yourself and loved ones. Inquire about emergency plans at work, school and other places you frequent.

Below are some helpful tips to assist you in creating an emergency plan.

Your Family Communication Plan

It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.

You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, so be patient.

Emergency Plans

You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time such as work, daycare and school. If no plan currently exists, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you plan in advance.

Meet with family members to prepare a disaster plan. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Share responsibilities and work together as a team.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

Pick two places to meet:

1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.

2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Evacuation

Local government officials, not the Red Cross, issue evacuation orders when disaster threatens. Listen to local radio and television reports when disaster threatens. If local officials ask you to leave, do so immediately!

If you have only moments to leave, these are the things you should grab and go!

Medical Supplies: prescription medications and dentures.

Disaster Supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water

Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member

Keys:Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend's or relative's home )

These are just a few things you can do to help you and your family stay safe. Check the web links we've provided below for more.

Family Communications Plan

Red Cross Family Disaster Plan

Red Cross Family Disaster Supply Kit

Personal Workplace Disaster Kit