Emergency Preparedness - A Plan of Action! by Lorrie Streeter

Most people at some time in their life will be faced with an emergency situation. It could be the result of a fire in their home, a river or lake flooding, lightning or sever electrical storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, mudslides, an avalanche or various other forms of disaster situations.

Every household, school and business needs an emergency plan. You cannot expect to automatically know what to do when a disaster situation occurs. An emergency plan will help you and your family or colleagues be prepared if and when an emergency happens. You can develop a “do” reaction instead of an “what do I do?” reaction if you plan ahead and practice what you have planned.

When making your emergency plan, consider the following guidelines.

Family Preparedness:

- Have a 72-hour emergency survival kit by the door for easy access (an extra one in the trunk of your car is also a good idea)
- Safe exits from your home (consider doors, windows, stairs – never elevators) and neighbourhood – practice once a month so it will be an automatic response when an emergency does occur
- A meeting place to reunite with your family members or roommates
- A designated person to pick up your children should you be unavailable to do so
- A place for your pet(s) to stay
- Contact person(s) close-by and out-of-town (include name, address and phone number)
- Pertinent health information (consider keeping a copy in your 72-hour emergency kit)
- Location of fire extinguisher (know how to use it), water and gas shut-off valves, electrical box, floor drain (keep a wrench near for turning off valves)
- Possible risks in your region

School Preparedness:

- Safe exits from your school building
- Possible transportation of children out of the neighbourhood (buses or parent vehicles)
- Prearranged meeting places to reunite children with their family members
- A coordinated group of contact persons to relay information between parents and school personnel
- Phone number parents are encouraged to call specifically for emergency information
- The location of your fire extinguishers (school staff should know how to use them)
- Possible risks in your region

Business Preparedness:

- Have a 72-hour emergency survival kit by your desk or within easy reach
- Safe exits from your building and neighbourhood (never use the elevator)
- The location of building fire extinguishers (personnel should know how to use them)
- Possible risks in the region
- Building codes and regulations
- Internal and external resources and capabilities

Emergency Preparedness For Pets:

- Take your pet(s) with you - leaving them in a “safe place” is not the best option
- Try relatives, friends, kennels, vet clinics, motels or campgrounds that allow pets
- Keep a copy of your list of possible shelters in your Emergency Kit
- If you know of a possible disaster situation or severe storm brewing, keep your pets with you
- Make sure your pets are wearing collars and identification tags

An emergency situation does not have to be a disaster. Be Prepared - Before Disaster Strikes!

About The Author

Lorrie Streeter has been involved in Emergency Preparation for over 25 years. Through her website she helps many people prepare for an emergency. Visit http://www.SurvivalStreet.com for more information and products.