Get A Plan

Steps to take in creating a household emergency plan include:

• Schedule a family meeting to discuss the dangers of possible emergency events including fire, severe weather, hazardous spills and terrorism.
• Discuss how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency.
• Discuss what to do in case of power outages or personal injuries.
• Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two escape routes from each room.
• Teach adults how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches.
• Post emergency contact numbers near all telephones, and pre-program emergency numbers into phones with autodial capabilities.
• Teach children how and when to dial 9-1-1 to get emergency assistance.
• Because it is often easier to call long distance during an emergency than within the affected area, choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom all family members will call if separated during an emergency.
• Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
• Pick two meeting places-one near your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after an emergency.
• Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
• Keep family records in a water and fireproof safe. Inexpensive models can be purchased at most hardware stores.
• Article - Developing A Family Disaster Plan
• Article - Home Hazard Hunt