|
Every family member needs to know
what to expect and what to do in an emergency.
Create a family emergency plan, discuss it
together and review it regularly. Your plan
should include escape routes, meeting places
including alternate meeting locations, phone numbers and
instructions for each family member.
Select A Contact
Ask an out-of-town friend or relative
to be your emergency contact, as it is
often difficult to make local calls
during a disaster. Provide this individual
with the names of every family member who
might call in an emergency. When called,
your contact should ask the following
questions.
- Where is the caller located?
- Is the caller in a safe location?
- How is the caller’s physical condition?
- Where is the caller going next and by what means?
- How can the caller be reached?
Post Emergency Numbers
Post important phone numbers
near telephones, and create an
emergency contact card for each family
member to carry at all times. Teach
children when and how to call emergency numbers.
Choose Meeting Places
Select a safe meeting place outside your
home in case of a sudden emergency,
such as a fire. You should also select a
location outside your neighborhood in case a
disaster makes it impossible to return home.
Plan an alternate meeting location as well.
Know Escape Routes
Make sure every family member knows the
best escape routes out of your home and which
places inside your home are safest during
certain disasters. For example, if a tornado
approaches, family members should retreat
to a basement, cellar or interior room
with no windows.
Learn First Aid Skills
At least one family member should know
how to respond if someone becomes ill or
injured in a disaster. Consider participating
in an American Red Cross first aid program, such as
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and
AED (automated external defibrillator).
Contact your local American Red
Cross chapter for class schedules and
locations in your area.
Review And Update
You and your family should review your
disaster plan at least twice annually.
Practice what to do in each type of emergency.
Make sure each family member knows where to
go and what to do if disaster strikes.
Update your plan as appropriate and take the
following steps.
- Replace emergency supply water every 3 months.
- Replace emergency supply food every 6 months.
- Test smoke detectors monthly
and replace batteries as needed. Inspect fire extinguishers monthly.
Complete the Family Emergency Information
work sheet for each member of your family.
|
Selling A Home
Selling A Home
Previous