Do you have a family emergency plan?
May 13th 2008 13:44
Public Domain Image from NASA Courtesy of Wikipedia
We recently experienced a magnitude 6.7 earthquake where we live. Although there were no reported injuries and damages caused by the quake, this incident made me realize that we were unprepared for such calamities. Of course natural calamities are very unpredictable but having a family emergency and escape plan would help us think clearly and act fast when the need arises.
Disaster Preparedness
Fire, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, these are but some calamities that we may have and will experience during our lifetime, that's why it's important to be prepared. Here are some quick tips:
1. Have an emergency supply kit in your home which includes, food, water, batteries, flashlights, first aid kit and other necessities.
2. Create a family escape plan. For example, in case of a fire:
- Draw a map of your home and clearly label each room.
- Figure out two ways of exiting each room and designate a meeting place outside your home for you family.
- Remember what number to call in case of a fire and post that number near your phone.
- Place smoke alarms around your home and test it occasionally to see if it's working.
- Place an escape ladder in each room and practice how to use it. Make sure you can open and close the door or window of your escape route.
- Have a family fire drill at least once a year so everyone will remember what to do.
- Remember in case of a fire STOP, DROP and CRAWL
3. Learn more about the different types of calamities, how you can best prepare for it and how to protect your family when it occurs.
Websites That Can Help
The following websites will further help you create a family survival and escape plan.
Sparky the Fire Dog
Ready America
FEMA
Prepare.Org
Let's also say a prayer for victims of calamities, especially the cyclone victims in Myanmar and the victims of the recent earthquake that rocked China.
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