We talk a lot through the pages of this site on remodeling and decorating your home to make it more beautiful. But one of the things we seem to take for granted is our safety and security in the home.
Most of us give very little thought to what we would do if a disaster such as an earthquake, tornado, fire, storms, or flood were to happen. Having a workable flashlight and candles is about as far as most people do to prepare for emergencies. Are you one of them?
What I would like to do is spend a few minutes to discuss a few things that you can do to prepare your home and family in case the unthinkable disaster were to ever strike your home or area.
Planning for emergencies and preparing your family is key to making it through safely. We will discuss both as we continue with the different ways you can ensure you and your family are ready for emergencies.
Take a look at the surroundings of your home and the area where you live. Is there a creek or river nearby? I have personally seen what looked like small trickling creeks become engorged with water following heavy rains. I have seen them develop into small rivers that overflow their banks and flood homes. I have seen homes near rivers get picked up by the river, removed from its foundation, and sent down the river. Never underestimate the power and devastation of water.
Look for other hazards near and around your home. Power lines that may be taken down and/or large trees in your or your neighbor’s yard. Is there a railroad line near your home? Trains carry cars full of hazardous material every day.
You know the route you usually take to and from your home, but what about any alternate routes in case your normal route is shut down in an emergency? In an emergency, the normal and usual is completely out the window and you will be forced to adapt. Thinking about that now will make you much more prepared.
Sit down and write a small Home Emergency Plan. Do not make it long and complex because your family will be less likely to practice a complicated plan and may not be able to follow it during the chaos and confusion of an emergency. The plan should include:
- Safe evacuation points throughout your home to get out in case main doors are not available.
- Where to meet up once outside of the home. Across the street or at a neighbor’s house. Meeting up again will let you know everyone made it out.
- If it is safer inside the home than out, have a designated place in the home for everyone to meet.
It is also important that your family knows and understands a Family Communications Plan. During our normal day-to-day routine of work, school, and activities, families spend little time each day all together. If a disaster strike, cell phones may be the first communication to fail.
Designate a friend or relative who does not live in the area to be the communication hub if family members are cut off from each other. If your family cannot reach you, they can call that friend or relative to let them know where they are and that they are alright. You can call that friend or relative to get the status of your family.
Prepare and Practice
Preparation for an emergency doesn’t guaranty success, but will go a long way to help ensure safety. Prepare small kits for each family that may include clothes, flashlight, snack food, water, medications, and important papers. These kits go by several names: Survival kits, earthquake kits, bug out bag, 72-hour kits, but all are basically the same. A kit of emergency essentials that will help you survive in an emergency. It may be a good idea to have a small amount of cash also.
Emergency preparation plans should be practiced periodically. It is better to practice small increments more frequently than take a whole day to practice everything once a year.
None of this will make you 100% prepared for any and all emergencies, but when disaster strikes, it is too late to plan, prepare, and practice with your family. Take the time to do it now.
There is more information available on the Emergency Preparedness Guide to assist you.