While we shouldn’t live in constant fear, preparing ourselves for disasters is essential. It is especially important to prepare for the disasters that are most common to your region, knowing how they can affect you. The natural disasters may be different, but in part, the preparation is the same. Take the steps to protect yourself by building a family disaster preparedness plan. Developing and then executing the plan will be key in keeping your family safe in a disaster situation.
Disasters can and do strike without any warning. Building a disaster kit for every member of your family, including pets, will be key. Make sure you have enough food and water for at least 72 hours, extra clothing, shoes, and any medications needed. Have these emergency kits in an easy to access place. Make sure your whole family knows about their kit.
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Every family needs an escape route for a disaster situation. There should not be one route of escape, but multiple in case one is blocked. Make sure to practice your family plan on a regular basis so everyone is familiar with it. In addition to this, there should be an outdoor meeting place where you can go to meet up should you be separated. Practice making your way to this location.
Sometimes it can be hard for young kids to understand what’s happening, or how serious an emergency situation can be. Don’t scare them, but teach them in a way they’ll understand about the potential of disaster. Now is the perfect time to tell them about the problems that may be common in your area, whether that’s tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, or other extreme storms. Teach your children that while we shouldn’t be afraid, it is crucial to be prepared.
Not every disaster is large scale. A home fire can be just as devastating to a family as anything. Make sure you protect your home before disaster strikes by:
Prepare your family for disaster by building a plan. But it can’t stop here, once the plan has been created you have to implement and continue practicing the plan. Don’t allow a disaster to be the catalyst you need to take action. Prepare yourself beforehand to protect your family.