Emergency Preparedness — Plan Now, Stay Calm Later
August 2006 - Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. While you never know when an emergency will happen, some planning now can go a long way to help you and your family respond calmly in a stressful situation.
Research & Discuss
First, learn about community resources that can help during an emergency. Research the locations of hospitals and evacuation shelters, as well as important phone numbers. Check your insurance coverage for your home, automobile and family accident care. Create lists of emergency supplies.
Hold a family meeting to formulate an emergency plan. Discuss different emergency situations and what could happen (such as how a storm could result in a loss of electrical power or an unexpected event could delay a parent from picking up a child). Explain how calmly executing your plan will help everyone stay safe.
Plan
- Evaluate each family member's ability to respond to an emergency. Have written emergency plans for infants, elderly or handicapped individuals, and pets.
- Determine home evacuation routes for fires, as well as a "safe" room for hurricanes or tornadoes.
- Be sure everyone knows about home smoke detectors and fire alarms, and who and when to call for help.
- Designate a meeting place outside the house if an evacuation is necessary. Select a meeting place if you are unable to get home.
- Specify a friend or family member who will pick up children in an emergency. Create a secret password other adults can use to assure your children that "Mom or Dad sent me to get you."
- Name an out-of-town person everyone must call if an emergency separates the family.
Prepare
- Assemble emergency kits with enough supplies for at least three days.
- Post your home address and important numbers near each phone, and distribute lists of key numbers for wallets and backpacks.
- Inspect your home for potential hazards, such as items that could cause injury or damage, or catch fire.
- Purchase smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and learn how to use them.
- Learn CPR and first aid.
Practice
- Regularly quiz family members on details of your emergency plan.
- Practice home evacuations.
- Test smoke detectors regularly and recharge fire extinguishers as needed.
- Keep emergency phone numbers up-to-date.
- Replace emergency water, food and medication supplies regularly.
In case of a medical emergency, dial 911 or visit the Emergency Department nearest you. Familiarize yourself with Memorial Healthcare System hospital locations by viewing our Facilities Directory.