Wednesday, April 22, 2009

What is Your Emergency Plan?

By Eric Vanderham

Everyone should have an emergency plan that is developed well in advance of any disaster that might hit their area. Some of us live in zones more prone to certain natural disasters such as tornadoes, active volcanoes, hurricaines, floods,tsunami areas, etc. At school we learn what to do if an earthquake or other disaster strikes, but families and individuals should have a plan in place that will help us cope effectively at home with an emergency.

An ideal list would include the following concerns that you have discussed with your children and partner:

- contact person in and out of town.

- health information and where documents are stored.

- a designated person who you are comfortable picking up the children if you cannot.

- a person designated to pick up your child or family if you are unable to.

- location of water valve, fire extinguisher, electrical box, gas valve, floor drain.

- what to do with pets and their place of priority in the family, i.e. emphasis on people before pets for safety. This is a touchy subject until you have lost a loved one and realize the devastation that is compared to a beloved pet. See more information on this on my site.

Calling 9-1-1 " this needs to be clearly explained. The times to call 911 are for reporting crimes, fires and to save a life.

During an emergency, follow your emergency plan, take your emergency kit which you should have put together ahead of time, keep a listening ear on the radio and television for alert updates and evacuation orders, stay where you are until all is safe or until evacuation is ordered.

One of the biggest mistakes we make is forgetting about another person being designated to pick up family members. A password for children should be assigned, in order for them to know when it is okay to go with another person. This password should be frequently tested in order to ensure it is still in their minds. They need to know they cannot share this password with anyone. Its hilarious providing scenarios and seeing them handle themselves with a password, but in real life, it is not funny if they are vulnerable to leave with someone they shouldnt. Practice scenarios so they know what to do regardless of what the person tells them.

The 72-hour emergency plan has been established worldwide as a time period for people to be completely organized for, i.e. having supplies and a survival plan in the event of a disaster.

Part of an emergency plan is knowing what to do in specific scenarios. If you are outdoors, stay away from trees, walls, power lines and other buildings. If you are driving, stay away from bridges, buildings, power lines, and stay in the car off the side of the road until the tremors have ceased. In the home, identify heavy furniture to drop under and hide, how to cover your head and torso to protect from flying objects and heavy items falling, windows and outer walls to stay away from.

Radio Stations " a shortwave radio with antenna should have 3 - 12 mhz, decent radio should be able to pick up on AM 530 " 1710 khz, FM 88 " 108 mhz.

Television Stations " VHF channels and Weather Alert channels.

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