Preparing Our Families
As emergency managers, we live and breathe preparedness, but what happens to our families when there’s an emergency and we have to work? How can we ensure our families feel prepared to respond without us?
1. Create a Family Emergency Plan:
Communication Plan: Establish a plan for how family members will contact each other during an emergency. Include phone numbers, email addresses, and a designated meeting place.
Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood. Practice these routes regularly.
Emergency Contacts: List emergency contacts, including neighbors, friends, and relatives who can provide assistance.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit:
Basic Supplies: Ensure the kit contains essential items such as water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents.
Personal Items: Include items specific to your family’s needs, such as baby supplies, pet food, and any necessary medical equipment.
Maintenance: Regularly check and update the kit to keep items current and functional.
3. Ensure Financial Preparedness:
Emergency Funds: Set aside a financial reserve to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency. A good suggestion is $500 to cover basics like emergency lodging.
Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents (insurance policies, identification, financial records) in a safe, easily accessible place.
4. Train and Educate Family Members:
Basic First Aid: Teach family members basic first aid skills and how to use the first aid kit.
Emergency Procedures: Ensure everyone knows what to do in various emergency scenarios, such as fires, floods, or severe weather events.
Community Resources: Familiarize your family with local emergency services and community resources available during a crisis. Be sure to keep a written copy of emergency contacts in the family Go Bag.
5. Establish Roles and Responsibilities:
Delegation: Assign specific roles and responsibilities to each family member so everyone knows their part in the emergency plan.
Backup Plan: Ensure there are backup individuals for key roles in case the primary person is unavailable.
6. Stay Informed:
Emergency Alerts: Sign up for local emergency alerts and ensure family members know how to access this information.
Weather Updates: Monitor weather forecasts and stay informed about potential hazards.
7. Practice Regularly:
Exercise: Conduct regular drills to practice the emergency plan and ensure everyone is familiar with their roles.
Review: Periodically review and update the plan to address any changes in family circumstances or new potential threats.
The last thing emergency managers need during an emergency is added stress. Ensuring our loved ones are prepared for emergencies can help us feel confident in their ability to respond and recover. Check our FEMA’s Ready.gov website for more tips and stay safe!