How to prepare your family for emergencies?
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We live in a world full of uncertainties. You can be in a state of calm and serenity one minute, and the next, you are thrust into utter chaos and restlessness. Nothing in life is guaranteed except change. For this reason, you need to plan for the unforeseen. Emergencies come in many types, including medical, natural disasters, fires, theft, and death. It is wise for you and your family to be ready at all times. Being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency will reduce panic and enable everyone to act accordingly. Some of the things you and your family can do are;
Family meeting
Gather all the family members and discuss what constitutes an emergency and how to deal with one. Include kids in this meeting and ensure they understand what the meeting is about and why it is crucial.
Emergency kit
Prepare an emergency kit that has all the things you would need to survive for at least five days. In this kit, be sure to include drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights, a first aid kit, blankets, sleeping bags, a battery-powered radio, and solar-charged phones. Essential items that will help you survive until help arrives or you figure out the situation.
Responsibilities and roles
Make sure that everyone understands the position they are to play and what they are responsible for in an emergency. Clearly stating what is expected of everyone will minimize confusion and allow everyone to act quickly and decisively.
Pets
Pets are part of our families. Animals instinctively scamper for safety when they feel in danger, so holding onto them is not a good plan. Discuss who will take care of them and how they will get to safety as you do with kids.
First aid
It is inherently wise for one to have some knowledge on what to do in an emergency. Some of these skills like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the Heimlich Maneuver for choking are so important as they can be the difference between life and death. It is relatively easy to get a CPR certification online and stay prepared if anyone needs your help.
Practice the plan
After you have successfully made a plan on what to do in an emergency, make sure you practice the plan a few times. Each time you take a run at it, note what areas of the plan need to be revised and which areas are impractical. Make the plan as smooth as possible to enhance its effectiveness.
Emergency exits and routes
In case of a fire, you need to let everyone know what to do if a fire breaks out and where they should exit the house. Discuss the safest routes to use if natural disasters occur. You should also give some information on how to safely escape a fire, like staying as low as possible so as not to inhale smoke and not standing near things that could fall on them in the event of an earthquake.
Emergency contacts
Prepare a list of emergency contacts and have the numbers memorized by everyone, especially the kids. You can place them somewhere everyone can see them often so that they are stuck in their minds and will be easy to remember when needed. Teach your kids your full name instead of calling you mum or dad. This makes it easier for the rescue team or anyone who finds the kids to locate you.
Post-disaster meeting sites
Determine which location you can all meet if you get separated during a disaster. Let the kids know the area too and take them there a few times to be able to retrace for the rescue team or even locate the place themselves.
Important documents
Most people keep their important documents such as birth certificates, credit cards, social security information, lease agreements, and marriage certificates in the house. When in a disaster, the last thing you will think about is these documents. For safety, you can make copies and keep them in a safety deposit box at the bank.
Panic only worsens emergencies. When alarmed and worried, you cannot evaluate a situation correctly, and you won’t be helpful in a disaster. Be sure to use some of these tips with your family and stay safe.