Catastrophes happen every day. Whether they’re natural disasters like floods, tornadoes and hurricanes or man-made like vandalism, fires or poor maintenance, you and your home could be at risk. Be prepared with several personal catastrophe planning tips.
Identify hazards in your home. Is your heating system up-to-date? Do you keep flammable materials in a safe location? Are rodents living in your attic? Do you see exposed wires? Are the steps and railings in good repair? These and other hazards affect the safety of your home, family and visitors.
Develop an emergency evacuation plan. Make sure you and your children know how to escape your home if there’s an emergency. Map an escape route, practice using the escape ladder to get out of the second story bedrooms, know how to stop, drop and roll, and be prepared with a meeting spot in case you need to evacuate. Ask a relative in another city to serve as a contact, too, to handle communications in case you and your family are separated.
Teach your kids their address and phone number. Kids as young as three or four should know their personal information in case they get separated from you or lost.
Learn CPR and first aid. Knowing these skills can save someone’s life. Stay updated on your trainings, and store supplies in a waterproof bag along with your other emergency supplies.
Maintain emergency supplies. In a large, waterproof barrel, stock emergency supplies for any situation. Ideas include a flashlight, batteries, lantern, rope, tape, tools, medications, gloves, blankets and first aid materials.
Stockpile water. Experts recommend you store enough water for up to three days. You’ll need at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, bathing and sanitation, and store the bottled water in a cool, dark location such as your basement.
Store enough food. Non-perishable food can sustain you if the power goes out or you otherwise cannot access fresh food. Options include canned meat and fruits, granola bars, peanut butter, dry cereal and preserved fruits. Remember to stock a manual can opener, napkins, plates and utensils, too.
Remember your pet. Along with your family’s water and food supply, store a small bag of dry food, potable water, identification and proof of current vaccinations for your dog.
Practice for catastrophes at least once every six months. Make time to refresh everyone’s memory on what to do in an emergency, and tweak anything that needs to be changed.
You don’t know when a catastrophe will hit, but you can be prepared. Update your insurance coverage and follow these tips.
