Disaster Planning
Emergency response tips for homeowners
Disaster planning is vitally important, regardless of whether or not you live in an area with an elevated risk of earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes or floods. Accidents and natural disasters can strike without warning, and you don't want to be caught unprepared in a life-or-death situation.
While many states and jurisdictions have multi-agency emergency response planning initiatives in place to help in the aftermath of an unforeseen disaster, it is your responsibility to look after the safety and welfare of your property and family. With a little know-how and forethought, you can rest assured that you'll be ready if an emergency strikes.
Emergency Planning Tips that Could Save Your Life
First and foremost, you need to know what actions to take in the event of a specific disaster. For example, if you're home during an earthquake, you need to stay clear of tall furnishings that could topple and migrate to a safe area of the house. Doorways are often cited as the safest places to be when an earthquake strikes, as they're structurally reinforced. As an alternative, you can hide under low-lying but sturdy furnishings like coffee tables to protect yourself from falling debris.
Safety planning for fires involves both fire detection and emergency evacuation. Make sure your smoke detectors are working correctly, and replace their batteries regularly. Plan and rehearse an escape route, and have an alternative available in case the fire makes it impossible to get out according to plan.
Violent storms can strike suddenly, making preparedness extremely important. If a hurricane or tornado strikes, make sure to keep away from doors and windows. Seek refuge in your basement if possible, and do not go outside until both the "front half" and the "back half" of the storm have passed.
Emergency Disaster Planning Supplies
As part of your emergency planning initiative, you should keep a basic emergency kit on hand at all times. This kit should be stored in a secure but accessible place, and should contain water, non-perishable foods, a can opener, a flashlight and batteries, and first aid supplies. If you or anyone in your family relies on prescription medications, you should also have a cache of these medicines on hand in your kit.
Don't forget to extend your emergency management planning efforts to your automobile – after all, you don't want to be left at the mercy of the elements if you're on the road and far from home. Your emergency car kit should include everything your home kit has, as well as candles, matches, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher and a whistle for attracting attention.
Remember to store at least a half-gallon of water per person per day. Dehydration can set in rapidly, and it can quickly lead to serious health problems.
