Community Disaster Preparedness Tips – Plan Ahead of Time

There are about a hundred different things one could do to prepare for natural disaster and to be safe and well for when this happens. Sometimes a major emergency is as simple as a lonngggg blackout or a severe storm. Emergencies can happen everywhere, so be prepared.

Besides immediate responsiveness to get out of danger, your steps should help you and your family take care of yourselves for at least 72 hours.

Top 10 Disaster Preparation Steps

1. Learn the evacuation routes in your neighborhood.
Just one day, pay attentions to the signs in your neighborhood and follow them along. It could be a fun game with the kids.

2. Find out which disasters prevail in your area.
This website features a number of state government insurance agencies, which offer extensive information about the type of disasters that could occur locally.

3. Find out how you would be warned of an emergency in your community.
Visit same websites (as per 2.) and/or look up your local council’s sites for instructions and information.

4. Ask your workplace about emergency plans.
A good place to start would be the employee manual and HR.

5. Learn about emergency plans for your children’s school or daycare center.
A little pack with a photo of the parents, some non-perishable food and drink, a letter to the child, a flashlight and a little teddybear will go a long way in comforting your child, in case of emergency. There will be other plans relating to excape routes and escorted in case of evacuation requirements. Your child’s teachers should be fully versed with these plans.

6. Know about community preparation and response programs.
Again, your local council is the best source of information. Visit their website, call them up, or visit the town hall for your inquiries.

7. Create a family disaster plan and practice it regularly.
While this may seem scary, it is actually safer than not doing this. Most accidents happen because of panic. Preparedness is what helps you along in staying safe. With young children, make a game out of it. Also, ensure that your child’s daycare and your employer hold regular practices.

8. Have a list of organizations that can be contacted for emergency assistance
and keep it with disaster supplies. Usually, the yellow pages/phone book has a section reserved for helpful phone numbers. Write down the top 5 numbers you may need given the type of prevailing disasters in your local area. Then, tag this note with a simple sticker on the fridge, as well as keeping another copy with your disaster supplies.

9. Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
Not only you and your family will benefit, but your whole community could potentially benefit from this extra learning. Some companies and organizations offer classes, class fee reimbursement and/or time off to learn.

10. Imagine yourself and your family to be calm and comfortable for when a natural disaster happens. All will be well. The anticipation of a positive outcome usually helps with bringing this outcome on.

By A. Lee

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