EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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Emergencies can happen anytime - from severe weather and fires to power outages and other disasters. Being prepared can make all the difference in keeping you and your family safe.

Talking to your kids about emergencies can be difficult. The American Red Cross has made some kid friendly videos that could be a good starting place to talk to your kids. They can be found here.

Home Emergency Kit

*Click title above to find a list of Emergency Kit Supply Ideas from American Red Cross*

Every household should have a home emergency kit that's easy to grab in a crisis. Check it regularly and update as needed.

Suggested items:

-Water - at least one gallon per person per day (for 3 days)

-Non-perishable food for at least 3 days

-Manual can opener

-Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

-Flashlight and extra batteries

-First aid kit and medications

-Cell phone power banks/cords

-Important documents (IDs, insurance, medical info) in a waterproof container

-Cash in small bills

-Blankets or sleeping bags

-Whistle (to signal for help)

-Personal hygiene items, sanitation supplies, hand sanitizer

-Pet food and supplies (if applicable)

-ICE (In Case of Emergency) Family Binder *See Below for Templates*

Fire Safety Plan

Plan Ahead:

-Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries every six months.

-Identify two exits from every room-usually a door and a window.

-Designate an outdoor meeting place a safe distance from your home.

-Practice your escape plan at least twice a year (especially if you have young children).

If a Fire Occurs:

-Get low and go - crawl under the smoke.

-Feel doors for heat before opening. Close doors behind as you leave to slow down the fire's spread.

-Get out, stay out, and call 911. Never go back inside for belongings.

Tornado Safety Plan

-Know your local warning systems (sirens, alerts, apps).

-Identify a safe place in your home - a basement, storm shelter, or small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.

-Keep your emergency kit and sturdy shoes in that area.

-Make sure all family members know where to go and how to communicate if separated.

-Plan how to protect pets.

During a Tornado:

-Take cover immediately.

-Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, or a mattress.

-Stay tuned to local alerts for updates.

ICE (In Case of Emergency) Binder:

-Knowing where to start when there is an emergency can be overwhelming. Having a Family Emergency Binder is an essential tool that helps you stay organized and prepared in case of an unexpected situation. It keeps all of your most important information - such as family information, medical records, emergency contacts, insurance details, financial documents, and legal papers - in one secure spot. Keep your binder in a safe but accessible location. Do NOT leave it out for everyone to see, but make sure all adults know where it is, and review it regularly to keep everything up to date.

The templates here can be printed and filled out and are only a suggestion of what you can include. You do not have to include anything you are not comfortable including and you can add anything else that pertains to your family. If you include documents such as birth certificates, insurance information, or financial documents ONLY include copies of these items. Keep all originals in a fire/waterproof safe or in a safety deposit box.

Click here for template.

There are templates available online by searching Family Emergency Binder Pages.

ADDITIONAL PREPAREDNESS TIPS

-Create a family communication plan so everyone knows how to contact each other during an emergency.

-Designate an out-of-town contact for family check-ins.

-Learn basic first aid and CPR.

-Review and practice your plans regularly.

-Keep copies of your emergency plan in your kit, your car, and on your phone.

-Get tips on how to create a Disaster Preparedness Plan here.