How to Create a Home Emergency Plan

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Although we all hope never to be in a disaster situation, being prepared for an emergency is necessary and important. Having a response plan for emergency situations with which all family members are familiar with will help ensure that, if disaster strikes, everyone will know what to do and will come out of it safely.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Learn about the local disaster warning signals and what to do when they go off.

Step2

Talk with children about what to do in various kinds of emergencies, including fire, tornado, earthquake or other natural disaster.

Step3

Designate an out-of-town contact for family members to call in the event you get separated from one another. Make sure everyone in your home knows the contact person's name and number.

Step4

Discuss with family members what they should do if they are ever at home during a catastrophic disaster, including how and when to shut off utilities, how to seal up doors and windows and where inside the house to take shelter.

Step5

Choose meeting places for family members to gather if you are separated during a home evacuation. You should have two: one near your home and one outside of your neighborhood.

Step6

Prepare a disaster supply kit, which should include a first aid kit, battery-operated radio and flashlight with batteries (crank or LED versions would also work well), cash, blankets, extra clothing and personal toiletries. Your local Red Cross can provide you with an exhaustive list of what to keep in your disaster supply kit.

Step7

Store important documents in a flame-resistant, waterproof container that is easily portable.

Step8

Keep bottled water, non-perishable foods and other necessary supplies stocked. Keep prescription medications filled and accessible.

Step9

Make provisions for very young children in your home and anyone who is disabled or elderly. Have contingency plans to ensure that everyone can evacuate safely if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

Consider having members of your family take a first aid/CPR training course.
Work with your neighbors to establish a neighborhood preparation plan to implement during an emergency.
Update your emergency response plan as needed and make sure all family members are familiar with it.