Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

 

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Create a Disaster Plan Practice and Maintain Your Plan
Complete this Checklist

 

Create a Disaster Plan

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. 

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

Pick two places to meet: (Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, or outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.) Everyone must know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-town friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact’s phone number.

Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Complete this Checklist

  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
  • Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
  • Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
  • Know how to use the fire extinguisher.
  • Conduct a home hazard hunt.• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster Supply Kit.
  • Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class.
  • Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
  • Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.

Practice and Maintain Your Plan

  • Quiz your kids every six months or so.
  • Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
  • Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
  • Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) and smoke detectors.
  • Help out your neighbors

Working with neighbours can save lives and property. If you’re a member of a neighbourhood organisation, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbours’ special skills (eg. medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbours who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons. If you notice a hazard in your neighbour’s yard, talk to them about it. Meet with your neighbours to plan how the neighbourhood can work together after a disaster until help arrives.