So far this month, we have identified preparations for fire emergencies, winter driving and emergency kits for our vehicles. With the focus on safety, not only at work but at home as well, it is important to remember that planning can be critical to a disaster for you and your family. The US Department of Homeland Security has established a site www.ready.gov that has a wealth of information on how to prepare for disasters. The website indicates that the first step should be to have a plan, this includes:
- Four questions for you and your family:
- How will you be notified of an emergency?
- What is the shelter plan?
- What is the evacuation route?
- What is the communication plan?
- What are your specific household needs?
- Supplies
- Pets or service animals
- Food and water
- Medicine
- Children
- Family emergency plans
- Communications
- Meeting points (indoor, outdoor)
- Are you practicing this plan?
On the site www.ready.gov/make-a-plan you can find resources for:
- Emergency plans for parents
- Emergency plans for kids
- How to make a plan
- Protection of critical documents
You can also find information on technology, First Aid/CPR, fire extinguisher use and much more.
Another resource is the American Red Cross or the Canadian Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan
http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/for-home-and-family/make-a-plan
The Safety Moment bulletin is a periodic communication on safety issues from the G4S Americas Safety Group.
