Organize Your Emergency Plan

The best time to develop an emergency plan is right now. In the case of emergencies there are two rules to remember:

1. It is never too soon to start preparing.

2. It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

My family lives in a state that was effected by the blackout in August of 2003. It caused total power failure in several states and, for some, lasted several weeks.

• Supermarkets could not operate their cash registers to sell food or water. Some stores were allowing customers to purchase non-perishable items only if they could pay with cash. Of course the banks could not operate without power so there was no way to get cash.

• Gas stations had mile long lines of people trying to fill their cars or gas cans to run their generators. You could only purchase your gas with cash.

• The freeways were parking lots filled with cars trying to get anywhere where there was power. Because the blackout darkened several states, those people had a long way to drive.

• Cellular phones and cordless home phones could not receive signals.

It was mass chaos that just happened, completely unexpectedly, in the middle of the day, in the middle of the work week.

This is just one example of the emergency situations this world has been faced with. As unfortunate as it is, these things do happen.

Would you be prepared if something like this happened to you?

Take the time to develop a home emergency plan. Here are some things you can do now to keep your family safe during a disaster.

Prepare a Home Emergency Kit

Home emergency preparedness is critical. Having useful items gathered in one, easy to access, place will save valuable time and prevent panic during an emergency situation.

Purchase an inexpensive plastic storage container that you can store someplace where it will be easily accessible. This will become your home emergency kit. Here are some things to put in it:

• Bottled Water
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Battery-operated radio
• Non-perishable food items
• First aid kit
• Candles
• Matches

Prior Planning

• Keep a rechargeable flashlight plugged into a wall outlet located in a central part of your home. This way, if the lights go out you do not have to fumble around in the dark for your emergency kit.

• Store any freezer packs that you own in the freezer at all times. You will be able to keep your refrigerated items cold at a moment's notice. If you don't own any freezer packs, fill empty plastic containers (empty water bottles are perfect) with water and store them in the freezer. Remember to leave some room for expansion.

• Have at least one telephone in your home that does not require a cellular connection and has a cord. Keep it stored in your emergency kit.

• Have an alarm clock that switches automatically to battery operation in the event of a power failure.

• Have surge protectors on all of your major electronics.

It is also a good idea to learn first aid. Knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms of emergency medical situations and how to deal with them could help save the life of a loved one.

Vital Records

Make sure that you organize all of your vital records, including:

• Birth certificates
• Insurance policies
• Medical information
• Important telephone numbers
• Wills and other estate plan documents

Keep these documents together in a folder or sturdy box that can be grabbed easily if you ever have to evacuate.

Develop a Home Emergency Plan

When my parents retired they moved to South Carolina, an area often threatened by hurricanes. Their first year there, a hurricane hit and they had to evacuate their home. This had never happened to them before. They did not have a plan.

Fortunately, they remained safe. When things calmed down and returned to normal, they developed a plan. If they are ever faced with this type of emergency situation again they will be prepared.

Don't be caught unprepared. Talk with your family members and agree upon a plan. Make as many decisions now, while you are calm and collected, to avoid panic in the midst of an emergency.

Make lists and keep them with your emergency kit.

• Write down step by step instructions to secure your home.
• Make a list of items you want to bring with you if you are evacuated.
• Choose an evacuation destination and write down the name, phone number and directions.

It is often difficult to think clearly in an emergency situation. Remove the panic. Plan ahead. Develop your home emergency plan today.