Do you know what to do if a weather event or disaster occurs? Here’s how to plan ahead.
A weather emergency or natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado, flood or wildfire, can strike with little to no warning. And when it does, you’ll likely be anxious and may not have time to figure out what you need to do or where you need to go.
That’s why now is the time to create an emergency plan. You will hopefully never need it, but if you do, having a plan in place will make things go more smoothly and should provide you with peace of mind that you’re as prepared as you can be when a weather event or natural disaster occurs.
Your emergency plan should specify:
-
-
- What each person in your family needs to do in an emergency.
- Where you will go and how you will get there.
- How you will find each other if you are separated.
- Ways you will communicate with each other, as well as with other relatives or friends.
-
Here are 7 things to keep in mind when creating your emergency plan:
-
- Meeting places: Identify two places for your family to reunite after an emergency. The first should be right outside your home. The second should be at a public place outside of your neighborhood in case the area has to be evacuated, such as a library, fire station or place of worship. Everyone should know the address and phone number of your meeting places.
- Travel routes: If it becomes necessary to leave, plan how you and your family will travel. Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
- Other plans: Ask about emergency plans for your workplace, children’s school or day care. Figure out how to incorporate these plans into your own family plan.
- Important info and items: Gather important documents now and store them in one place so these items are easily accessible if you need to evacuate quickly. Also keep a supply of necessary medication or lifesaving equipment in a bag that can be grabbed on your way out the door.
- Special needs: Consider any special needs of children, the elderly, people with disabilities and non-English speakers. Also plan for how you will meet the needs of family pets.
- Utilities: Make sure responsible family members know how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves, if needed.
- Contact person: Designate an out-of-state relative or friend that family members should call if they become separated during an emergency. This person can serve as the point of contact if you can’t get through to each other directly.
You should review, update and practice your emergency plan with all household members at least every 6 months so you’ll be ready to jump into action if your family is ever affected by any type of weather emergency, natural disaster or other event that puts your family’s or your home’s safety in jeopardy.
Make sure that you and your family are prepared for hurricane season with these tips from The Baton Rouge Clinic!
Copyright 2017-2022 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Health eCooking® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
Date Last Reviewed: July 15, 2022
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.
No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.