Expert Advice on Preparing Your Family for a Natural Disaster
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families in Texas. We're still in shock over the flooding and evacuations that have taken place there over the last few days. When disasters such as these hit close to home, we can't help but wonder whether or not your family is prepared?!?
In this week's post, we want to get back to basics about how to prepare your family for a natural disaster.
A natural disaster strikes in an instant and wreaks havoc on our communities and homes. Disasters can also wreak havoc on your family’s well-being, especially if you aren’t prepared for them. Some simple steps you take with your family before an emergency situation occurs literally means the difference between life and death.
Do create a family disaster plan… now!
Nothing is more important than having a plan in place before disaster occurs and yet, sadly, most families don’t have a plan. Be different. Sit down with your entire family and come up with two plans: one that covers escaping the house in an emergency and another that covers what to do if disaster strikes while the family is away from home. Every scenario is different, but key components to the plan are having a designated place to meet, maintaining to-go bags of food, water, clothing, and medicines for each family member, and having an out-of area contact person to relay information if local communications are unavailable. The FEMA website has free guides on how to create these plans.
Do practice your disaster plan twice a year
Once you’ve created a plan, it’s important that your children run through the paces of it. Conduct a drill that has them exit your home as quickly as possible - using your planned routes and procedures. Be sure children can adequately navigate the routes and any escape aids such as ladders or window exits. Take inventory of your to-go bags and rotate supplies as needed. Review who you would contact or where you would go should you be away from home when disaster strikes.
Do educate your children about natural disasters
It’s important that your child understands that natural disasters are a part of life and need to be planned for. Calmly discuss the emergency situations your family is most likely to face; house fire, tornado, flood, earthquake or power disruption - and how these events might interrupt the daily routine everyone’s used to. Encourage children not to panic when faced with the unexpected, and instead focus on taking reasonable steps to distance themselves from any danger. Engage them in your family’s preparedness process and then practice drills until everyone is comfortable. Rather than being overwhelmed and helpless, it’s possible to help your child feel empowered and useful when having to address the challenges of this new and unusual condition.
Do include new technology as part of your plan
Communication is critical during an emergency. New technologies can help. Everyone should keep a list of emergency contact numbers on their phone and backed up on a web site for access from any location. Encourage children to text rather than call during emergencies; the message is more likely to go through in times of heavy phone usage. Compile a list of apps to install on your family’s mobile devices. The American Heart Association, for instance, has a First Aid and CPR instructional app. FEMA has an app that alerts you, in real time, of impending natural disasters and where to go locally for shelter. Your mobile device can act as a mini-survival kit if you equip it correctly.
Do have a plan for your pets
As members of your family, pets need an emergency plan too. Your child is likely to stress over the safety of a family pet, so it’s important to include them in your plan. Identify local pet shelters or neighbors who can temporarily board your pet if your family is displaced by an event. Be sure your pet has a collar ID or implant should it become separated from you. If you must relocate with your pet, already have a special emergency bag prepared - stocked with foods, medicines, leashes and other necessities. Invest in a crate or carrier that you store near your car for quick access during evacuation. With a little pre-planning you can make sure every member of the family is accommodated for.
Do not sit by idly expecting professional assistance
Prepare for emergencies! When disasters strike, the community resources we’ve come rely on are stretched beyond capacity and many simply won’t be available. Have a disaster plan that covers your families basic needs for food, clothing, medicine and shelter, whether you end up stuck in your home without power or are forced to evacuate to minimally stocked shelters. Have a plan for some degree of self reliance.
Do not assume you will return home right immediately after the disaster
Even if your home survives, others in the neighborhood might not. Authorities may cordon off the area for everyone’s safety. You may be displaced for days or weeks by a disaster. Be sure to take this into account when preparing supplies and be candid with your children that many of their daily routines and activities may be affected as well.
Do not go into panic mode
As the heads of your household, it’s important that you provide as much stability as you can for your children. Preparedness is the key. If you have procedures in place, you are much less like to freeze or panic. You’ll be focused on you disaster plan which will provide you with safe steps to shelter.
Do not dismiss calls for evacuation or advice from authorities
Hunkering down and riding out the storm has proved to be a fatal course of action for many victims of Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. One of the best strategies for preparedness is getting out of harm’s way before it arrives. If authorities say get out, get out. If they stay off the roads, stay off the roads. Not only will you be providing your children with an example of good civic sense, you’ll be protecting them from a major threat to their safety.
Summary Work with your whole family to devise a disaster plan that covers several likely scenarios for your location. Review and practice this plan twice a year. Prepare go-bags with food, water, clothing and medicines for all family members including pets. Be sure everyone has up-to-date contact lists on the mobile devices and on the Web. Most of all, encourage your children to be proactive during an emergency and to take steps to ensure their own safety.
