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What is the Best Plan for Emergency Preparation?
Emergency preparation is often used for the safety of a person or family in times of disaster. Preparing for an emergency may involve planning a route of escape, holding drills to teach proper emergency plan execution, and creating an emergency kit. Disasters can consist of both man-made or natural events that require immediate action by the person or family. A plan may differ depending on the location of the home and the potential threats common in that area.
Planning a route of escape in case of an emergency may help to ensure all people involved understand the best actions to maintain safety. The escape plan can include sharing emergency phone numbers and determining the location of the nearest safe town. All emergency phone numbers should be long distance from the home region since local phone numbers may be more difficult to reach if the area is facing an emergency. The safe town should be far enough away from the location of the disaster to be secure, but close enough so that all friends and family involved in the plan have little trouble reaching this location.
Drills are a part of disaster preparedness that are often forgotten. Holding mock disasters as a part of emergency preparedness may make those involved more familiar with the plan. This familiarity could be a life saver when a disaster occurs and people are scared and feeling anxious to escape. These drills can be practiced on a monthly schedule, and increased in number as the time of year when disasters are likely to occur draws closer. The disaster drill can also include a review of the phone numbers to be used in case of an emergency.
Creating an emergency preparation kit can strengthen the disaster plan. The kit can include water, prescription medications, and extra batteries. Some people choose to include canned foods and can openers as part of their kit as well. Emergency preparation kits should be refreshed each year to keep the supplies in the kit fresh and in good condition, in the case of a disaster.
Emergency preparation will often be tailored to the area in which a person lives. If the location of the home is near water, boards and nails can be a part of the emergency preparation kit and used to cover windows during hurricanes or typhoons. If the home is located on a flood plain, sand bags could also be kept on hand to protect the home against flooding.
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![Canned foods should be included in an emergency preparedness kit.]()
By: FotofermerCanned foods should be included in an emergency preparedness kit. -
![A generator for backup electricity.]()
By: Andrei KarpenkoA generator for backup electricity. -
![Many families develop disaster plans, especially in areas prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters.]()
By: Brian NolanMany families develop disaster plans, especially in areas prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters. -
![Batteries may be useful in an emergency kit.]()
By: GudellaphotoBatteries may be useful in an emergency kit. -
![Emergency kits should contain a flashlight.]()
By: Petr MalyshevEmergency kits should contain a flashlight. -
![Photocopies of personal documents, like social security cards and passports, should be kept in an emergency kit.]()
By: AR ImagesPhotocopies of personal documents, like social security cards and passports, should be kept in an emergency kit. -
![Bottled water should be included in emergency preparation kits.]()
By: alexlukinBottled water should be included in emergency preparation kits. -
![Having extra gasoline can help out during an emergency.]()
By: Winai TepsuttinunHaving extra gasoline can help out during an emergency. -
![People who live in a flood plain should be prepared to evacuate quickly.]()
By: FedeCandoniPhotoPeople who live in a flood plain should be prepared to evacuate quickly. -
![It's important to have a safe place to take shelter in during a severe storm.]()
By: valdezrlIt's important to have a safe place to take shelter in during a severe storm. -
![Emergency preparation should include putting together a first aid kit.]()
By: Paul GibbingsEmergency preparation should include putting together a first aid kit. -
![Water, batteries, flashlights and extra food should all be included in an emergency kit.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungWater, batteries, flashlights and extra food should all be included in an emergency kit. -
![Toilet paper may be used for a variety of purposes in an emergency.]()
By: Ruggiero ScardignoToilet paper may be used for a variety of purposes in an emergency.
Discussion Comments
Boxes of crackers and jars of peanut butter are great food items for emergency preparation kits. Not only do these types of food last a long time, but they are also very filling and provide energy without eating too much of them. Peanut butter is also filled with protein, which is very important to eat when you need to maintain your strength on little food.
@rundocuri- Thanks for emphasizing the need for a car emergency preparation kit. I was stuck in my car for 48 hours during a snowstorm several years ago, and it was quite cold and miserable. Fortunately, I had some bottles of water and some snacks, so I was able to ration them until the roads were drivable.
It's easy to keep extra water in a car. A couple of bottles tucked under the seat are out of the way and forgotten until you need them. If or when the time comes that you need them, you are thrilled they are there!
I think that most people overlook having emergency preparation kits, which is a huge mistake. Not only should you have one in your home, but you should also carry a kit in your car with all of the emergency provisions you would need if you break down and can't get immediate help.
When it comes to a home emergency preparation kit, you have to think about what you put in it and the size of your family. In addition the the items the article recommends, a flashlight is a must, along with some non-perishable food that isn't in cans, supplies for pets if you have them, and even some extra cash in case banks and cash machines are out of power. You should keep in mind that if you have a large family, the amount of items in your emergency preparation kit will need to match the number of people who will have to rely on them.
A car emergency kit should consist of a flashlight, blankets, food, batteries, and a bag of sand should the car get stuck in mud or snow. A lot of people overlook this precaution because they think it won't happen to them. However, snowstorms often catch people of guard, and those who are stuck in their cars could be there for several hours or even days until the roads are cleared of snow and ice.
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