Emergency Plans allow that if a disaster happens, all household members know what to do, where to meet each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.
- Choose a meeting place for the whole family if a disaster occurs. Choose two points: one immediately near your home and another outside the neighborhood (preferably a remarkable place: museum, shopping center, public square, etc ...).
- Make sure all household members know the status of valves for water, electricity and gas for your home.
- Identify all possible paths out of your home and neighborhood.
- Choose a family member or friend who lives out of town to use as a reference contact in case of separation or fall / saturation of the local telephone network.
- Identify the different needs that may affect each of the household members, especially the elderly, sick and disabled.
- Make sure all family members are prepared, and keep your emergency backpack (or emergency bug out bag) at a known specific site.
- Make sure your emergency supplies are properly stocked.
- Practice regularly. Don't forget: you can make the planning fun.
What can happen?
Talk about it in family conversations or make it a game: Who can say what emergencies may occur at home, at school, at work? Floods, storms, blackouts or power outages, gas explosions, landslides, fires, heat waves, cold waves, being trapped in tunnels, etc...discuss the possibilities and the different needs that may arise.
The goal is not to create alarm, but to be aware of what can happen and having the knowledge and tools necessary to meet an emergency.
Being prepared will make it easier to avoid panic and act safely if necessary.
