Free Family Emergency Preparedness Kit

Putting together an emergency plan doesn’t have to take a long time.

Simply set aside 20-30 minutes each night this week to follow the steps in the checklist from Buttoned Up. You’ll be amazed at what you can check off in such a short time—and you’ll be ready for any emergency life throws your way.

Click here to download your Free Emergency preparedness kit from Buttoned Up.

Be Ready on Paper – Put Your Emergency Plan in Writing

Amy Hannold, FamilyTimeandMoney.com

Emergencies can occur at any moment. Our best chance for survival and protection of further damage is to be prepared – in writing. You can not only protect your family by being prepared, but you are able to make a difference in the lives of others when you’re not in chaos over your own circumstances.

Ready.gov:

http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html

Ready.gov is the best and most user-friendly emergency preparedness resource. This website will lead you through the process of putting your plan in writing. Ready.gov advocates that we “Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed”. Here are some of the resources you can download, complete and refer to. You can complete them online or print them and fill them out by hand.

Family Emergency Plan: Communicate now how your family will reach each other and where you will go in the event of an emergency. Make copies once you’ve completed them (for your emergency kit, automobile, work, and vital contact people)

http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/familyemergencyplan.pdf

Family Communication Plan: This form identifies and establishes communication plans should an emergency occur while the family is separated.

http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/family_communications_plan.pdf

Adult Folding Wallet Card: An emergency plan, to carry with you in your wallet.

http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/fep_download/FamEmePlan_Adult.pdf

“QuickShare” Your Emergency Contact Information, The Email Text Option: Complete this form online. Your information will be transferred into a text format which you then email to those who need this information. Ready.gov suggests that families complete the Family Emergency Plan to be best prepared; the Email Text option is not as comprehensive.

http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/quickshare.html

“Readiness U”: Communicating With and Including Children in the Emergency Preparedness Process: Children, with their caregivers, can find emergency preparedness information at this website. Features are written in an easy to understand language, with the help of Sesame Street Characters and other kid-friendly activities.

http://www.ready.gov/kids/home.html

Sesame Workshop has an entire “Let’s Get Ready” website devoted to explaining emergency preparedness to young children. Printable activities, video segments, and more can be found here:

http://www.sesamestreet.org/ready

In our next segment, we will review resources which will help families prepare an emergency kit.

How can I prepare for an EarthQuake?

Years ago I bought a BIG BIG tub and filled it with all the items I found on a list to prepare my family for the just in case there is an Earthquake. Over the years the box has emptied out of many expired items. I have never updated or refilled it. However, after observing the incredible devastation in Haiti I am reminded once again of the importance of being as prepared as possible for the possibility of a natural disaster.

Over the next few days we will share ideas with you on preparing your family for an Earthquake.

How can I prepare?

from: The Red Cross

• Become aware of fire evacuation and earthquake plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly.
• Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
• Practice drop, cover and hold on in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed.
• Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation.
• Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.
• Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
• Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.
• Learn about your area’s seismic building standards and land use codes before you begin new construction.
• Keep and maintain an emergency supplies kit in an easy ­to ­access location
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  Be Red Cross Ready - Earthquake Safety Checklist [PDF]