If an emergency were to occur today would you be prepared? With the huge number of disasters that have occurred in recent years, it is surprising many people would not be ready if an emergency were to befall them. Just a quick look at the news provides countless reports on natural disasters, mass casualties, both biological and chemical threats, emergencies, and terrorist attacks. September is officially National Preparedness Month and Business Consumer Alliance (“BCA”) has put together some useful tips and advice on how to prepare for an emergency at any time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises us all to do the following: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed, & Get Involved.
Prepare a Kit Emergencies can strike at anytime. When they do you may find yourself without water and food, lacking electricity or any power source, and unable to communicate by phone or internet with others. Taking time to prepare an emergency kit could be a life saver. There are several websites that provide detailed lists of items to include in your emergency kit but to name a few make sure you have the following essentials:
- Water for drinking and sanitation. It is recommended to have one gallon of water per person, per day, and at least a 3day supply.
- Food should be non-perishable and easy to prepare.
- Flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, battery operated radio, cell phone and charger, extra set of keys
- Sanitation, personal hygiene items, toilet paper, and garbage bags
- Can opener, multipurpose tool, scissors, tools
- List of emergency contacts, copies of personal documents including proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, list of medication, and important medical information
- Activities for children, entertainment items for yourself and family
- Pet supplies and food
- Map
- Extra cash
More tips and lists of what you can include in your emergency kits can be accessed on FEMA’s website.
Make a Plan Preparation in advance is vital when disasters hit. Working together is also important, so plan with your family what to do if am emergency occurs. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross for information on the types of disasters that are most likely to happen and information on how to prepare for them. Take time to learn about the warning signals given in your area when a emergency happens. Check out information on animal care after a disaster also if you have pets. Some other helpful tips are:
- Decide on and share with your family two meeting places if you are caught in a emergency. One right outside your home if there’s a sudden emergency, such as a fire. A second meeting place should be established for outside of your neighborhood in case you are unable to return home.
- Let your family know you are safe or need assistance by setting up an outside contact to call or get in connection with in case of an emergency. This can be an out of town relative or friend who each family member can check in with to keep them informed of their location and well being.
- Make an evacuation plan and practice it with the family by conducting periodic drills. Also, quiz your children periodically to make sure they stay aware of the plan. Take advantage of helpful guides provided by the government to help your kids prepare.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by phones such as the fire department, ambulance, police department, etc.
- Take a first aid and CPR class.
Did you know that the American Red Cross has a Safe and Well website set up which enables people within disaster areas to update their loved ones outside of the affected areas about their condition? Make registering in the site part of your emergency plan. There is also a toll free hotline, 1-866-GET INFO (438-4636) also for those without internet access.
Get Involved In the wake of many disasters and tragedies, we have seen countless numbers of people step up and lend a hand to get others to safety and back on their feet. You can help out in your community by volunteering at many of the support disaster efforts in your local area. Help out your Community Emergency Response Team or Medical Reserve Corp. Get involved with or start up a community planning group or preparedness project. Support major disasters by donating cash, food, clothing or other essential goods. Spread the word and information you gather with others so that they can prepare also to deal with emergencies should they occur.
Across the country people are getting together in an effort to promote emergency preparedness. To find out what is happening in your state visit the FEMA website where you will find information on the types of emergencies that you may be at risk for, and helpful resources on how to handle an emergency.
Businesses
If you are a business owner you want to be prepared for the impact that disasters can cause to your business. Develop a preparedness plan for your business that includes what to do in the case of accidents, acts of terrorism, natural disasters and other emergency situations. Ready Business provides information on what you as a business can do to prepare and help out in the face of an emergency.
Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death when disasters occur. Make sure to test your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, and other emergency equipment frequently. Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months. Check batteries, test and recharge fire extinguishers, and look for potential hazards around your home. Lastly, make sure there is a emergency plan for work and also school since you never know when a situation could arise. Keep up to date on the latest scams and other unscrupulous acts that befall disaster victims with BCA. We want you to be safe, be ready, and be prepared.
About Business Consumer Alliance
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit company that started in 1928. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint information, along with other relevant information such as customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to defraud the marketplace. BCA also helps businesses promote themselves by providing services and tools to protect their business and reach out to their customers. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.