Continuing with September’s National Preparedness Month and the post Be Prepared-Make a Go bag, this week’s post is about having a plan as well as “mini” kits for your car and workplace, and making sure pets are included in your planning.
Have a plan With other members of your household, discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play. This can include things from someone being injured or ill, to a fire, flooding, and/or what to do if the dog goes missing.
• Decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Download a copy of the Family Emergency Plan and keep it up to date.
• Identify the responsibilities for each member of the household in an emergency.
• Practice as many parts of your plan as you can.
• Include pets in your planning
Use the Red Cross’s Prepare Your Home and Family for 23 Different Emergencies in helping to develop the plan that’s right for your household.
Mini Kits: You can get stuck on the roadway due to an accident, weather or another reason. Have some basics can make it easier. The same goes for your work office. While most offices generally have first aid kits, just make sure you items, such as meds, that meet your needs. Kits should have
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Cell phone charger (with car adapter for your car kit) or external battery pack. • Bottled water handy
• Non-perishable food within reach.
For your car, make sure you have maps, a tire repair kit, gas can, spare tire, jumper cables, flares, a white distress flag, a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a blanket. Let someone know where you are going, particularly if it’s a long trip. Pay attention to the weather forecast so you can avoid storms. Don’t let your gas tank get too low.
If traveling with kids or pets, make sure you have ample supplies to keep them occupied and content.
Pets: Know ahead of time if your local shelter will take pets. If it’s not safe for you to be in your home, it’s not safe for the pets either. If your local shelter wont take pets, other than service animals, make other plans. Their “Go Bag” should include:
• Pet carriers, leashes, harnesses and whatever means you use to keep pets from escaping.
• Food, water, bowls, kitty litter/pan, toys
• Medications, medical information and other information that can help care for your pet if you are unable to.
No comments:
Post a Comment