Creating a disaster plan in case of an emergency can help you and your family determine what hazards could affect you. By recognizing these potential hazards, you can create a plan that decides what you will do if one of these situations ever arise. If everyone knows the plan during a certain emergency, it's more likely that everyone will end up safe.
During an emergency, without a plan, it's possible that some may panic, especially if they are home alone. By having a plan in effect that is posted in your home and has been practiced, the chances of successfully avoiding injury or any other negative outcomes can be greatly increased.
There are many different kinds of hazardous situations that could arise. Sometimes these situations depend on where you live. For example, if you live in an earthquake-prone region of California, you should have an earthquake disaster plan for your family. To find out what hazardous conditions are likely to affect the area that you live in, you can contact your local emergency management office.
Some other common types of disaster plans that need to be made regardless of where you live include those for fire, windstorms or tornadoes, burglary, floods, chemical emergencies, power outages and carbon monoxide. Natural disasters are the most common reasons that families make emergency disaster plans, often leaving out some other important potential disasters.
When creating a disaster plan, be sure to map out your home and add areas of your home that can provide shelter. For example, on your map, the basement would be the tornado safe zone. This is where your family would go if there were a tornado approaching or a tornado warning on the television. If there is a flood, it's important that you tell your family to move to higher ground. A basement is not the best place for someone to be during a flood. Be sure to mark all areas that will provide protection.
Create a list of steps to take in case of an emergency. For example, the first step would be to find a safe area. If there is a serious emergency, the next step would be to contact the police. If it's not a serious emergency then the second step would be to contact your family and let them know where you are and that you are safe.
There should always be a emergency kit available in certain areas of your home for certain disasters. For example, the kit should include a first aid kit, emergency blankets, whistle (in case you need someone to find you), flashlights, batteries, three gallons of water for each person, canned foods, scissors, manual can opener and a battery-operated radio. It is also important that everyone has a means of communication whether it be through walkie-talkies or cell phones.
It's important to keep your disaster plans up and visible for your family. It's also very important to have drills so that you and your family can practice what you would do in case of a certain emergency. You can quiz your children and family on what they should do in certain emergency situations to keep their minds fresh and alert in case such a situation arises. A good place to put your plans and emergency contact numbers would be on your refrigerator and make a few for your emergency kits.
An example of a family disaster plan would be as follows: Have a binder that lists all of the disasters that could possibly affect your family. List the most common disasters first. Have a separate page for each disaster and make a list of the steps to take if this disaster occurs. Be sure to also include, "In case of ... (downed phone lines), go to a neighbor's house and ask to use a cell phone," or "If you are trapped, scream as loudly as you can for help."
On the front page of your binder is where you should list all emergency contact numbers.
If you have pets, you should also include a plan for them. For example, list how to evacuate the pets; if there is no way to evacuate, tell your family that they must leave them behind to save themselves.
List each and every place in the house where there is an emergency kit so that if one is needed, they can find it immediately. Also, be sure to list first-aid instructions in this booklet for things like burns, minor cuts or scrapes.