3 Ways to Prepare For Emergencies as a Family

1. Pack Up

Emergency kits are vital during any type of emergency. Your entire family should know what is in the kit and the proper way to use all of the equipment. Your emergency kit should include first aid supplies, at least a week's worth of non perishable food and water, a hand operated can opener, clothing, a battery or hand operated radio, blankets, a flash light, extra batteries, cash and a set of car keys. You should also include any items that are necessary to take care of a family member who has special needs. If you have an infant who is still drinking formula, it is best to buy powdered formula mix for you emergency kit because it will stay fresh longer than canned formula and you can make only one bottle at a time.

2. Plan Ahead

Talk to your children about all of the types of emergencies that can affect your area. Fires, floods, medical emergencies and terrorist attacks can happen anywhere. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and mudslides are regional emergencies. It is important to remember that even young children can be a part of making an emergency action plan. Your plan should include where to meet up if you have to evacuate your home and become separated. A neighbor's house or public place are good options for this. You should also include an emergency contact in case the emergency happens when you aren't at home. This person can serve as a go between for you and your family members so that you can be assured that everyone is accounted for and so that you can work together to meet up somewhere.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

During an emergency, you may not be able to think clearly. Practicing how to handle an emergency ahead of time, when there isn't an emergency, will help you to act instinctively. Children will understand how to handle emergencies better if they are shown and told. Hold unexpected fire drills at home to help your children practice the escape routes for your house. Have your children practice calling 911 or the emergency phone number in your area. Make sure that when you do this, the phone is unplugged. Ask the questions that the dispatcher would need to know such as your address and the specific problem. If you live in an earthquake or tornado prone area, practice drills for these types of disasters. Show children where to go during an earthquake or tornado.