Creating an emergency plan

Posted by Staff on 2nd Jun 2017

Creating an emergency plan

Create an emergency plan:

Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. We take preparedness very seriously, and have you covered with an auto first aid kitauto survival kit, and travel first aid kit. At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies, which we’ve incorporated into our kits. For a more well rounded kit, consider the following items:

  • Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
  • Extra batteries
  • Flashlight
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation / personal hygiene items
  • Cell phone and chargers
  • Family / emergency contact information
  • Manual can opener
  • Whistle
  • Matches
  • Rain gear
  • Towels
  • Work gloves
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Household liquid bleach
  • Blankets or sleeping bag

  • Depending on where you live, additional supplies should be kept in your home, survival kit or bug out bag based on the types of disasters common to your area.

    Develop your plan

    With your family or members in the household, discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live. Go through a mach drill with your household so that if an emergency or disaster does occur, everyone is on the same page. Create responsibilities for each member and how you’ll work together. Make sure your survival kit(s) are easily accessible.

    Stay safe, stay informed

    Learn the types of disasters or emergencies that are most likely to occur in your area. Aside to things like wildfires, floods, or earthquakes, know of the more personal things that could affect you or your family like a medical emergency. 

    The Red Cross offers these tips for staying informed:

    Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio stations or channels.

    Know the difference between different weather alerts such as watches and warnings and what actions to take in each.

    Know what actions to take to protect yourself during disasters that may occur in areas where you travel or have moved recently. For example, if you travel to a place where earthquakes are common and you are not familiar with them, make sure you know what to do to protect yourself should one occur.

    When a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant. Loved ones may be hurt and emergency response is likely to be delayed. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This training is useful in many emergency situations.

    • Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed.

    • Emergency Contact Cards for All Household MembersPrint one card for each family member.

    • Write the contact information for each household member, such as work, school and cell phone numbers.

    • Fold the card so it fits in your pocket, wallet or purse.

    • Carry the card with you so it is available in the event of a disaster or other emergency.

    So there you have it, an example of good planning for emergencies. Have any personal tips? Let us know!