Does Your Family Have an Emergency Fire Plan?

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

An emergency plan is a set of instructions stating steps for each family member to take and adhere to in the eventuality of a disaster.

An emergency plan is a set of instructions stating steps for each family member to take and adhere to in the eventuality of a disaster. It is easy to forget how disruptive a disaster can be with regards to our set routines, movement, communication channels. It is, therefore, essential that the whole family understands the plan. In creating this plan, pay special attention to adults, kids, and those with special needs.

An Emergency Plan can be developed in 3 steps:

COLLECT

During an emergency, there are two key concerns: Getting to a safe place, ensuring your family and loved ones are also in a safe place. 

Simple guidelines include:

• Collect important household contact information for your family and other important people/offices, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, or service providers.
• Find out what to do during an emergency if you or your family member is at home, outdoors in the neighborhood, work, school, a childcare home, or out of town.
• Find out if there are shelters that can be used as muster points or emergency meeting places in each of these locations.
• Specific instructions include receiving and identifying emergency alerts, navigating to the nearest shelter, and making use of emergency communication channels.
• Tips specific to different emergencies such as fire or flood emergency.

SHARE

Once the plan is completed, it can be printed onto a wallet-sized card.

• Make sure everyone carries a copy of the plan in a place that is easily accessible. 
• You should also post a copy of your plan in a central location in your home. A good place for your emergency plan is posting it to your refrigerator or on a family bulletin board.
• Also, have a digital copy in everyone's mobile device.

PRACTICE

Practicing gets everyone familiar with the plan.

• Have regular household meetings to review the plan and make a note of any changes.
• Discuss what information to send during an emergency. clear, concise, and informative should be the goal.
• Practice, practice, practice. Calls, sending SMS, gathering in emergency meeting places.