Emergency Preparedness Tips

According to FEMA, 60 percent of Americans aren’t prepared for a disaster. In this day and age, it’s important to be prepared for anything. From a natural disaster to a nationwide pandemic, planning ahead can save your life and also your family from any effects the emergency may cause. Read on for tips on how to plan for any emergency.

Invest in a good generator

Hurricane Sandy left millions without power, which resulted in citizens panic buying generators before they sold out. This resulted in an enormous surge in these power devices and many were required to survive without the use of technology. By investing in a generator early, it will prevent you from searching the stores looking for one when you’re in desperate need. Welland Power sells a fantastic Perkins generator that can get you through any natural disaster. These high-quality diesel generators are the leading models in their product range and known for their reliability. Thanks to this Perkins engine, you’ll be able to cook your morning breakfast with no worries.

Buy a disaster kitJudy has got you covered. These kits have everything you may need regardless of the situation you’re in. From flashlights to first aid essentials, these kits are available for shelter in place situations and also on-the-go. The Safe Kit, which provides supplies for four people includes candles, rescue blankets, dust masks, a hand-crank radio, and much more. The Mover, which is best for on-foot safety, carries a first-aid kit, water pouches, hand warmers, and other must-have items. Be sure to have these kits handy and ready to use in case of an emergency.

Set up meeting spots

Just like they do in elementary school, set up meeting spots for your family in case a disaster hits. That way, if you get separated, you all know where to reconvene. FEMA states there are four scenarios where you should set up a meeting spot. These consist of an indoor spot, a neighborhood location, a regional spot, and a spot out of town.

Examples are a neighbor’s driveway, a community center, or an easy-to-get-to hotel. If you live in a city or a car isn’t available to you, make sure to practice transportation routes, such as trains, and backup routes, to your meeting spots. Practice your locations often, so everyone is on the same page.

Write everything down

Everyone in your family should have written documents of emergency numbers, service providers, or medical providers. FEMA suggests also creating a group list on all mobile phones and devices of the people you would need to communicate with just in case of a disaster. Be sure to write these down as well if the phone lines are down. All family members should carry an "In Case of Emergency" (ICE) card that also lists all of this information. This is especially important for young children to have as they don’t have an ID. That way, if you get separated from your child and they’re at the hospital, they have some way of contacting you.

Don’t forget about pets

Your pet is part of your family too, so they need to be included in your emergency plan. Buy a GPS tracker for your pet so you can always locate them, and make your own emergency kit for your pet too. This would include a leash, a pet life jacket and paw protectors, a basic pet first-aid kit, two weeks’ worth of pet food and water, and more. Their collar should also have your contact information in case someone else finds him/her. Update these kits every six months so nothing expires and all of your supplies are ready to use.

A freelance writer with a BA in English from Sarah Lawrence College.