Suddenly, you need to think about your kids at school or elderly parents across town. If phones don't work, or some neighbourhoods aren't accessible, what will you do?
Having a family emergency plan will save time and make real situations less stressful.
Things to think about: Where will you meet, how will you communicate? Create your own Family Action Plan online at Emergency Management Ontario or Print and fill out the Family Emergency Plan Worksheet
With a new school year now underway, families should take the time to talk to their children about school safety and emergency planning. Here are four areas to focus on:
Check your family emergency plan and emergency kit supplies
Get your kids involved in making your family emergency plan and emergency kit. Talk about what to do and where you will meet if you are not together when an emergency takes place.
Help your children prepare for emergencies
Teach them about natural hazards like tornados, severe thunderstorms and blizzards. To help reduce panic or anxiety in an actual emergency, familiarize kids with emergency procedures like taking shelter or evacuation.
Know your school’s emergency procedures
Read information from the school about its plan for emergencies, and check that the school has your updated emergency contact information, including work, mobile and home numbers.
Teach your child how to use 9-1-1
Explain when to use it and what information to give if they call 9-1-1. Help your child memorize the full name, address, and phone numbers of parents or caregivers. Include a copy of this information in their backpack.
During an emergency situation, it's important to remember that your child looks to you for guidance and comfort.Remember that:
The first rule to remember is if it’s too dangerous for you to stay, it’s too dangerous for your pet to stay. Proper planning and making arrangements before an emergency will increase your pet’s chances for survival and ability to cope.
It's important that seniors be prepared for emergencies. Your emergency plan should reflect your personal circumstances and unique needs. In addition to the basic emergency survival kit, it is essential that you consider specific essentials such as medications, walkers or other equipment that you depend on.
Family members and/or friends should always have a copy of your emergency plan and be made aware of any of your special requirements.
Key areas to consider for seniors
You will also want to make sure that:
In a disaster, people with special medical needs have extra concerns. Be aware that experiencing an emergency can be overwhelming and stress can worsen some medical conditions.
For more information download the Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs.
Take the following steps if you or your family members have special medical needs:
Copyright © 2015 Oxford County, All rights reserved.