When disaster strikes, having a plan in place can make all the difference. This will ensure that you, your family and your home are safe and secure. But how can you prepare for the wide variety of emergencies that could occur, where do you start? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different things you need to consider when preparing for any type of emergency and help you face any challenges head-on with confidence.
Draft Up an Emergency Plan
Start by creating a contact list of people that need to be reached in the case of an emergency. This should be additional family members, employers, medical facilities and local authorities. As well, consider including a friend or family member that lives out of the area so they can inform others that aren’t directly impacted by the events. Next, set designated meeting locations both within and outside your neighbourhood. These can be used in instances where communication is disrupted and you need to reunite with your family. Lastly, know the evacuation routes for your apartment, and align your plans with these. There need to be multiple ways to escape danger, depending on the circumstances. Make sure you and your family are familiar with these plans and run drills if needed.
Stock Up Your Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit on hand is crucial in the case of any emergency. Whether you lose power, face severe weather conditions or other disasters, the first 72 hours are incredibly important. Pack a bag with three days’ worth of water and non-perishable food. Accompany this with tools and supplies, such as a multi-purpose tool, radio, flashlights, batteries, matches, whistles, duct tape and anything else you consider to be necessary. There should also be a first aid kit containing, at the minimum, bandages and medications. Have a set of clothes and hygiene products on hand for each person along with blankets, cash, prescriptions and copies of any important documents. With all of these things packed and stored away, they can help ensure the safety and comfort of your family during challenging times.
Find Ways to Stay Informed
There are many ways to be proactive and stay informed in the case a disaster strikes. Download local weather and community apps and turn on notifications to receive alerts for any major events. There are even certain apps that can help walk you through emergency preparedness step-by-step, combating anxiety in-the-moment. Lastly, stay informed on community resources, such as emergency shelters, hospitals and other essential services.
Protect Yourself with Preparation
While sudden disasters cannot be predicted, preparing can significantly mitigate their impact and increase resilience. To best support yourself and the people around you, take classes and educate yourself on basic life-saving skills. This can be first aid, CPR, fire safety and even how to turn off utilities like gas, water and electricity. Next, set up an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses that may arise from these emergencies, such as living and medical costs. Similarly, review your insurance policies regularly to ensure they are up to date and have the best coverage for you, your home and vehicles. Finally, have multiple copies of important documents - one digitally on a hard drive and another stored in a portable waterproof container.