Family Preparedness

BE RED CROSS READY IN JUST THREE STEPS

1. Make a plan

The best time to plan is right now. Start with the basics: Pick two places to meet, one right outside your home in case of fire and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.  Ask an out-of-area friend to be your family contact and make sure everyone knows the number. Make sure each adult in your house knows how and when to turn off utilities. Keep a fire extinguisher in your home. If you don’t know how to use it, ask the fire department for training. (Make a special evacuation plan if you are in a risk area--click here to see Evacuation Plan steps.)  Most important of all, practice your plan at least twice a year.

 

2. Get a kit

Plan to store enough supplies to last everyone in your household for at least three days:

1) Water. Have at least one gallon per person per day.
2) Food. Pack nonperishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat canned food and food you enjoy.
3) Flashlight. Include extra batteries.
4) First-aid kit.
5) Medications. Prescription and nonprescription.
6) Battery-operated radio. Include extra batteries.
7) Tools. Wrench, manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags.
8) Clothing. Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including hats, sturdy shoes and gloves (and bedding if you are evacuating!)
9) Personal items. Eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution; copies of important papers, including birth certificates.
10) Sanitary supplies. Toilet paper, feminine supplies, disinfecting bleach.
11) Cash and coins.
12) Emergency numbers.
13) Pet supplies.
14) Map. Mark evacuation routes on a local area map.

 

3. Be informed

Listen and learn-Understand what emergencies or disasters may occur where you live, work and play. Know where to listen for announcements from local authorities on TV, local radio or NOAA weather stations or channels.
Get trained--The best way to respond to an emergency is to have the training, skills and confi dence before it happens. Make sure at least one member of your household is trained in first aid, CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Your Central Louisiana Red Cross chapter has information about classes in first aid and CPR/AED.
Share--Tell your household, family and neighbors what you have learned. Encourage those around you to be informed.