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Plan for an Emergency

Edited by Train Wreck, Eng, VisiHow

3 Parts:

Emergency Planning Essentials

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One of the most important steps you can take in preparing yourself and your loved ones for an emergency is creating a plan. A plan can help you and your loved ones in an emergency in case you are not together. At a minimum, your plan should include information on the following:

Possible different emergency scenarios
Available resources, child and pet care
How to communicate
Other special considerations, including dietary and medical needs

Your plan should be easily accessible and kept updated. You may also choose to pack an emergency kit.

Emergency Planning Essentials

1
Possible different scenarios
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Emergency situations may be either man made or natural disasters. Your emergency plan should consider different scenarios that are likely to happen where you live. Certain areas of the world are more prone to earthquakes, while others are more likely to experience a tornado or flood. Your plan may include multiple sections that deal with different types of incidents.

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2
Available resources, child and pet care
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Depending on the type of emergency, you may need to decide whether you can stay where you are or if you need to evacuate. If you cannot stay where you are, it is important to know where you can go, and what resources are available to help you. Whether it's an alternative shelter, childcare facility or a place where you can hold your pet until the disaster situation has ended.

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3
How to communicate
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Your emergency plan should include a communication plan. Outline how you will learn about various disasters. In some instances, this may be through TV or radio, while in other cases there may be a specific siren that informs you to take shelter. You should also detail how you will communicate with your loved ones in the event that you are separated. Keep in mind that telephone lines may also not be functioning in some cases. You may also need a special meeting place for your family after the situation has ended, in the event that you are separated. You may also include contact information for emergency services and other family members.
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4
Other special considerations, including dietary and medical needs
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If a member of your family has any special dietary or medical needs, you should also include those needs in your emergency plan. Including special needs in your emergency plan can help you avoid any last minute stress to remember medication or equipment that you need to care for yourself or your loved ones.

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5
Emergency Kits
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Having an emergency kit packed and readily available can help manage some of the stress you may have when a disaster occurs. Your kit can include items such as non-perishable food and water, basic first-aid supplies, a multi-purpose tool, flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries, medication or special medical equipment if needed, personal care items, blankets, contact information for family members and emergency services, copies of important documents, and spare cash. It is generally a good idea to be prepared for three days, or 72 hours.

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Finding yourself in the middle of an emergency situation is stressful. You can help minimize and manage stress by creating an emergency plan for your family. The plan should be known to all family members so that your family is kept as safe and calm as possible.