In Case of Emergency

In Case of Emergency

With all that has been happening in Japan this last week, it really has me thinking about my family and our safety. If an emergency should arise, would we be prepared? I hate to admit it, but we would not. Below are a few things we should ALL do to be ready in case of the unthinkable:

·         Evacuation plan. Have a way out of your home and know your destination once you get out. Make sure each family member is familiar and understands the plan.

·         Designate. Assign tasks to each person in your home such as instructing the first person out to call 911 or knowing who is to help the pets to safety. This will keep calm and reduce confusion.

·         Practice. Practice the plan you have in place several times with different scenarios such as if your main route is blocked.

·         Emergency kit. Pack a book bag (for each member of your family!) with essentials for survival such as a flashlight, portable radio, new batteries, bandages/gauze/tape, water, and food s that have a long shelf life such as crackers, tuna, and granola bars. Make sure to check your packaged bags periodically to update anything that may have reached its expiration date.

We hope by following some  of these simple steps, you will be prepared to handle an emergency should it arise. Have some tips not listed here? Please share them in the comment section - you may help save a life!

We here at Home Sweet Henrico send our thoughts and prayers to those suffering in Japan and those who are risking their lives to help in this dire situation.