Preparing for an emergency requires a bit of effort, but it is time well spent. What if an explosion, a landslide or a flash flood forced an evacuation of a neighborhood before people got home from work?
Would they know where to find their family? Do they know the emergency plans for their children's school?
At work, do people know their role in the company's emergency response plan? When preparing for an emergency, people can reduce some of the stress and anxiety experienced during a difficult time.
Here are some tips to help prepare for emergencies, at work and at home:
At Work;
• When at work or in any building, know how to get out alive. Study the evacuation plans and memorize two ways out of every area of the workplace. Know how to get to the stairs in case the elevator is unavailable. Note the number of doors and workstations to the exit so it is easy find the way out in the dark, if necessary. People should also know the designated meeting place and reporting procedures for personnel after an evacuation.
• Learn about the hazards in the workplace. Ensure people know where to find a chemical's material safety data sheet, a safety shower or an emergency shut-off switch.
• Note the location of the fire extinguishers and learn how to correctly use them.
• Know where to find the first aid kit and how to contact employees certified to provide first aid.
• Post emergency phone numbers by workstations, as well as the address and exact location of the workplace.
• People need to keep their identification, contact numbers, and any necessary medical information with them at all times.
• If people have a disability or condition that might interfere with their ability to exit quickly, inform their supervisor.
At Home;
• Pack a disaster kit twice. Keep one kit in the home and a miniature version in the car. Pack an emergency kit for pets also. Do not forget to include photos of pets in case they get lost. Place items in an easy to carry container and keep the kits accessible.
• Create an evacuation plan of the home. Review it with family members and practice it.
• Pack basic repair tools and replacement parts such as extra fan belts in automobiles. Keep the spare tire inflated.
• Talk to children's schools about emergency plans. Make sure they have parental contact information and know who is authorized to pick up children if the parents cannot get there themselves.
• Designate an out-of-the-area relative or family friend to be a contact - the family point person.
• If family members are separated during an emergency, they can call the point person and leave or retrieve messages.
• Pick two meeting places, one in the family's neighborhood, and one far from home in case the neighborhood is evacuated.
At all times, people need to be prepared to protect themselves if things go wrong. Emergency preparedness is planning to survive.
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