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| This. Is Awesome... |
This topic has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I guess this is to be expected with the rise of popular television shows such as
The Walking Dead and
Revolution. As much as I wish I could say that this epiphany struck after an attending a conference about safety awareness, in all honestly, watching these shows is really what has spurred my thinking. What would we do if an emergency situation arose and we didn't have a way to contact each other? Where would we meet? Where would we go? How would we communicate?
By no means have I become so paranoid that I've begun making plans to install a fallout shelter in our backyard stocked with canned goods, but at the same time, I don't feel comfortable sitting around, patiently waiting for disaster to strike. I'm a big believer in being prepared, and although you can't prepare for everything, there are certain things that you can discuss that may come in handy one day. Here's a few safety tips that may very well save your life one day:
Check your smoke/carbon monoxide alarms regularly to ensure they're working
I cannot stress enough how important this is. Every year, thousands of people perish because of something so preventable. It's easy to forget about something that's seemingly pointless, but it's important to take the time to check. Make notes on your calendar, create reminders for your phone if you need to, whatever it is that helps you remember. Just. Do. It.
Keep all emergency contact numbers in plain sight
You would be surprised how many people have no idea what the number is for their local police department. While it's true that in the event of an emergency, you should immediately call 911
, it's still important to know phone numbers for all local emergency departments. You should also have the numbers of trusted family members and friends that can be contacted in the event of an emergency. Post these numbers in a visible location and make sure that your children know where they are. Update them as needed.
Create a safety plan and perform occasional drills
There are few things on this earth more terrifying than being placed in a situation that you have no control over. Although there are certain situations in which no amount of preparation will ever allow you to have some sort of semblance of control, there are instances where preparation turns out to be a lifesaver. Come up with a fire escape plan, and go over it with your family. Make sure the children are paying attention. Come up with exit points for all the rooms in the house, as well as a place to meet once you get out.
Consider coming up with a similar plan in the event of an intruder. This is especially important for families with small children. Be sure that they know to hide, and stay hidden until told otherwise. If you own weapons, make sure that they are properly stored. Children are naturally curious, and more often than not, they know more than we think they do.
Always have a predetermined rendezvous point
Cell phones die. Towers go down. Phones can get left behind. There are many possible reasons that getting in touch with your loved ones during an emergency situation may not be possible. That's why it is extremely important to have a predetermined meeting location. It also may be wise to discuss how long to wait before moving on, and where you will go from there. Nothing is more terrifying than being separated from your loved ones during a crisis. Remember, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orland's, thousands of people had no way of knowing where their loved ones were and if they'd even survived.
Keep a "go-kit" in an easily accessible place
No doubt we've all seen movies where something horrible is happening, and the characters are wasting precious time scrambling about trying to pack food and clothing. Although it may seem incredibly silly, it may one day prove to be very useful to just take a few moments to pack an emergency bag filled with useful items such as non-perishable food, water, clothing, medical and basic survival supplies such as, flashlights, matches, ect. Make copies of important documents that you may need and store those in the bag as well. Store a few supplies in your car as well. As I always say, "It's better to have and not need than to need and not have."
Be sure to keep your gas tank filled
This is hands down one of the most difficult things for me. I am notorious for driving until my tank is on E. Recently though, I've improved. It's amazing how the thought of running out of gas at night, on a deserted road while you're alone with your toddler child can inspire you to make sure you've got a good amount of gas in your tank.
My questions to you guys today are how do you prepare for emergencies? Have you ever lived though a scary situation? If so, how did you make it through? Would love to hear from you guys.
XOXO Reese
Photo cred)
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