Get Prepared, Part 2: Generate a Plan

Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Alejandro Escamilla

To follow up on last week’s post outlining the necessity of realizing the risk in your region, Get Prepared, Part 1: Realize the Risk, we’ve prepared a checklist for your plan-generating convenience.

When emergencies force themselves into our lives, we often aren’t given warning, or time to make a solid plan on the fly. That’s why it’s ideal to plan ahead.

If you have children, it’s best to have a special family discussion, one that is updated and reiterated at least once per year, and whenever you move to a new home. If you aren’t living with your family, it’s still a good idea to at least have a designated meeting location, in case of emergency. It’s also wise to have an emergency contact: someone who’s going to notice if you’re missing for a day, for example.

Canada’s government actually has a site where you can make a family emergency plan online. It’s simple and quick to fill out but requires some thoughtful dialogue with the people you care about and live with.

Last week, we talked about how important it is to be aware and know the risks in your region. We’ve also already mentioned choosing a designated meeting place and an emergency contact — maybe two: one who is a part of your daily life and lives close by, and one who lives out-of-town, in the case of a larger natural disaster.There are a few other integral points to consider.

1. Identify safe exits, from your house and your street.
2. Choose someone to pick up your children, in case you are unable.
3. Know your health and insurance information.
4. Find places for your pets to stay.
5. Determine the locations of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve and floor drain.

It might seem obvious, but if you have children, it’s extremely important to teach them about the hazards in the area, and be redundant with your discussions surrounding emergency plans. Communication — both in preparation and during an event, is of utmost importance.

If you’d like to learn more, please return to our blog later this week for Get Prepared, Part 3: Organize a Kit.

Or, feel free to browse through some of our other posts:

• What to Do After Your Home has been Flooded by Snow
• Camping Gear to the Rescue — Part 1