There are several key components of a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. How well are you prepared? Below is a checklist that addresses emergency preparedness. See how prepared you are to face any type of catastrophe. Give yourself a point for every “Yes” answer.
1. When you go hiking, mountain climbing, boating, fishing, cross country skiing, canoeing, or take part in any other outdoor activity, do you have a survival kit in case you get lost, injured, or separated from the group?
2. Do you have an emergency preparedness plan so that all family members know where to go and how to get in touch in case a disaster occurs when everyone’s away from home, such as at work and at school?
3. Do you have an emergency preparedness disaster supplies kit for your home? For your office? For your car?
4. Does your survival kit include the basics of a three-day supply per person of food and water; a battery powered radio; a flashlight; a first aid kit; an emergency blanket; matches in a waterproof container or a fire starter kit; hygiene and sanitation items; a rescue signal, such as a whistle; extra clothing; a manually operated can opener; extra batteries; copies of identification; cash and change; and other items that you and your family require on a daily basis, such as prescriptions, eye glasses and hearing aid batteries?
5. Do you maintain your disaster supplies kit by changing food and water supplies every six months; storing canned and packaged foods in a cool, dry place; replacing expired items; and updating the contents each year or as your family’s needs change?
6. Are you aware of the risk level in your community for possible hazards or emergency situations? These can include floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and lighting, winter storms, earthquakes, extreme heat, volcanoes, landslides, fires, tsunamis, hazardous material leaks, nuclear power plant incidents, terrorism, explosions, chemical threats, biological threats and nuclear blasts.
7. Does your emergency preparedness plan include an evacuation route for you and your family in the event you have to leave your home, work, or school?
8. Do you know how to shut off utility services to your home, such as natural gas, the main water valve and electricity?
9. Have you established an emergency preparedness plan for your pets?
10. Are you prepared to shelter-in-place at home, work, school, or in between, and to seal off a room from outside air in the event of chemical or radiological contaminants?
While preparing for an emergency or natural disaster can be overwhelming, taking emergency preparedness steps will help you and your family better cope with a stressful situation. Emergency preparedness also ensures that you and your loved ones will all make it through the crisis situation just fine.
