Emergency: At Home

Start by figuring out an escape route. Draw a floor plan of your house and draw two exits for each room. Then, pick two places to meet: somewhere just outside your home, and a place outside your neighborhood in case you can’t go back home. Depending on the disaster, you will either have to make shelter inside your home (for example, an earthquake) or evacuate (for example, a fire).

Here are a few basics that every family should know:

• How to shut off your gas, water and electricity. Next time a repair person comes over, ask him or her to show you how.
• Where your local fire and police stations are located.
• First Aid and CPR skills. Many community organizations like the Red Cross offer these classes, so find out where you can sign up. You could save someone’s life.
• How to make shelter, either in your home or outside.

Make sure everyone in your family is part of the plan—and don’t forget about your pets! Once you come up with a plan, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your neighbors. When it comes to crunch time, your neighborhood will be like an extended family. If emergency help can’t reach you right away, they could help save your life. Think about your neighbors’ special needs too.

Talk about your home plan with your family