Last month, we discussed creating emergency preparedness kits to help in the event of a disaster. These kits can keep your family fed, warm and able to communicate with resources that can rescue you if needed.
This month, part 2 of our series, Maertin Heating and Cooling is here to explain planning where to go in the event of an emergency or disaster and how to insure your family can stay in touch if you are separated.
Evacuation Plans
You may think everyone knows how to exit your home in an emergency, but in reality, it takes some forethought to avoid panic.
First, ensure that your smoke, fire and carbon dioxide alarms are in working order, so your family will know when danger requires a quick exit. Alarms should be located on every level of your home and in every bedroom. With your family, go into each room in your home and discuss the fastest and safest exit. Write down the agreed upon exit route and post it where it’s easily seen when needed.
You may need to turn off your water, gas and electricity in case of evacuation, so identity and mark clearly those shut offs before they are needed.
Identify an immovable meeting place outside your home, such as a tree across the street, where family members can gather in case of a house emergency.
In case of a large-scale emergency, identify several places that can be used as shelter. Choose safe, familiar meeting locations such as schools, government buildings or churches in several different directions in case one or more areas are inaccessible. Bring your assembled emergency kit, as many shelters may not have adequate supplies.
If you have pets, make sure your safe places will allow them. Have your pet microchipped and/or tagged with your name, address and current contact number. Have a recent photo of you and your pet together on your phone.
Remind your family when emergency personnel give instructions that conflict with your plan, they must always follow those instructions.
Shelter In Place Plan
When a tornado siren sounds, your family should stay put and shelter in place. Identify the safest place within your home and make sure everyone understands they should gather any pets and proceed to that spot immediately when necessary.
Lock doors, close windows and turn off air conditioners, furnaces and any fans.
The safest shelter in place spot is, ideally, in a basement under the stairs. Stock this space with bottled water, a radio and a charger for cell phones. If you do not have a basement, go into an interior room’s closet, away from windows if at all possible. Laying in a bathtub covered completely with a blanket is also an option.
Communication Plans
Talk with your family about communicating in case of an emergency. Avoid using phone lines to keep these free for emergency personnel. Will it be best to communicate by text, app or social media in case of an emergency? Make the decision and confirm that everyone understands which method to use to avoid delays.
Program an ICE number (In Case of Emergency) in each family member’s phone, usually parents or spouse, which can be used by first responders when needed. This prevents confusion and speeds up notification.
In case of a disaster, like a flood or fire, everyone will also need a Disaster Contact. This should be the same person for the entire family and this person should agree to take on this responsibility. They should be over the age of 18, familiar with everyone in your family and preferably living in a different area or region, one that is unlikely to be affected by your area’s weather patterns. If you are evacuated, each family member should contact this person when they arrive at a safe location.
Create a group text message including everyone who lives in your home so locations and status can be communicated to everyone concerned when needed.
No matter what time of year, Chicagoland can experience severe natural and man made emergencies. With proper preparation, including emergency kits and thorough planning, we can make it thorough safely.
Have you protected your family against freezing weather by scheduling a furnace check? Make sure your furnace can get you through every blizzard and icestorm in comfort. Call 708-479-9350 or click here to schedule now.
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