Do you have an emergency plan in place?

Knowing what to do, being prepared part of key to surviving disaster

In a survey conducted by the Ad Council, sixty percent of Americans reported that they did not have a family emergency plan. The Ad Council's survey also found that although 91 percent of Americans strongly agree that taking some simple steps to prepare could help protect them and their family in the event of a disaster, only 58 percent of respondents report having taken any steps to prepare for a disaster. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when the seconds start to count.  Better Business Bureau urges families to plan for the unexpected and devise their own emergency preparedness plans.

“Two things every family needs no matter what the disaster, are an emergency plan and an emergency kit”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “In addition to  having an emergency kit ready, discuss with family and friends how you’ll contact each other, where you’ll meet if you can’t go home and what you’ll do in specific situations like a tornado or fire.”

Your emergency kit should include items such as, a gallon of water per person per day for three days, a three-day supply of nonperishable food for each family member; a flashlight with extra batteries; first-aid kit; a whistle to signal for help; dust masks; a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities and a power inverter or solar charger for your cell phone.

Make sure all family members know where to meet and who to contact in the case you get separated. A relative or friend in another area is an ideal emergency contact person. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to send and receive text messages. Consider downloading smart phone apps which provide emergency information.

Families may also want to consider including such items as prescription medications, infant formula and diapers, pet food and cash. Remember to check your supplies every few months and replace expired items.

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