An Emergency can come in any form; it can be a fire, burglary, tornadoes, flood etc. it always begins at home. In the face of any kind of accident or before you call 911 to your rescue it’s advisable to go through few emergency tips. Above all find out about the nearest disaster emergency centers or Red Cross if there is one which can tell you when there is a possibility of a disaster or what precautions you need to take in case of emergency and the services they offer.
For instance if you’re living in an apartment it’s always good to find out all emergency exits at different places and have near you stuff like flash lights, first aid kits, keep important contact numbers in your pocket books or wallets of people you can approach close to your residence. You need to keep in mind the needs for every kind of emergency you come across, like in case of fire you need to keep in mind the emergency exits and in case of tornadoes you need to get to a basement or a safe closet space.
It’s also a good idea to arrange for a relative or neighbor to check on your loved one. Not only should you have emergency phone numbers posted near telephones and/or kept in wallets or pocket books at all times, but select one place near your home to meet-up together in case of a fire, and another place to meet outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home after a disaster. If you are at home when a disaster strikes, learn to quickly turn any critical water, gas, and electricity at main valves or switches. If your loved one is able to do so, it is a good idea that they also know how to turn these things off as well, should they be home by themselves when disaster strikes.
Store all the home emergency items at easily accessible places in small back packs or duffel bags. Larger items like a manual wheelchair or back-up equipment may be stored in a “safe-room” in your house, or at a neighbor’s house, school, or workplace.
A quick look at the items include- a first-aid kit, prescription medicines, and an extra pair of glasses – a supply of water (one gallon per person per day); store water in sealed, unbreakable containers and replace every six months – a supply of non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener, any special foods your little ones may require like- diapers, wipes, lotion, and other hygiene items that don’t need water in order to use – have extra wheelchair batteries charged and ready to go – have on-hand full, oxygen tanks, extra medications, and any other special equipment needed extra set of clothes and rain gear for everyone, and sturdy shoes for you – extra blankets or sleeping bags – the list of family physicians, relatives or friends who should be notified if you or your loved one are injured – a list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers or special batteries for essential medical equipment – an extra set of car keys.
Home emergency may strike any time so it’s always helpful to be ready and good to go and save yourself and your loved ones lives.