Everyone wants to protect their family, but there are many disasters that you can’t prevent. We certainly recommend taking action to help keep everyone safe. Installing fire and smoke alarms, learning CPR, and having adequate insurance coverage are all important. However, there is more that you can do to prepare for a disaster. At RestorePro Inc we have seen lots of local families affected by fire, flooding, storms, and other adverse events. We’ve learned a lot about what families can do to help their family stay safer and recover faster.
There are certain things that everyone should do. Make sure even the youngest children know how to dial 911. Everyone should know the address, but it’s also a good idea to have it written down near the phone. In an emergency people can forget even familiar information.
Create an Emergency File
It’s important to plan ahead. Create an emergency file that includes information such as insurance documents, health histories, financial records, copies of identification documents, and other important papers. You can store papers or a disk in a safe deposit box or with a trusted friend or family member. You may also want to include:
- An inventory of your belongings with serial numbers, receipts, and appraisal records.
- Lists of important phone numbers and addresses.
- Copies of deeds, leases, and legal documents.
- Copies of professional licenses and other career documents.
Make a Plan and Practice
An important way to protect your family is to plan for disaster. Your plan might be different depending on the ages and abilities of your family members. Especially with young children, you should practice your emergency plans so they are comfortable.
- Fire – Create a plan to escape safely from the home, including establishing a meeting place a safe distance away. Teach older children how to use your fire extinguisher.
- Flooding – If your home is vulnerable to flooding, establish a safe meeting place nearby, such as a location uphill. Make sure everyone knows to stay out of floodwaters.
- Severe Storm – In case of severe storms, avoid windows and exterior walls. It’s a good idea to create a “storm kit” with a flashlight, battery powered radio, bottled water, and blanket. This can be handy if the power goes out.
- Health Emergency – A health emergency can strike at any time. Everyone should know how to dial 911. Practice with young children, including opening the door for emergency workers. If someone in your home has a severe allergy, diabetes, or other health condition, older children can be taught what to do in an emergency.
Consider Your Unique Needs
Every family is unique, so think about all of your family members and if there are any special needs that can make an emergency more difficult. If anyone in the family has a chronic condition or important health history, such as diabetes or a history of seizures, make sure that all family members know to tell emergency responders. Consider purchasing an identification bracelet to inform others about medical needs. Many families place a sticker on their front door or window telling emergency workers that a family member may need assistance. There are other conditions that can make an emergency more difficult:
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Autism
- Mobility limitations
- Mental illness
- Intellectual disabilities
Depending on your family situation, you may need to take different actions to prepare your family. You may need to introduce your loved one to local emergency workers so they aren’t afraid. If your loved one has hearing or visual impairments, you can purchase special alarms so they are aware of a fire. Think about your unique situation. You might want to talk to your doctor, local social workers, or other experts for help formulating a plan for your loved one.
At RestorePro Inc, we’ve worked on many fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, and mold remediation projects here in Massachusetts. We’ve helped lots of families recover after disaster, and the ones who were able to get back to normal the fastest were those who were prepared. Hopefully, you won’t experience any catastrophes, but if you do, call us at 1-800-847-0114 and see how we can help you!
