5 Emergency Preparedness Tips from Dad
Just in time for Father’s Day, we wanted to honor all those amazing dads out there who prepare their families for emergency situations through sharing the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe. Over the years, our Dad knew when something was on our mind, what to do to make us feel happy when we were sad, but also shared the importance of being prepared. Our dad continuously shared what steps to take in order to prepare for a disaster, so here are a few preparedness tips we’ve learned from the head of our household.
Make a plan with your family before disaster strikes
Always have a plan for your family before an emergency occurs so when one does you know exactly what steps to begin taking. Have a location and connection plan so you’ll know how to reconnect with your loved ones. Dad always said having a point person who lives out of the area to check in with is a good idea because making long distance calls are usually easier to do in a location-based emergency.
Have a Kit and Know What’s In It
It’s not enough to just have a disaster preparedness kit on hand if you have to know its contents or how to use them. The last thing you’re going to want to have to do in an emergency is figure out how to use your equipment properly. Familiarize yourself now and you won’t be sorry later. Take a look at our survival kits here.
Prepare For Pets
Pets are part of the family too and our dad always made sure to prepare for them ahead of time as well. You’ll want to customize a prep kit for them that includes food, leashes, bedding, and anything else you think they will need to evacuate the home.
Prepare an Emergency Contact Card for Each Family Member
Having an emergency contact card that you put in your wallet or purse can be very helpful and potentially lifesaving in any sort of emergency. For small children, a contact bracelet may be a good idea. Make sure the contact card includes all past medical history, allergies, as well as a local and out of town contact. This will make sure rescue workers have all the information they need during or after an emergency situation.
Practice Makes Perfect
Another important tip that our Dad gave us is that practice always helps make a plan go as smoothly as possible. He would suggest to practice any fire, evacuation, or emergency drill at least twice a year. If you know exactly what to do in an emergency you will be able to stay focused and clear, and feel more confident in quick decision making. Remember, less stress always leads to better results.
Stay safe and happy this Father’s Day and check back for more tips soon!
Winter Prep Checklist
Winter is officially here, are your prep kits up to date? Make sure your kits have what you and your family need to survive the cold winter months should an emergency or disaster take place. We created a checklist to help you as you customize your home and car preparedness kits, take a look and stay safe!
❏ Emergency Water
❏ Emergency Food
❏ LED Flashlight
❏ First aid kit
❏ Multi Use Pocket Knife
❏ Mylar Space Blankets
❏ Emergency Weather Ponchos
❏ Emergency Body Warmers
❏ Glow-sticks for emergency lighting
- The above items and more can be found inside of our 1, 2 and 4-Person Premium Disaster Preparedness Kit
Special needs/Elderly
❏ Medications and special items such as hearing aids (with extra batteries), glasses/contact lenses, canes etc.
Babies and Pets
❏ Baby supplies (formula, baby food, bottles, diapers, medicines etc.)
❏ Pet supplies ( pet food, collar/leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl, medicines etc.)
Outdoors/Weather
❏ Tools/supplies for securing your home in case of heavy winds
❏ Sand for flooding
❏ Warm coats, gloves/mittens, hats, boots, extra blankets and extra warm clothing for all household members
❏ Alternate heating methods (fireplaces or wood/coal-burning stoves)
More
❏ Extra batteries
❏ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
❏ Sanitation/personal hygiene items
❏ Family and emergency contact information
❏ Copies of personal documents for all household members (medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
❏ Cell phone with chargers
❏ Extra cash
Remember to always add what is necessary for your family's specific needs. Stay warm and stay safe!