Preparing For Emergencies

Make sure you and your family are safe

There are many things you can do before disaster strikes to make sure you and your family are safe. "Prepping" can conjure up some extreme images of people hoarding food and weapons, and building bomb shelters in their basement, but it doesn't need to be that extreme.

Recent events have shown us how quickly things can disappear from your local store even when normal supply lines are not disrupted.

Before coming to the hub, whether you are a hub volunteer or a neighbor, make sure that your home and your family are safe and secure. If your home is damaged, you may want to shelter elsewhere until the damage can be assessed to make sure it's safe to inhabit.

The American Red Cross outlines three key steps to prepare.

1. Get a Kit - Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

2. Make a Plan - With your family or household members, discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you will work together as a team. Practice as many elements of your plan as possible.

3. Be Informed - Learn the types of disasters or emergencies that may likely occur in your area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.