Disaster Preparedness: Ideas for Parents
Experts recommend having enough food and water to survive at home for at least 72 hours. There are many excellent lists of what you should collect. Here is one from FEMA that covers many important items: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/assemble...
Again, have your children help as you assemble your supplies and store them.
Important Numbers and ID
Be sure to include important contact information in your car, and in each of your children's backpacks in case a situation arises while you are separated. Children should have important numbers such as parents' work numbers, cell phones, other relatives' numbers, and even an out-of-state contact if you have one. Young children should know their own full name, address and telephone number as well as the names of their parents.
Here is a copy of the form FEMA recommends:
Other Tips
Did you know that you can buy water in juice-box style containers? It is Coast Guard approved and said to last for 5 years. One or two of those would be great to tuck into your child's backpack in case of an emergency. You can get them here: http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=WS+...
You might also want to add one or two high energy food bars in your child's pack: http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=FM+...
One other tip that I read while researching this article is for each member of the family to carry a recent family photograph with all family members clearly identifiable. Make that your first day of school ritual - take some good family shots and be sure everyone has one and carries it at all times.
Plan for a Pet
If you have a pet, you need to plan for its safety, as well. Be sure your pet carrier is easily accessible. Just as you set aside food for your family, be sure that you have included food and water for your pet. Make sure all vet records are current and keep a copy of those with your important papers and one in your pet carrier.
When you are taking those family photos, be sure to include a few of your pet for identification, as well.
These are just a few things to do to get ready for a possible disaster. Get your children involved in the planning, and be sure they understand your plan for your family's safety.
Here are a few more resources:
Are You Ready? http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
FEMA for Kids: http://www.fema.gov/kids/
Masters of Disaster: http://www.redcross.org/disaster/masters/
Emergency Preparedness Insight Articles: http://beprepared.com/article.asp_Q_ai_E...
Preparing the Family Pet for an Emergency: http://beprepared.com/article.asp?ai=11
Copyright 2005 Irene Taylor All
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