Here’s How to Make a Disaster Preparedness Plan for Your Family
If you live in northern California, you know about the constant news coverage of wildfires throughout the state. Recently, the raging Delta fire has scorched several northern California neighborhoods and cities, and the fires have closed down multiple sections of Interstate 5. It’s very important that you have a preparation plan in case you need to pick up and evacuate.
8 Key Components to Have in Your Disaster Preparedness Plan
The Red Cross Foundation has a complete disaster preparedness plan template that you can download and fill out. Fill this out with your whole family present so everybody is on the same page and knows what their responsibilities are.
- Determine what disasters are most likely to affect your family and your home. Right now, the most prevalent disaster is a wildfire, but discuss with your family how your plans would change in case of a flood, earthquake, or other event.
- Figure out escape routes from your home. It’s important to know the safest way you and your family will be able to leave your house during a disaster. Also, decide on a meeting place outside of your house and neighborhood that you will be evacuating to, and the route to get there.
- If separated, where will everyone meet? Pick a nearby and easy-to-access location or area that you and your family can meet at in case everyone is separated during an emergency.
- Write down emergency contact information. If there is no cell phone service or family members are unable to communicate with each other, everyone should know and memorize an emergency contact outside of the immediate area.
- Know where children will be evacuated. You can’t always be with your children, and if your kids are at school, daycare, or an after school event when a disaster strikes, everyone should know where they will be evacuating to (include an address and contact information).
- Have a detailed plan for people in the house with a disability or special needs. Write down the name(s) and a detailed plan to determine how these family members will be helped during an emergency.
- Is there a safe room? If it is too dangerous to leave the house, you should have an accessible and safe room with sealed windows, vents and doors.
- Allocate family responsibilities. Create or fill out a chart that outlines all tasks and descriptions with the family member who is responsible. Tasks can include stocking and grabbing the disaster kit, staying informed with the media and online, and accessing important medical and pet information.
Please follow our website for future safety tips, and if you have any further questions about wildfire liability, call our office at James McKiernan Lawyers today.
