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Make a Plan

Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to disaster.

Just because we don't have hurricanes here in Western New York, doesn't mean we don't have to plan for disasters.  Knowing what to do during the next big snow storm, flood, ice storm, house fire, or in the event of a human-caused disaster will help you keep a level head.  Keeping your cool during an emergency is the first step to survival.  Making a plan is an essential part of that processes.  Below, you'll find important information on how to get started with your plan. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Talk.  Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live.  Establish responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.  Designate alternates in case someone is absent.  If a family member is in the military, also plan for how you would respond if they are deployed.  Include the local military base resources that may be available.

Plan.  Choose two places to meet after a disaster:

• Right outside your home, in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.  Tell all family members to meet here so you can make sure everyone got out to safety.
• Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate your neighborhood.

Learn.   Each adult in your household should learn how and when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas.  Ask your local fire department to show you how to use a fire extinguiisher.

Tell.   Tell everyone in your household where emergency information and supplies are kept.  Make copies of the information for everyone to carry with them.  Keep the information updated, check it every time you set your clocks for daylight savings.

Practice.   Practice makes perfect, so practice evacuating your home twice a year.  This way, should you need to evacuate (in case of a fire for example), it will be ingrained behavior.  This will help you keep a level head during a stressful time.  Make shure you also drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable or gridlocked.

Include your pets.   If you must evacuate, take your animals with you.  If it is not safe for you to remain, it is not safe for them. 

READY TO GET STARTED?  Download a free template and start making your plan today HERE.

Need more info?  Call the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter at (716) 886 - 7500.