National Preparedness Month (Continued)

Last week we introduced you to September being National Preparedness Month. The easiest and often the most comforting thing to have in the event of an emergency or disaster is a communications plan. Not knowing where those most important to you are or what condition they may be in can lead to unnecessary panic that is very avoidable. Just follow these three easy steps and tips.

1. COLLECT.

Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family and other important people, offices or services. A paper plan can be completed online at: ready.gov/make-a-plan, or collect and write down the information below that applies to each person in your plan.

• Contact Name, Mobile number, other number or social media account, Email, their important medical or other information

• In Case of Emergency Contact Name, Numbers, Email and Address

• Out of Town Contact Name, Numbers, Email and Address (This person may be a point of contact for sharing information with family members outside the area that are unable to contact you.)

• Emergency Meeting Places for your property, neighborhood, Out-of-Neighborhood, and Out of Town. This may be a room in your house, garage or barn, neighbor, or important building such as a Post Office that would be easily found regardless of where you travel.

• Other numbers that should be listed for emergencies may include non-emergency Police, Fire, Doctor, Dentist, Hospital and Pharmacy. Also list insurance information for Medical, Homeowners and other insurance including policy numbers. Other numbers may include Veterinary, Utility or other numbers important to you.

2. SHARE.

Make sure everyone carries a copy of your communication plan in his or her backpack, purse, or wallet. If you complete your Family Emergency Communication Plan online at ready.gov/make-a-plan, you can print it onto a wallet-sized card. You should also post a copy in a central location in your home, such as your refrigerator or family bulletin board.

3. PRACTICE.

Have household meetings to review and practice your plan particularly with young children. You won’t know if the plan is understood by everyone or if they will be able to recall how to access and implement these steps unless you try it. Practice makes perfect as they say.

Next week we will share information on simple steps to prepare you household for the first 72 hours after an emergency. You may be on your own for at least that long before services can be established. We will include information to include in a “Go Kit” of essentials to have ready in the event of an immediate need to evacuate you home.

Also follow us on the Blaine County Health Department Facebook page for additional preparedness information and regular updates on other topics.