September is National Preparedness Month

Hurricanes this season have taught us it is imperative to be prepared for emergencies and have a plan in place. It appears many people were unprepared for the severity of these storms and found themselves stranded and helpless in their homes. So what are some ideas on how to be prepared for emergencies?

At Home:

1. Have a plan in place for household emergencies such as fire, gas leak, or any other situation which may require leaving your house abruptly.
   1. Hold a family meeting every few months and discuss the plan
   2. The plan should include where you will all meet after leaving the house, how to escape rooms other than through a door, to leave all belongings inside and never to go back into the home (even for pets) until emergency personnel gives the all-clear.
   3. Practice your plan! Especially with small children!
2. Make sure you understand what your insurance covers.
   1. Did you know most standard homeowner’s and business insurance policies do not cover flooding? Even from extreme weather conditions? If there is a possibility of flooding in your area, ask your insurance agent about supplemental flood insurance. In fact, if your home is in high-risk flood areas and you have a mortgage through a federally regulated or insured lender, you are required to purchase a flood insurance policy.
   2. Know the potential emergency situations you may find yourself in and seek coverage. Live in the midwest? Tornadoes are a possibility. Live on the east coast or in the southern states? Hurricanes and tropical storms are not uncommon. Live on the west coast? Wildfires tend to flare up several times a year. California? Earthquakes and wildfires!
3. Minimum supplies to have on hand for emergencies.
   1. Fire extinguisher – at least one in the kitchen. One in the garage is a good plan as well.
   2. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – placed strategically in the home for maximum alert – see your detectors’ manuals for optimum placement
   3. First aid kits
      1. At least one in the home and one in the car
      2. Make sure all items in it are dry, stocked and not expired.
      3. Make sure it includes items for large wounds, burns, stings, and allergic reactions
4. Consider an AED for home. While this may not be necessary for everyone, for those at higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest, an AED may be wise. You can also learn more about the best AED for home here.

Away from home:

1. Note where AEDs are when you are out.
   1. AEDs are the only treatment if someone goes into sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)
   2. Usually in a cabinet or case marked “Emergency Defibrillator”
   3. Most commonly found in large common areas – airports, churches, malls, casinos, schools, sporting arenas, etc.
   4. If you are trained in CPR, and if it is available in your area, download an app like PulsePoint which will alert you if someone in your area has gone into sudden cardiac arrest so you can help
2. If you are not already, get trained in CPR/AED use and first aid. You never know when you will be the first to arrive at an emergency scene requiring these skills
3. Encourage organizations and businesses in your community to increase the number of AEDs in your area
4. If you live where you may become stranded in your vehicle due to snow and ice, have an emergency kit which includes the following:
   1. Bottled water
   2. A blanket (at least one, more if you are traveling with family)
   3. Well-stocked First Aid Kit
   4. Emergency breakdown kit including flares, reflective triangles, jumper cables,
   5. Phone charging pack
   6. Flashlight and extra batteries
   7. Duct tape
   8. Collapsible shovel & kitty litter (to get out of icy situations)

Being prepared is both a physical and mental exercise. Understand your insurance coverage, try to stay calm in an emergency, and always, if possible, know how and when to avoid an emergency altogether. If it is recommended you evacuate, please evacuate. If it is recommended you stay home unless you absolutely must travel, please stay home. If you come across an emergency, call 911 and help as best you can. If you witness a vehicle accident, it is recommended you continue driving and call 911 to avoid becoming a victim or hampering emergency vehicle access to the accident.

Stay safe. Be prepared.