This Conversation Will Save Your Family's Life #NatlPrep

Is your family prepared for a natural disaster? A house fire? A terrorist attack? Do you have an emergency plan? Have you designated meeting points and a contact person? 

No?

Me either. Until yesterday, I never even considered making a family emergency plan. I didn't even know there was such a thing. Thankfully, I stumbled onto Ready.Gov doing research for an article, and my life was changed. Possibly, saved...


Did you know, September is National Preparedness month? This year, Ready.Gov is pushing the initiative to:

Don't Wait, Communicate. 

Make Your Emergency Plan Today. 

Last night, I spent some time researching ways to be prepared and keep my family safe in a multitude of crappy scenarios. I found a wealth of information on how to make a family emergency plans, what I need to know, checklists and the importance of having a 72-hour survival kit. 

Below are a few of the resources I found useful for creating a family emergency plan.


First, POP QUIZ!  How prepared are you?

Second, What's in your Emergency Bag?  Here are a few things to consider packing...

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio                    
• Flashlight and extra batteries                                                                             
• First aid kit
• Local maps                                                                               
• Whistle to signal for help
• Manual can opener for food
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Depending on your needs, additional items could be added:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers                                               
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Fire extinguisher                                                                       
• Matches in a waterproof container                                                            
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Books, games and/or puzzles
• Paper and pencil
• A first aid guide

Third, and the most important, What's the emergency plan? Rather than list all the ways to plan for various emergencies, I am going to send you to the very best resource I've found for making an emergency plan, Ready.gov. There's a wealth of information, downloadable checklists, tips, and even online games kids can play to experience various emergencies.  Click the image or link below.

https://www.ready. gov/kids/parents

How do you plan for emergencies? Have you experienced a family emergency and have a lifesaving tip? PLEASE SHARE!!!