728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Home Safety › Don't Get Caught Unprepared

Don't Get Caught Unprepared

Plan for Emergencies Now

By Amy Carey

Pages:  1  2  3  4  5  

You never know when disaster will strike and what form it will take. Of course, there's earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados, but who would have envisioned a massive power outage across the country or the horrible events of September 11, 2001?

As many of the people who suffered through such events can tell you, if you're not prepared to handle the unexpected, even a few hours without power can be more than an inconvenience – especially if you have children and pets to consider.

Put a Plan in Place
Whether or not you live in an area prone to natural disasters, every household should have a plan for emergencies, not to mention a disaster kit with essential items. "Extreme events are rare, but they do occur and at all locations," says Jack Harrald, director of the Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. "It is tempting to focus on the low frequency of these events and just assume that 'it can't happen here.'"

Jan Maddox, 54, of Lexington, Ky., was caught by surprise when an ice storm hit the city. She lost electricity for seven days, meaning no heat, hot water or ability to cook, and she had no phone service for more than a month. While she had plenty of candles and a cell phone which came in handy, she did not have any working flashlights and also could not get her fireplace to work. To better prepare in case it happens again, she's purchased gas logs for her fireplace and keeps several flashlights on hand. "[Having a plan] won't cure the problem," she says. "It helps you get through it with the least amount of scars possible," says Maddox.

"When creating your disaster plans, you should be aware of the most likely hazards in your area," Harrald says. For instance, in California, the top hazards are earthquakes in most places, wildfires and floods in others. "Read the publicly provided material describing the risk and resources in your area," he says.

You can find national information on Web sites created by the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Pages:  1  2  3  4  5  


Want to see more?