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Don't Get Caught Unprepared
Plan for Emergencies Now By Amy Carey
on how to deal with scenarios from terrorist attacks to power outages.
Both plans require you to consider the members of your household: their ages, medical conditions and locations at various times of day. "Since you and your family may not be together when an emergency strikes, it's prudent to be prepared for a variety of situations," says Debra Holtzman, a nationally recognized safety and health expert and the author of the safety book, The Panic-Proof Parent: Creating a Safe Lifestyle for Your Family (McGraw-Hill, 2000).
For example, does your child go to daycare, attend elementary school or go to after-school care? If that facility has a disaster plan, make sure you are familiar with it: Where do the teachers take the children in the event of an emergency? What supplies does the school provide? Do they have your contact information on file – and is it current?
Talk to your spouse about his or her workplace evacuation plan, as well. Decide which parent might most easily pick up the children if necessary and establish ameeting place where all family members can eventually hook up.
While you're at it, designate an out-of-town family member or friend who will serve as the call center for your family. If you can't reach your husband at work, for example, you can contact the "call center" to see if your spouse has checked in to give his whereabouts. "A caller is more likely to connect with a long-distance number outside the emergency area than with a local number within it," says Holtzman.
Lastly, when considering family members, don't forget those with four legs. If you have pets, be aware that some emergency shelters do not allow animals to stay with their owners. You may need to find a hotel outside your area where you can stay with your pet, so write down the numbers of a few chains that have pet policies in your favor. Keep copies of your pet's current health record to prove your dog or cat has received the necessary vaccinations if you must board him in a kennel.