Five Essential Emergency Preparation Tips
| March 14, 2011 | Posted by sreese under In the Home |
Emergency preparedness is on everyone’s mind these days. Unfortunately, there’s not much that can be done to prepare for devastation that Japan is suffering. It’s hard to even fathom the extent of the destruction. But there are small things we can do to put our minds at ease in case misfortune heads our way. They may not help with the big stuff, but sometimes the best we can do is worry about the little stuff.
1. Water. The staff of life. It can’t be stressed enough to keep plenty on hand. We don’t sell it at HandStands, but we drink plenty of it. And we know life is not good without it. A large water tank is a great idea, especially if you have to stay in your home for an extended period of time; just make sure you also have some portable water bottles that are ready to grab if you have to run. If you know a severe storm is coming your way, fill the bathtub, pitchers, and whatever you can find with water.
2. Vehicles. Fill them up with gas when they get below half a tank. You don’t want to be sitting in a line for gas when you’re supposed to be evacuating.
3. Valuables. Take stock of what’s most important. Documents? Photographs? Select the most vital items and store them in a place you can grab in an instant. HandStands has a line of book boxes coming soon that can be used to camouflage important items (details coming soon); as well as a great line of photo albums.
4. Fire and Earthquake Proof- In addition to checking and updating fire alarms once a year, it’s important to keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home. Avoid clutter in your home. Extension cords and power bars should be kept to a minimum and never overload outlets. Make sure you know the safe spaces in each room. These areas are away from glass and heavy objects that might fall. Secure heavy and tall objects such as book shelves, loose cabinets, tall desks, etc.
5. Pets and children. Be sure both are included in your plan. Keep a backpack filled with both snacks and toys for the kids. And let them know your plans, especially at a time like this when disasters are in the news. They’re bound to concerned, even if they don’t express it, and will be comforted to know that their caretakers have a plan.
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