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Family Preparedness Checklist

Protect your family from emergencies by developing a home emergency response plan. The following check list may help you in developing an emergency plan for your family to follow in any disaster. If your responses to the majority of the questions asked in the checklist are "yes," then you are well on your way to developing a plan. If your answers are "no" to all or most of these questions, then develop and implement a home plan as soon as possible.

Yes No Do you have a home emergency plan? Does it cover all emergencies like fire, weather, etc.? Does your family practice this home emergency plan?

Yes No Does your plan include smoke, gas and carbon monoxide detectors?

Yes No Do you have a weather radio and do all members of your family know what the signals mean?

Yes No Can each member of your family tell you two ways out of your home? If your second way out of a two-story home is a window, do you need a safety ladder? If you live in a high-rise, does your family know and practice two ways out of the building? (Remember that an elevator is never a way out during a fire.)

Yes No Can all members of your family operate the locks, windows and doors for escape?

Yes No Does your family understand to leave or seek shelter when an alarm sounds?

Yes No Does each member of your family know where to go after evacuating your home?

Yes No Does each member of your family know who to call for help and are the telephone numbers posted?

Yes No In a weather-related emergency, does your family know where to seek shelter?

Yes No Escape planning and smoke detectors are essential for getting everyone out safely. Are the batteries routinely replaced?

Yes No Does your family understand that once they are outside, they should stay outside?

Yes No Do you have a first-aid kit and is it fully stocked?

Yes No Do you have a fire extinguisher and is it serviced?

Yes No Do you encourage family members to take first-aid and CPR classes?

Yes No If needed, do members of your family know how to shut off the water, gas and electricity to your home?

Yes No Does your plan cover whom to call in case of a utility problem?

Yes No Do you maintain a supply of tarps or plywood to cover openings created by a storm or fire?

Yes No Do you have flashlights, radios, etc., and more importantly, batteries located in a central area known to all fammily members?

Yes No Do you have a written inventory and photographs of all valuable items in your home? Do you have more than one copy located outside of your home?

Yes No If you have pets, have you provided for them in your home emergency plan?

First Aid | NSC Home | Comments

August 16, 2002

A Reminder

You cannot predict when you and your family will be faced with an emergency. However, you do know that every second counts when it comes to emergency response. So be prepared for your first - or next - emergency and make every second count for your family's safety.