Practice emergency procedures

For family members who live alone, or in assisted living facilities, go to their home and practice emergency procedures with them.
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Emergency situations

Take time to get prepared for emergency situations. No one expects it to happen to them. However, emergencies do occur, and the important thing is that you are prepared and well versed in your next steps. This could mean the difference between life and death.
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Canned goods

Store canned goods (and a can opener) in your emergency kit. Make sure to have food your kids are familiar with.
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Emergency contact cards

Create, type, and laminate emergency contact cards for all family members to carry in their wallets/bags.
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Doctors office

Make sure your records, including contact information, are up to date with your doctors office.
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Emergency plan

Talk to your family members about your emergency plan. Who is responsible for calling who? Who will watch your children if necessary? Be sure you have the answers to these questions before there is an emergency.
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Evacuating your home

If you have family members with disabilities, be sure to practice evacuating your home with them.
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Medical history

Know your medical history! Keep it written down if you need to. Make sure your family knows of your history so that they can tell medical professionals in the event you cannot.
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Emergency plans

Visit http://www.ready.gov for family emergency plans and information on getting prepared.
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Emergency procedures at work

Ask your employer about emergency procedures at work. Make sure you know where first aid kits are located.
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First aid

Make sure all members of your family know where the first aid kit(s) is/are, and how to use it/them. If possible, take a first aid class together.
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Two ways to escape

Identify two ways to escape from every room in your home. Make sure your kids know how to get out of their room in case of fire.
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Medications

Know the names and amounts of all of the medications you are currently taking.
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Prepared for an emergency

Visit the Red Cross' website for more information on getting prepared for an emergency. http://www.redcross.org/

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First aid kit

Put it on your calendar to go through your first aid kit semi-annually. Dispose of expired medications, update bandages if you are running low, and replace any other used items.
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Fire extinguisher

Check the expiration date and fill level of your fire extinguisher semi-annually. Many can be refilled. If they cannot, be sure to replace them when they have expired.
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Phone emergency

If you only have cordless phones in your home, have a wired phone available to plug in case of emergency or power outage.


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Proper identification

If you are a runner or out playing sports, make sure you have proper identification on you at all times. Also, consider purchasing a shoe identification tag. These are great as they contain all of the contact information you need in a compact tag that ties into your shoe laces.
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Flashlights and lanterns

Test flashlights and lanterns semi-annually. Put the event on your calendar. Also, keep spare batteries on hand. If possible, keep a flashlight or lantern on every floor of your home. Teach children where they are located.
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Emergency kit

Create an emergency kit for your family. Include one gallon of water per person, per day.
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Contact information

Make sure your contact information is correct and current at your child's school.
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Travel kit

Have small travel kit ready to go for every family member, in case of emergency. This can be taken to a hospital, and if kids have to stay with a family member they are ready to go. You are also ready to go for a vacation at a moment's notice!
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Emergency contact numbers

Have your emergency contact numbers listed at your home at all times. This way your children or a babysitter can contact you at a moment's notice.
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In case of a fire

In case of a fire, have a designated meeting spot outside of your home for all family members to meet.
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Test smoke detectors

Test smoke detectors twice a year. Put it on your calendar to make sure it gets done. Many lives are saved every year by working smoke detectors.
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Survival items

Store the following survival items in a plastic tote:
Diapers, baby food
Cell phone charger
Food and Water
Emergency Radio
Batteries
Blanket
Flashlight

Also keep any pertinent family medical information, and copies of everyone's medication.

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Fire escape

If you have bedrooms on the second floor of your home, purchase fire escape ladders and practice using them.
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In Case of Emergency

Create an entry in your cell phone labeled ICE (In Case of Emergency). Emergency personnel will look there to notify emergency contacts should you not be able to do so yourself.
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Family emergencies

Family emergencies are not something anyone wants to think about. However, being organized in case of an emergency can save time, sanity, and even lives.


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