Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Emergency Preparedness

Last week we talked about surviving in the home with a loss of power. As spring is not too far away, we need to get ready for the chance of weather-caused emergencies. Tornadoes and floods are a danger for much of the country. Are you and your family prepared in case of disaster near your home? Plan and be ready. Do have your phone set up to receive all disaster warnings from the workplace, school, and government.

First, you need a Family Communication Plan. All family members should have a list of all phone numbers and emails for everyone in the family. Even though we have all this info on our phones, a hard copy is good to have in case your phone is dead or towers are out. Do be aware of all the emergency response plans for wherever your family members are during the day. Schools, workplaces, and daycare will all have these. Make sure to inform all places where children are during the day who can pick up the children. It is good to have an additional person such as a grandparent or close friend be on this list. Discuss this with your children and let them know who they can go with in case of an emergency.

Have an emergency meeting place. Make sure children know the safest place indoors in an emergency like a tornado. The basement is best, or a closet or bathroom in the interior of the house if there is no basement. Pick a recognizable spot in the neighborhood in case of fire. It could be a corner, a neighbors’ house, or a large tree. Have an area in the community where you will meet if you cannot return home. Places of worship, libraries, or community centers are all excellent choices, as well as friends’ home outside your neighborhood. 

Make sure copies of your plan, including all relevant numbers and information, are given to all family members, and have them carry a hard copy. Also, be sure all family members have all this information on their devices. Have each person enter an ICE (in case of emergency) contact in their phone in case of an accident for first responder personnel. You can download a fillable form from www.ready.gov. This site is a treasure trove of information on how to be ready for any disaster. 

Know how to communicate during an emergency. Networks will be busy. Keep calls brief and give information concisely. Text when possible; this takes up less battery power and network space. Close all apps and reduce screen brightness to reserve battery. Do not play games or watch videos to reduce network connections.

Practice your plan yearly and update information as needed. Talk about how each member will get to the designated meeting place in case of emergency. Can they walk, or will they need public transportation? Choose a lead person who will send out the required information. Ensure everyone, including children, knows when and how to call 911 and that it should only be used in a life-threatening emergency. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO