Better Safe Than Sorry!

I know most of you don't have an emergency kit at home. I'm the first one to admit that I don't. Well, don't you think it's about time we did something about that? In case of an emergency, no matter what kind of emergency it is, it's better to be prepared and to know what to do, every step of the way. If you are prepared there's no reason for panic and you can do whatever is needed and the damage will probably be much less than if you run around like a crazy chicken.

So, here it goes. I challenge all of you to prepare an emergency kit, post a picture of it and tell us about what it contains (so the rest of us can get ideas on how to improve ours).

Read my posts about Emergency kits and how to be prepared in case of an emergency and think about your emergency kit. Write a post about it. Then come back here and sign the Mr Linky, to let us know that you're in.



I guess it will take us all some time to gather all the stuff we need to store in our emergency kits so on November 11th I'll post another Mr Linky where you can add the links to your posts with photos.

Come on, spread the word and enjoy the fun! Having an emergency plan and an emergency kit will make you sleep better at night, knowing that you will know what to do and where to go in case of something not so good happening.

I hope to see many bloggers in this one. Safety in all it's aspects is very dear to me, and if there's interest I volunteer to host more challenges related to kids and safety, safety on the Internet, safety on the road and so on. It's better to be safe than sorry, so sign the Mr Linky and post about the challenge on your blog to spread the word.

Logo made by Linda at RS Designs. Thanks Linda, you're such a sweetie!

Tech Tags: emergency emergency+plan emergency+kit challenge

Are you prepared, part 2

Prepare an emergency kit and store it in a safe place at home. Store a smaller version of the kit in your car. Remember to check your kit every 6 months. The kit should contain basic supplies to last everyone in your household at least 3 days:

• Bottled water.
• Food: Non perishable, high-protein items and ready to eat canned food. Don't forget the can opener!
  
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First – aid kit.Medication.
• Battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
• Tools (like a manual can opener, screwdriver, knife, garbage bags).
• A change of clothes for everyone.
• Personal items.
• Important papers (including a copy of your contact list)
• Sanitary supplies (like toilet paper and feminine supplies).
• A local map with the emergency routes marked.

Make sure you understand what kind of emergencies or disasters might occur where you live and work and prepare yourself for that. Take a look at your home and see where the weak spots are. Take a look around your garden or back yard. Imagine the worst scenarios in case of a fire or flood and try to do whatever needed to reduce the possible risks and effects in case that would occur. Know where to listen for announcements from local authorities.

Tech Tags: emergency emergency+plan emergency+kit evacuation+plan fire+drill contact+list

Are you prepared, part 1

Being prepared for emergencies is very important and is something we all should bear in mind. So many things can happen, and if we are prepared the effects of the emergency is probably going to be much less than if you're caught by surprise.

According to the American Red Cross there are 3 steps we all should take to prepare ourselves and our families in case of emergency:

- Make a plan
- Get a kit
- Be informed

First of all, you need to make an evacuation plan. Conduct fire drills and practice evacuating your home twice a year. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to get out of the house in case of emergency and where you’ll meet once outside. Make sure you have 2 meeting points – one outside your house in case of fire and one outside your neighborhood in case you can’t go back home. Then plan the getaway route and drive it twice a year so you know it by heart and know how long it will take you get to a safe place. Also plan for alternative routes in case the main roads are shut down. Drive those too twice a year.

Make a contact list. Decide who is going to be your family contact and make sure everyone knows the number and how to call. If you are a Fly Baby, you know this is one of the most important pages in your control journal. Make sure the list is updated and print out copies for all the members in the household.

Have a family meeting and talk about why you need to have an emergency plan and what to do in case of an emergency. Show each family member how and when to turn off the gas, water and electricity at the main switches. Teach your children how and when to call the emergency number. Install smoke detectors and test them monthly. Buy a fire extinguisher and test and recharge it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tech Tags: emergency emergency+plan emergency+kit evacuation+plan fire+drill contact+list