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Gaining an Hour of Daylight and a Sense of Security
Written by
Leigh-Anne Dennison
, Managing Editor, RedCross.org
Wednesday, April 05, 2006 — Just because we lose an hour’s sleep when we “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time doesn’t mean you have to lose sleep over your family’s safety. Taking time to get prepared is not only good for our future but can result in a sense of security for today.
Seasonal or semi-annual events like the changing of the clocks provide a great reminder to prepare and/or update family disaster plans. Now, with spring sprung, plans and supplies may require updating or modifications for different needs and risks – either from the forces of nature or unfortunate accidents that come with shifting seasonal behaviors and activities.
Take time now to review the contents of your disaster preparedness kit. Check to be sure packaging is intact and air-tight. Look at expiration dates on packaged foods, water, medicines and batteries. Even items with long shelf lives should be swapped out for freshness and quality. If you don't have a kit, now is a great time to assemble or buy one and customize it.
(Photo Credit: American Red Cross)
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“The first step in getting prepared is to know what could happen; learn what possible risks you face in your area of the country, your neighborhood and your home,” says Keith Robertory, American Red Cross Preparedness Expert. “Once you know what you’re facing, you can take steps to prevent or mitigate emergencies and make plans to quickly respond to typical disasters where you live, work or go to school.”
While it’s never a bad time to assemble or buy and customize an emergency supplies kit, Robertory indicates that the changing of seasons is a great time refresh supplies to help you and your family be ready whether you need to evacuate in the face of a disaster or need stay put for a while.
“Ask yourself what is different about spring and the coming summer months,” he says. “And, consider the potential hazards they bring.”
Cold weather climates where snow and ice are beginning to thaw may welcome a warm and wet season while other areas face dry, arid conditions as the season heats up. In some areas of the country, clashing weather fronts can bring the dangers of severe thunder and lightning storms, heavy rains and tornadoes; while residents in other areas already may be thinking about the fast-approaching hurricane season. These spring weather conditions can mean wildfires, wind damage, flooding or power outages with affects ranging from uncomfortable to unsafe and even life-threatening.
Robertory suggests taking a little time to think about how these changes your family disaster plans, such as whether they affect your evacuation route, meet up location and sheltering options. What about your disaster supplies kit? Family changes along with the seasonal ones may mean you need to swap out items in your kit, for example:
- Instead of trying to stay warm, you may be trying to stay cool so blankets may be switched out with lighter sheets and bedding, warm clothing such as sweaters and jeans may be swapped for shorts and t-shirts. You may even choose to add comfort items such a small battery-powered fan.
- For seasonal allergy sufferers, spring may mean adding appropriate prescriptions and sinus remedies.
- Sun-blocking lotions, glasses and hats as well as insect repellents may become more important components in a disaster kit during this time of year.
- Welcoming new family members such as a baby or pet can mean the addition of special feeding and care supplies. Or, perhaps your youngest family member no longer requires formula but eats special baby cereals or foods.
- Even items with long shelf lives should be checked and exchanged periodically. Take this opportunity to freshen staples in supplies kits such as water, food and batteries. If there have been changes in prescriptions or dietary needs, add new foods and prescriptions. For items staying in the kit, check packages to ensure they remain intact and are properly stored, and check expiration dates on medications. Remember to check for dates on the ointments or creams that come in first aid kits.
Time and circumstances may have changed since you developed your emergency plans. Perhaps you had arranged to stay with a friend or family member in the event of an emergency who has moved too far away. Update contact information in your family communications plan and make any other changes, being sure to print or make photocopies for each family member to keep.
“If you have made additions to your household such as a child, a pet or a family member with special medical needs, determine what adjustments need to be made to evacuation or sheltering plans to accommodate them,” said Robertory. “Remember to check for pet friendly hotels and animal shelters along your evacuation route in case you need to evacuate with a pet.”
Finally, a new year may bring newly-enacted rules or procedures by local and state governments as well as other organizations or agencies that are active in times of disaster. If you haven’t reviewed your community’s evacuation and sheltering programs and information recently, take a peek to see if there have been changes and update your family’s plans accordingly. Check with schools to see if they have updated procedures or practices you need to know.
“And if you’ve never made a disaster plan or assembled a preparedness kit, use the extra hour of daylight to get ready,” said Robertory. “You never know when disaster may strike.”
Learn how to prepare yourself, your family, your school and workplace by visiting the “Get Prepared” section of the RedCross.org Web site. There you will find instructions for creating evacuation and family communication plans, tips on preparing for typical disasters and emergencies and guidance for assembling an emergency preparedness kit. Or, you can buy a kit from the RedCross.org online store and easily customize it.
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