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National Family Week Serves as Preparedness Reminder
Written by
Bonnie Gillespie
, Staff Writer and Photographer, American Red Cross
Monday, November 22, 2004 — As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many Americans are celebrating the 36th annual National Family Week as well, a time when family and friends come together to celebrate the bonds that strengthen communities. This year, the American Red Cross is reminding families that an essential part of preserving those bonds is being prepared for the unexpected year round.
“Disaster can strike anyone, anywhere at anytime,” said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Making a plan and building a kit are the keys to preparedness. They lessen the consequences families face in the aftermath of an emergency.
By making a family disaster plan, you and your loved ones can be prepared for the unexpected. |
Every eight minutes a disaster happens somewhere in America, and even during holiday festivities, families can celebrate with an even greater ease, knowing their loved ones are ensured by the safety of having a family disaster supplies kit.
Six basic items should be stocked for disaster supplies kits in the home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items and should be stored in an easy-to carry container like a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.
“Being prepared for disaster is no longer an option; it is a must,” said Evans. “The Red Cross is a resource that anyone can utilize to help create an overall culture of preparedness in our homes, schools, businesses and communities.”
The Red Cross urges families to take some simple safety steps this holiday season:
Find Out What Could Happen to You
- Contact your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office before a disaster occurs--be prepared to take notes.
- Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
- Learn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
- Ask about animal care after a disaster. Animals are not allowed inside emergency shelters because of health regulations.
- Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
- Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or day care center, and other places where your family spends time.
Create a Disaster Plan
- Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
- Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
- Pick two places to meet:
- Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
- Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
- Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.
Complete This Checklist
Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
Get training from the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Conduct a home hazard hunthome hazard hunt.
Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
Practice and Maintain Your Plan
- Quiz your kids every six months or so.
- Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
- Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
- Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
"Families are extraordinarily important to our communities and our country," says Peter
Goldberg, president and CEO of the Alliance for Children and Families, the organization that directs National Family Week. "We hope everyone will take time during National Family Week to honor the connections that support and strengthen families year-round.”
“Families traditionally connect and celebrate during Thanksgiving week, so it’s a perfect time to thank one another, as well as the other individuals and organizations who help the family thrive, he added.”
And the Red Cross strives to do just that, this holiday season and every day of the year.
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