The Complete Idiot's Guide to 2012 - Dr. Synthia Andrews Nd [128]
Canadian Resources
The Canadian government’s approach to preparedness and emergency planning seems to focus more on coordination between government agencies and emergency responders. Canadian websites are more orientated toward agency response during events than toward providing information to the public about what to do, where to go, or who to contact. Be sure to check with your local town and province authorities. See the Canadian websites in the “Preparedness” section of the Resources appendix.
United Kingdom Resources
In the United Kingdom, it appears to us that the county level offers useful information, while the central government websites give you the run-around.
The UK counties provide detailed emergency plans with information on where to go and what to do. They provide evacuation routes and emergency information channels. They also help with the practical matters of creating and sustaining an emergency kit and an evacuation kit, and share information on how often to check batteries or change water and food supplies. An emergency can happen at any time with a variety of outcomes. A ready-made emergency pack in your home, stored in an accessible area, is essential. You can download instructions from the local county websites. See the “Preparedness” section of the Resources appendix for some UK websites, including one for Hampshire County Council, a good general resource for emergency planning.
International Red Cross
Being prepared beforehand might help save your life. Knowing where to get help afterward may keep you alive. The Red Cross helps people affected by situations ranging from house fires to floods to disasters. Be sure the Red Cross help line is one of the numbers on your list.
In addition to helping with the basic needs of survival like food, water, and medical help, the Red Cross provides both information and support for helping children cope with disaster, for helping people with disabilities and special needs, and for animal safety. The Red Cross website (see Resources appendix) provides great preparedness information.
Family Preparedness
Knowing where to go and who to call is essential but do you know what to do? Do you have a family plan? Does everyone know what his or her specific role is? Do you check in with your family members and reinforce the plan, changing it as needed? Do you have a preparedness kit? Let’s break these down into useable steps.
Making a Plan
The first thing you need to do is talk to your family. Everyone should know what kinds of events could take place. Even though you may be preparing for a weather event like a hurricane, be sure to talk about offshoot problems, too, like fires and floods. Explain the dangers and create a plan where everyone has a job and works as a team member. It’s natural to be afraid, but handling fear is easier when you have a job and know how to do it.
You can’t always plan to all be together when disaster hits. Have two places where people should go to meet. If the emergency is specific to your house, like a fire, your meeting place can be right outside your house. If the event is larger and you can’t return home, have a second meeting place outside your neighborhood that everyone can get to. Be sure everyone knows the details of the plan and what to do. Don’t forget to include your pets in your planning!
Cosmic Caution
In local disasters, phone services may be disrupted locally but not nationally. It’s sometimes easier to call long distance. Have an out-of-town friend or family member be the contact person for family members. Family members should all check