Have you prepared for emergencies in your household?

In this courtesy photo from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a powerful storm roles above the horizon. Large weather events, other natural disasters, and even small events like a fire in the kitchen could precipitate an emergency (at one scale or another). The best thing is to make plans in case something bad comes to pass.

Have you prepared for emergencies in your household?

Courtesy story

BRUNSSUM, Netherlands – Emergencies can happen any time and any place and be as large as a major storm that sweeps over several countries or can be as small as a kitchen fire.

Ensure what you and your loved ones know what to do when the unfortunate strikes, and you will be better able to cope and recover.

PREPARE

Preparing in advance could keep an emergency from becoming a disaster for you and your Family. Take these simple steps to prepare:

Get a Kit – Consider the basics of survival and also special needs.
•     Assemble emergency supplies in your home, car and workplace.
•     Be ready in case you must evacuate quickly.
•     Prepare for your pets survival too.

Make a Plan – Consider the range of possibilities and places you might be.
•     Plan reactions to various emergencies.
•     Plan how your Family can stay in touch.
•     Practice your plan.
•     Plan for your pets too.

Be Informed – Knowing what to do can make all the difference when seconds count.
•     Know what emergencies are most likely to affect you and your Family.
•     Know the local emergency warning system in your area and what actions to take if there is an emergency.

REPORT

During and/or following an emergency, you are required to report your status with your command to ensure all member of the military family are accounted for. When disaster strikes, take the following actions:

Proceed to a safe location – Shelter-in-place or go to a shelter or safe haven as directed.

Report your status – Follow the command’s established procedures to report your location, even if your sponsor is deployed.

RECOVER and BE INFORMED

If you or your Family has been affected by a declared emergency, USAG Benelux and other organizations can help. The following resources are available:

•    Safe and well list – Provides a way for disaster victims to communicate with family members about their well-being. https://disastersafe.redcross.org/

•    For good information about preparedness: http://www.ready.gov/

•    Recovery and Rebuild – Provides Information and resources for individual impacted by disasters: http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/index.shtm  

•    Disaster Preparedness for people with disabilities: http://www.disabilityresources.org/DISASTER.html

•    Disaster Preparedness for your pets: http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/resources/disaster_preparedness_for_pets.html

•    The resources listed below provide additional information about preparing yourself and your family for an emergency: America Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov 

For more information, please contact the USAG Benelux emergency manager at +31 45 534 0071 or DSN 597-4071.