Here at Practical Home, we are huge proponents of feeling confident and prepared if there is an emergency in your home. Having a physical family emergency plan displayed is one important step to take to protect your loved ones. Emergencies can strike at any time and without warning, so it is crucial for families to have a plan in place to ensure everyone's safety.
A family emergency plan ensures that everyone knows what to do and where to go and can help minimize the risk of injury or harm to your loved ones. For example, if a fire starts in your home, does everyone in your family know what to do? Read below for a brief overview of what your family emergency plan should include:
Call 911
In an emergency, every second counts. Knowing when to call 911 and what information to give the dispatcher can save lives. It's essential to teach everyone in your family how to call 911, what essential information to provide, and to remain calm and clear when communicating with the dispatcher.
Exit Safely
Having a plan for how to safely exit your home in the event of an emergency is critical. It's important to identify all potential exits and make sure they are easily accessible. Practice emergency exits with your family, including identifying and using emergency exits in different parts of your home during different scenarios.
Go to a Meeting Place
In an emergency, it can be challenging to determine where everyone is and if they are safe. Establishing a meeting place outside of your home where everyone can gather in the event of an emergency is crucial. This can be a nearby park or a neighbor's home.
Text and Contact Others
In some emergencies, it may be challenging to communicate with your family members. Have a plan for how you will communicate with each other, even if phone lines are down. Identify alternative methods of communication, such as text messages or social media apps. Make sure everyone in your family knows who to contact and how to reach them.
Practicing your family emergency plan regularly and making updates as needed will help ensure that your loved ones are prepared and safe in case of an emergency. Be on the lookout for a TREND FORWARD physical Practical Home family emergency plan available for purchase on our site very soon!
Stay tuned for more tips on home maintenance, prevention, design, and more here at Practical Home. And catch us on HGTV Tuesday evenings at 9 p.m. ET/PT on our new show Renovation 911.
