When you own your own home you can’t fathom anything disastrous happening to it, or the people it protects. But in the age of crazy weather and man-made disasters, you need to ask yourself,  "Am I prepared for an emergency situation?".

Are You Prepared For An Emergency Situation?

In this post we'll discuss some top tips on getting your home and your family ready for the unexpected, and what you can do to prepare yourself for any crisis.

Your Home

Your home should be equipped to handle whatever weather emergency your location is known for.  For example, in the southeast, windows are outfitted with plantation shutters to keep the winds of hurricanes at bay.  In earthquake-prone areas, buildings and are reinforced with shear walls, cross braces and moment-resisting frames.  The best thing you can do for your home? Be prepared. Make sure that your doors and windows are made to withstand the elements for your locale.  If you live in an area that's prone to flooding, be sure you have a sump pump in your basement that is functioning properly.  Have a generator that can handle your home's needs filled with gas and ready to go.

Aside from natural disasters, it’s also important to be prepared for man-made problems too, such as a house fire.

Have smoke alarms and CO2 detectors fitted on every level of your house and test them regularly. Place fire extinguishers and fire blankets at strategic points in your home too, so you’re covered on every level.

You’ll want to have any important documents saved on Cloud storage as well. Scan and save your passports, credit card information, social security numbers and other important information, like the contact information for your insurance providers and a general contractor as well, who can work with you (and your insurance company) to repair any damage that may occur.

Your Family
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Once you've readied your home for emergencies, it’s time to get your family on board, too. There’s no need to scare young children,  of course, so try teaching them about natural and man made disasters on their level, like with books or videos.  Consider turning a family fire drill into a game where they can learn to practice escape routes out of the house and where to meet up outside.  Most of all, take their fears seriously and let them know that it's okay to be scared.

Kids should also know how to dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency situation.  Discuss when it's appropriate to call, and what sorts of questions the operator may ask them.  Try role-playing with them using different scenarios so if there's ever a real need to call, they'll know what to expect.

Build Your Emergency Supply Kit

Even though you more than likely keep medications, bandages, sprays and ointments in your medicine cabinet, it might be a good idea to put together an emergency supply kit.  Having a grab-and-go emergency kit is a great way to stay outfitted with necessities should you have to evacuate your home.

You can use something as simple as a backpack or duffel bag.  Take a few bottles of water, as well as any prescribed medications.  A travel-sized first aid kit is practical, as is a change of clothes or two, an extra phone charger, a solar/hand-crank power supply, radio, LED flashlight, multi-tool, rain poncho and a blanket.  You might also consider adding MREs (meals ready-to-eat) and protein bars.

If you have kids, keep separate backpacks just for them.  Fill their kits with bottled water, a few changes of clothes, a headlamp or child-sized flashlight, food, snacks and some entertainment, such as coloring books and crayons.  Be sure their belongings are clearly labeled with their names and contact information.  If your kids use medication, keep extras in their kit, along with a kid-friendly first aid kit.

Folks, we can't stress this enough:  please don't leave your pets behind.  With so many loving pet owners out there, local, state and government agencies are now making it possible for you to evacuate with your pet.  Always have a pet carrier stashed with your emergency kits, along with extra pet food & bottled water, medication, licenses, collars and leashes.  And just like the kids--always pack a toy.

​In times of emergencies, you're family is going to turn to you for guidance and advice.  You may want to consider basic first aid training and CPR certification that will help not only you and yours, but anyone in need around you.
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Should the need arise, use our tips to help prepare yourself, your family and your property in the case of an emergency. This handy infographic from Credit Donkey can also provide you with what you need to know when having to prepare for the unexpected.  

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