Contact your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office--be prepared to take notes.
Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
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.
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.
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-Province 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.
Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 emergency help.
Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.
Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
Get training for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher, and show them where it's kept.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Conduct a home 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 the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
Quiz your kids every six months, conduct fire and emergency evacuation.
Replace stored water every six months and stored food every six months.
Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Test your smoke detectors monthly and charge the batteries at least once a year.
The Town of Oromocto is pleased to share with you its feature from the
"Insights with Terry Bradshaw" television program.
