5. INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY PLANNING

Why Should My Family Prepare?

It is extremely important that your family is prepared in case of an emergency. And, that also includes the potential for potentially disruptive conditions during a pandemic period. Local officials and volunteers will be overwhelmed trying to help those who live alone, the elderly, and citizens with special needs. Being prepared protects your family and the community!!

Create a plan

Meet with your family members and discuss why you need to prepare for an emergency including circumstances associated with health-related conditions. Explain the various kinds of emergency conditions that could happen in New Canaan. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen in New Canaan, including severe storms and power outages. Other events could happen in nearby towns, as well as in New York City. Explain what to do in each case.
• Pick two places to meet:
  • 1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.
  • 2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
• Ask an out-of-state 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 if you have to leave your home quickly. Plan how to take care of your pets.
• Write down all of these contact numbers and information on the family emergency contact card. (Click here for a printable version.)

Considerations at home

• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it’s kept.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt.

Practice your plan

• Quiz your family every six months so they remember what to do.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home.

(For further information see: http://www.ready.gov/america/family_plan.html)