Hurricane Irma has been blowing through the west coast of Florida this week, with devastating effects across the coast. While Canada does not see as many hurricanes, it many parts of the country are not immune to natural disasters, and residents should have a plan in place for any disastrous event.
Planning Is Essential
During an emergency, panic can ensue very quickly – but if you have a plan in place then you will be able to react properly even in their states of panic. Families should work together to make a home evacuation plan, and have everyone in the household act it out so that all members understand what to do in an emergency situation. You should also have multiple fire escape routes in place for your home, and an safe designated meeting area to ensure everyone stays together. When a house is evacuated it’s important to find out quickly who is accounted for.
Pets should also be taken into consideration – however, in the case of extreme emergencies such as a house fire, pets may need to be left behind to ensure family members are safe.
If you need to evacuate your home, you should also consider where you will need to go for safety. Talk to friends and relatives in the area to find out whether they would take you in temporarily should an emergency occur. You can also locate pet-friendly hotels or animal shelters that are located on your evacuation route.
Disaster Kit
You should have an emergency/disaster kit available wherever you frequently visit such as your car or office, and it should be evaluated and replenished at least once per year. make sure to check the batteries in the kit regularly, restock any expired medications and ensure that all items are in place. You should also have a safe storage area inside the kit where you can place copies of your most important documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies etc.
First-Aid/CPR
When a natural disaster strikes, you’ll want to be prepared to handle any medical emergencies as well. Training in first aid and CPR can help you confidently administer aid to others. During an emergency situation such as a hurricane, you may have to wait longer for first responders to arrive.
One of the first steps in preparing for a disaster is to get trained with an accredited CPR/first aid course. Visit our website at www.heart2heartcpr.com or contact us today to learn more about being prepared in an emergency.
