No one exactly knows what a home emergency could bring. But the fact that the result would not be as good as what you think, preparation is still the best way to be at least stay safe and sound in case such dilemma occurs.
Below are some tips, guidelines and advices from the office of Red Cross in California for home emergency preparation:
1. The first and probably most important thing especially for emergency purposes is water. A person can live for longer days by just drinking water that’s why it is advisable to keep a sufficient supply of water for each member of the family each day.
The water must be stored in plastic containers. It will also be a safe way to have filters for water purification so it won’t be hard for you to find safe water during home crisis.
2. Second to water is the ample supply of food. You should consider keeping foods that will last for three to five days. Canned goods are one example of non-perishable food good for home emergencies.
3. It will be also a good idea to have an alternative-cooking source aside from electric stove especially if power supply is not available. Cooking tools like propane tank and barbecue stove are best alternative cooking sources.
You just have to make sure that if you are to use propane stove, you have extra propane tank so it won’t be hard for you to find another one in case the first tank is already empty.
4. Clothing is also important to consider for home emergencies. Make sure you have stocks of clothes good for you and for your family. Bedding as well should be considered during home crisis so you can get a better sleeping position.
5. Supply of woods is also necessary especially for keeping everybody warm during a cold weather. It is also good for fireplaces and stoves that use woods for burning.
6. Flashlight is a tool that would not be possibly absent during emergencies. Consider flashlights that operate via means of solar energy and those that can be manually operated so batteries won’t be a problem.
7. Medications and prescriptions by your doctor should be kept in case home emergency occurs especially if you have a family member with certain health condition. Get an enough supply of medicines by contacting your personal health care provider.
8. Another necessary means during home emergency is ready cash. ATM might not be possible to use especially if there’s no power supply and banks are not available.
9. Make sure that the gas tank of your car is half full so you can avoid lining up in gas stations.
10. Since power might not be available during emergencies, try to entertain yourself by having board games or books.
11. Lastly, get along with your neighbors because there will be situations where a help from them will be the best hand in case basic services fail to provide you assistance.
Keeping in mind the above tips will take you to a safe ride during home crisis. Preparation is still the most vital thing to do in case emergency happens whether in home or any elsewhere.