Preparing for Emergencies

You can become better prepared to protect yourself and your family in the event of an emergency by following these 4 steps developed by the Red Cross.

• Be Informed – During an emergency it is important to remain alert and informed. Essential information can be retrieved from radio and television broadcasts and emergency agency websites.

• Make a Plan – Emergencies can catch people unaware, so it is very important for every home and workplace to have an emergency plan.

• Have an Emergency Kit – Put together an emergency kit with everything you will need if you have to leave your home and place it in an easy to reach place. A basic emergency kit should include :
  • Battery operated radio and spare batteries
  • Torch and spare batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Mobile phone, spare batteries and charger
  • Personal hygiene and toiletry supplies
  • Copies of home and medical insurance policies
  • Copies of important family documents ie birth certificates, passports, licences
  • Contact numbers for emergency services, family members etc

• Know your Neighbours – People who know their neighbours are more likely to help each other out in an emergency.