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.