In emergency situations, such as fires, hurricanes and power outages, local officials and relief workers cannot necessarily reach everyone immediately. Help may not arrive for hours…or even days. Which is why you and your family need to be prepared ahead of time, since you won’t have time to shop or search for the supplies you will need once a disaster strikes.
Some of the top tools that can save the lives of you and your family include:
In case a fire…
Smoke Alarms. Install many. Mount one on every level of the house and outside all sleep areas. Be sure to check the batteries regularly by testing them once a month and replacing them at least once a year, unless you have units powered by 10-year lithium batteries (these still require monthly checking). Some smoke alarms are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have a battery backup. It’s important to test these monthly, too. Regardless of the power source, buy new smoke alarms every 10 years. Also, be sure to keep alarms free of dust and debris, which can cause malfunctions. Lastly, never disable an alarm.
Fire Extinguishers. Use multipurpose extinguishers. These are labeled as type “ABC,” meaning they are equipped to fight fires caused by ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment. Make sure you have one in the kitchen, the garage, the basement, and wherever your furnace and hot-water heater are located. Don’t forget to inspect them regularly. If the gauge doesn’t read full (100 percent), have the extinguisher serviced if it’s rechargeable and buy a new one if it’s not. Also, replace old extinguishers, since dry chemicals in them degrade and become less effective over time. Lastly, know how to use your extinguisher: once you have squeezed the lever, sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the flames until the fire appears to be out.
In case of a hurricane:
If a storm is headed your way, it’s important to set aside non-perishable food, water and clothing for three to seven days, as well as vital documents, a supply of prescription medications, personal hygiene items, cash, and a first aid kit. Place everything in a plastic bag or waterproof container.
Other critical, supplies to have on hand include:
- At least a 3-day and preferably a 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
- Formula, diapers, and other baby supplies
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Cell phones and battery-powered cell phone chargers
- Battery-powered radios and flashlights
- Batteries
- Blankets, sleeping bags, books, and games
In case of a power outage:
Approach Perishable Food With Caution
When the power goes out, that food in the fridge will last only so long. You should throw away any perishable food in there if your power has been off for four hours or more.
Your freezer, if full and left unopened, will keep frozen food safe for 48 hours. You must cut this safe window in half to 24 hours, however, if your freezer is only half full. But keep in mind that this is only if you keep that freezer door shut. Every time you open it, some of the cold air escapes – effectively speeding up the clock for when your food might spoil.
Beyond these guidelines, exercise common sense. Does your food have an unusual texture, odor or color? Throw it away. This is when the old rule, “When in doubt, throw it out,” should be in full effect.
Use generators carefully
In a blackout, many view generators as a lifesaver. But use them improperly, and they can actually put your life in danger.
The reason for this is that generators, as they run, emit a gas known as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless – in other words, it is impossible for us to detect it on our own. Yet, each year carbon monoxide poisoning sends approximately 15,000 Americans to the emergency department and kills nearly 500, according to CDC statistics.
To keep you and those who live with you safe,…