September 7, 2010
Back to school. You shop for new clothes and school supplies for your kids. You make arrangements for them to safely travel to and from school each day. You worry that they’ll fit in, make and keep good friends, and stay safe while you’re away from them each day.
Safety at school is important. And most schools take it very seriously. Most schools require you to fill out an emergency contact card to help them account for your child(ren) and react appropriately after a natural disaster or emergency. They prepare and conduct emergency drills with your kids. Most importantly, they stock emergency preparedness supplies and/or require your child to bring a school emergency kit.
But, what they can’t do for you is prepare a family plan. While many schools have strict rules to managing a crisis, history has told us that in major disasters, mayhem takes over. Communication can be spotty or non-existent. Cell towers are toppled or overloaded. Even trusty text messaging can fail.
A good family plan starts with at least two meeting places:
- Pick a simple obvious location at or near the school.
- Then, determine a backup location in case the school is inaccessible, too dangerous, or in complete disarray. Select a nearby park or a shopping center parking lot – an area free from buildings and distractions.
Everyone’s circumstances vary. How many kids you have, where you live and many other factors will affect your plan. What matters most is that you think it through and communicate it ahead of time to your family. “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” (Benjamin Franklin). Happy planning.
February 9, 2010
While the responsibility should rest on your employer to take care of you in the aftermath of an emergency, most are unprepared or have miscalculated the needs. In other words, don’t count on it.
So if you agree it’s a good idea to be prepared at work, where do you start?
- Start first by understanding what your employer has planned. Ask the “man” for his plan. Some businesses are required by law (OSHA) to have an emergency action plan. This usually includes an evacuation plan, designated meeting places and safe areas, communication procedures, and more.
- Next, find out what emergency supplies are readily available. Hit up HR or your boss with questions like:
- Do we have an emergency office kit? Where?
- How much water and food do we have in case of an emergency?
- How often is it replenished or reviewed?
- Finally, take matters into your own hands. Even if you’re employer appears to be prepared, consider having your own plan and supplies. If you’re one of approximately 80% of Americans who drive to work, ensure you have a car survival kit (like we covered in this post about survival in your car). This is quite appropriate if you’re job requires heavy driving. But even if you’re cooped up in a cubicle all day, your car will be within walking distance after a disaster.
Office Survival Kit Example
Most of us spend 30-40% of our “awake” time each week at work. We labor nearly 1/3 of our lives. So next time you’re taking a break at the water cooler, give this topic a little more thought. It just might save your life.
October 8, 2009
According to the USGS, earthquakes are the most costly natural hazard faced by the United States. Most people associate California with earthquakes, but quake fault lines are scattered all over the states. This map clearly shows the areas that face the most danger.
However, California is packed with people and lies on some of the most vulnerable faults. Fortunately, they are preparing well. On October 15, California will host the Great California ShakeOut to raise awareness on earthquake safety. This event originated in 2008 and is sponsored by CEMA (California Emergency Management Agency), the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program and many more. It’s sure to be an informative and timely event. If you live in California, be sure to register. If you don’t, you can still learn some valuable tips.
So, are you prepared for the next earthquake? Take this fun interactive earthquake quiz to test your knowledge. And don’t forget to have an earthquake kit handy.
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