Many organizations invest considerable resources in their emergency preparedness plans. And it's time and money well spent. But emergency preparedness isn't just for organizations. It's something individuals should do as well. So, in recognition of National Preparedness Month in the United States, here's an article to share with your workers on why and how to prepare for an emergency, both at work and at home.

We All Need to Be Prepared for Emergencies

It seems like every day the headlines are filled with reports of fires, leaks, spills, hurricanes and many other emergencies. Yet, most of us still think it will never happen to us. Of course, the victims you read about thought the exact same thing; and they were wrong. So what happens if you turn out to be wrong? What if tomorrow's headlines are about you, your company or your community?

For example, what if an explosion, landslide or a flash flood forced an evacuation of your neighborhood before you got home from work? Would you know where to find your family? Do you know the emergency plans of your children's school? How would you and your co-workers react to the emergency? Do you know your role in your company's emergency response plan? Do you know if your company even has a plan?

14 Ways to Prepare Yourself for an Emergency

Emergencies cause us to feel fear and a loss of control. Preparation for an emergency enables us to minimize those emotions and make sounder judgments at the crucial time. Evacuating a home or workplace during a fire is always going to be a terrifying experience. But if you've practiced evacuation and "know the drill," you're that much more likely to come through it with your body and mind in one piece.

Here are 14 tips that we as individuals can take to prepare ourselves to face an emergency at home and the workplace:

AT WORK

1. Learn about the hazards of your workplace and how to react to them. Know where to find a chemical's MSDS (material safety data sheet), a safety shower, an eyewash station or emergency shut-off switch.
2. Know how to get out alive. Study the company's evacuation plans and memorize two ways out of every area of your workplace - without an elevator. Note the number of doors and workstations between you and the exit so you can find your way out in the dark, if necessary. You should also know the designated meeting place and reporting procedures for personnel after evacuation.
3. Note the location of the fire extinguishers and learn how to use them correctly.
4. Know where to find the first aid kit and how to contact employees who are qualified to provide first aid at your workplace.
5. Post emergency phone numbers by your workstation, as well as the address and exact location of your workplace.
6. Keep with you personal identification, contact numbers and critical information about your medical condition, e.g., diabetic or allergic to certain drugs.
7. Inform your supervisor if you have a disability or condition that might interfere with your ability to exit quickly.

AT HOME

1. Pack a disaster kit - twice. Keep one kit in the home and a miniature version in your car.
2. Create an evacuation plan of your home. Review it with your family and practice it at least once a year.
3. Designate an out-of-the-area relative or friend to be a contact - the family point person. If family members are separated during an emergency, they can call the point person and leave or retrieve messages.
4. Pick two meetings places - one in your neighborhood and one far from home in case the neighborhood is evacuated.
5. Talk to your children's schools about emergency plans. Make sure they have your contact information and know who is authorized to pick up your child if you can't get there yourself.
6. Coordinate with your neighbors. Learn who has technical or medical skills and who has special needs.
7. Teach everyone in the family:
   • How to turn off the home's electricity, water and gas;
   • How to use the fire extinguisher;
   • How to get out in an emergency; and
   • Where to find the disaster kit.

Conclusion

Advance preparation can not only reduce the stress experienced during an emergency, it can also make you and your family members feel more in control of their safety. And during times of chaos, confidence and control often spell the difference between life and death.

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