The more you have planned prior to an emergency situation, the calmer and more assured you and your family will be when it happens. Talk with your family about the possibility of disasters. Although the most common ones in Arlington are fires and winter storms, it is probable others will occur.
The basis of a family disaster plan is determining where people will go and how they will communicate. Follow these steps:
q Choose two places to meet -- one within a block of home, and a second outside the neighborhood, in case family members cannot return home or are asked to evacuate the neighborhood.
q Determine the best escape routes, if possible, including two ways out of each room and two routes out of the neighborhood.
q Choose an out-of-town contact as the person each family member should call after a disaster to report whereabouts and status.
q Choose places that are appropriate for sheltering-in-place.
q If you have pets, find out who can care for them if your family is unable to do so. Most shelters do not allow pets because of health regulations.
q Teach every responsible family member how and when to turn off utilities. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and keep one in your home.
q Teach children how and when to call 911.
q Make cards for every family member with the above mentioned information. In addition, make a place near a telephone to keep emergency contact information.
q Practice your plan. Twice each year, conduct a fire drill and evacuate. Go to your meeting places. Practice sheltering-in-place. Update phone numbers appropriately.
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