Emergency preparedness involves planning and preparing for unexpected events that could pose a threat to health, safety, or property, such as natural disasters, pandemics, or other emergencies. Being prepared can significantly reduce the risks and impacts associated with such events.
Benefits
- Safety and Survival: Increases the chances of safety and survival during an emergency.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you are prepared can reduce anxiety and stress about potential disasters.
- Community Resilience: Prepared communities can recover more quickly from emergencies.
- Resource Management: Helps ensure that essential resources, like food and water, are available during crises.
Best Age to Start
Families can start teaching children about emergency preparedness concepts around the age of 7 or 8, with more detailed planning and involvement in preparations appropriate for older children and teenagers.
Resources
- Websites: Ready.gov (https://www.ready.gov/) offers comprehensive guides on preparing for various emergencies.
- Apps: The Red Cross offers several emergency preparedness apps for different disasters.
- Books: “The Disaster Survival Guide: How to Prepare For and Survive Floods, Fires, Earthquakes and More” by Marie D. Jones (available on Amazon) covers a broad range of preparedness topics.
Equipment and Costs
- Emergency Kit: Basic supplies for one person can cost around $70-$100, including food, water, and first aid supplies.
- Flashlights and Batteries: $10-$30.
- Water Filters/Purifiers: $20-$100 for portable options.
- First Aid Kit: $15-$50, depending on size and contents.
Starting Tips
- Identify the types of emergencies most likely to occur in your area and plan accordingly.
- Create an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and meeting points.
- Regularly update and practice your emergency plan with all family members.
Recommended Practice Frequency
Review and update emergency plans and kits at least once a year. Conduct emergency drills (e.g., fire, earthquake) every 6 months.
Requirements/Tasks for Mastery
- Assemble and maintain an updated emergency supply kit.
- Develop and practice a comprehensive emergency plan covering various scenarios.
- Take CPR and first aid training courses.
Notable Figures in Emergency Preparedness
- FEMA Administrators, past and present, play key roles in promoting national emergency preparedness and response strategies.
- Local emergency management officials and first responders are also critical in emergency preparedness education and community safety initiatives.