Disaster can strike at any time, at any place, and most likely when we least expect it. If a disaster were to strike your home or even the city of Pittsburgh in its entirety, make sure you are prepared with a game plan. The Huffington Post provides 10 helpful steps to make sure your game plan is set to run smoothly:
- Know what you’ll face
Part of preparation is knowing exactly what kind of disasters you might face and knowing what to do in each situation. Don’t overlook your chances of severe weather. If you think you live in a disaster-free zone, chances are you’re wrong.
- Learn your area’s evacuation routes and shelter locations
The time to figure these things out isn’t in the face of a natural disaster. Evacuations are actually pretty common, so it will serve you well to know the details ahead of time.
- Know how you’ll reconnect with people who matter
If cell networks aren’t working, you don’t just need to worry about how your Netflix stream will be affected. Consider how you will contact your family or your roommates. Figuring this out ahead of time can make everything so much easier in a difficult situation.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and know how officials will communicate with you during a disaster
You can get these on your cell phone if you haven’t disabled them already. We know the blaring noise overtaking the silent mode on your phone can be annoying, but this is probably the best way to learn about emergencies in today’s day and age. The emergency alert system also broadcasts over the radio and television.
- Learn what to do if you’re caught away from home
Obviously, you may not be at home when disaster strikes. In the case of an unexpected emergency, you should be prepared to react from different locations, including your workplace or car.
- Have a kit and know how to use it
This includes food, water, basic first aid supplies and other emergency equipment that you might already have (think flashlights and duct tape). The key is to have this assembled and ready to use, not scattered all over your house.
- Keep in mind people who may need special preparation
Kids, infants, people with disabilities and seniors may all need special considerations while planning for an emergency. If you or a family member need medication or special equipment, make sure you have a plan to bring it with you.
- Prepare for your pets
The goal of emergency preparedness is to keep the whole family safe — and that includes our furry friends. If you need to evacuate, you should never leave your pet behind. Try to evacuate to a friend or family member’s house, as pets may not be allowed inside public shelters. Keep a pet emergency kit on hand with food and other important items.
- Learn emergency skills that can always come in handy
Make sure you know little things that can make a huge difference, like how to use a fire extinguisher or perform basic first aid. You can also learn how to shut off utilities in your house in case of a disaster that may involve or damage gas, water or electrical lines.
- Find out how to help your community during a disaster
Want to help out even more? Learn how you can be a community leader during a disaster or teach others how to be prepared.
Once the dust has settled, everybody is safe and it is clear to re-enter the area, make sure you call GS Jones Restoration to help get your home restored and back to normal as quickly as possible, with no stress to you.