As you may know, last night, Japan was hit with a major emergency. A Tsunami struck the coastal communities after a 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit. I woke up at 11:00PM hearing a CNN News update on my phone and spent the next hour watching TV in horror. Cars turned on their heads, missing passenger trains, over turned ships! All i could do was pray. On my way back to bed, I took a look at my children as they slept and wonderd, If a major emergency hit our community, would we be prepared??
While events unfold in Japan and while other local coastlines are under tsunami warnings, Bare Blendz would like to take a moment to highlight some important tips on being prepared for an emergency, no matter the magnitude.
If your children are old enough to understand what happened in Japan, talk to them about what an emergency is. Tell them:
-Where to meet away from your home in case of a fire (like a neighbor’s house or the corner of the street);
-Where to meet outside your neighborhood if you must evacuate. You should pick a friend or relative’s house;
-Where to call to "check in" if you become separated from your family during a disaster. You should memorize the phone number of a favorite aunt or family member who lives in another state. You would call there to report where you are so your family can find you.
-Write down your family plan keep it in your backpack.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home. Include:
• a first aid kit
• your favorite snacks
bottled water
• battery-operated radio
• flashlight or glow sticks (never use candles)
• an extra set of clothing
• include a family photo
• Phone numbers & addresses of relatives
• Color book & crayons
If your child goes to school, be sure that they have an emergency card.
Your child's emergency contact information should include:
• Child's full name, date of birth, special health care needs such as allergies.
• Names and phone numbers of primary caregivers and back up contacts, including one out-of-state contact in case of city-wide or state-wide disaster.
• Names and phone numbers of medical and dental providers.
• Names and phone numbers of preferred hospitals.
• Copies of current insurance or Medicaid cards (black out part of the Social Security Number if you are concerned about identity theft).
• Medications.
• Parent/guardian signatures authorizing emergency care.
