How to prepare yourself for a potential emergency

The following comes from a website for SafeAmerica, an organization dedicated to a safer corporate and private environment.

What can you do to prepare yourself for a potential emergency?

In the aftermath of the New York and Washington tragedies, Americans are wondering what could happen next.

For the past 30 years, we’ve not felt the need to take “precautionary action.” Now – unfortunately – emergency preparedness has a new sense of urgency.

While no one can know with certainty the future, the following suggestions may help you consider what you – and your organization – might do in consideration of future terrorism.

Have a plan
After September 11, no one can feel invincible. It makes sense to discuss what are the “hazards” you face… in your commute, in your workplace… and, in your community. Consider what steps might be important to safeguard your life, your family and your loved ones. Begin to build a simple action plan that gives you some sense of what you might do in any
emergency.

Talk to your key colleagues/co-workers
If you work with others, consider what steps you would take in an emergency. If you are in management, consider what you can do to build an internal emergency plan. If you aren’t in management, talk to your supervisors and develop alternate plans of sharing information – both inside and outside your company. Consider the role you would play – in your department, division or unit.

Build an emergency “network”
– if you have a “fire escape” or other emergency plan, build upon it so that you have a ready “network” of people, who know their role in any crisis. If your plan is dated, consider updating it. Work with experts that understand terrorism.

Keep a cell phone charged
– cell phones can be – as has been seen – a ready
contact with the outside world. Be ready. Keep one on you – and always have a spouse or other “key person’s” cell phone numbers on you.

Consider having a “buddy system”
– plan to confide in someone so that you have a partner to help you in any emergency. Discuss with that person fears, medical needs and other issues that could become critical factors in the event you were “stuck” together for 24-48 hours.

Reconsider the “hows” of travel
– domestic travel may never be the same. Consider – in advance of any trip – appropriate steps to provide for your security and others.

Anticipate difficulties
– one of the greatest changes we face is having more
checks. While it should provide for an overall sense of security, it will seem “inconvenient.” Be mentally and emotionally ready to handle difficulties. Consider ways that your travel may be interrupted – and prepare to “handle it.”

Budget for the “new realities”
– there may be things you can stash with you – in your purse or briefcase – that could be “lifesavers” in an emergency. Consider what those items may be (cash, a cell phone, sleeping pills/tranquilizers, a change of clothes, etc.) and purchase them. Budget for larger items and store them in your home or office.

Create an “escape route” at work
– if you had to get away from your office on foot instead of by car, do you know how you’d travel home? Consider what
would be your best plan and memorize it. Share it with others so they’d know how you might come home. Give them a time estimate – so they wouldn’t worry about you.

Have a Rendezvous Point
– if a community faced a large emergency, consider having a “meeting place” – some where mutually agreed to – so that you’d know where to go in the event that you couldn’t communicate by phone with
your family. If you live alone but have other loved ones in close proximity, consider where you’d meet them. Don’t be afraid to share this location with several others – just in case they have trouble rendezvousing with you.

Educate yourself on local resources
– each community has its own public safety system… and, most have emergency preparedness plans. Discover who is responsible for handling a major community crisis. Get to know how to report incidents. If possible, invite a FEMA or state emergency management agency official in to visit.

Build an emergency communications network
– utilizing cell phones, palm pilots and other “portable” communications devices, consider how you would alert others in the event of an emergency. If you work in an industry that might be considered a target for terrorism, try to organize quarterly discussions to share information.

Think about how you’d with an emergency while traveling
– whether in another state – or a foreign country – consider what you’d do if you were caught in a crisis while away from home. Many hotels and major innkeepers are prepared to handle emergencies. Learn what their policies and procedures are for assisting you. Keep the phone number of your hotel or other accommodation with you while you are “out” on business during the day.

Learn Self-Defense
– it may be that knowing how to protect yourself
physically is more important than you realized. Consider your best form of self – protection and “beef up” on it.

Be Strong
- emotions can be overwhelming. And yet, you need to prepare yourself for tragedy and how to deal with it positively. Consider what you might face – your worst fears – and consider how you might cope. Talk to a counselor, religious leader or other trusted friend and write down your thoughts.

Train your Children
– don’t assume your children will know what to do in an
emergency – or that you’ll be there to protect them. Try to communicate how they might be “safe” if they relied on themselves or a stranger in an emergency (teacher, daycare worker, etc.). Don’t panic your children – but try to communicate that “if mommy or daddy can’t make it to you some day, be calm.”

Use Faith as an Aid
- churches, synagogues, temples and mosques – any “house
of worship” – is a strong place to turn in an emergency. If you aren’t connected to one, consider if there is one you’d find comforting to affiliate with in a crisis. Have a “greater circle” that can provide comfort and support for you in an emergency.

Consider weather conditions
- most of us don’t know how to really live in “nature.” But, in times of emergency, you may have to rely on things – like the outdoors – in ways you’re not used to. Consider what you can do to acclimate yourself to more of an “outdoor existence.” Consider ways to toughen your skin, your body and your temperament.

Be content
– life has always been unpredictable. And, while we attempt to return to “normal,” it’s obvious that more than ever, we live with uncertainty. Make each day count. Be content with what you face; and, consider everything you have to be a “temporary blessing.”

Mentor others
– its time for us to look out for others. If you’re over 30,
it’s time for you to consider helping someone else “learn the ropes.” Whether at home, in the workplace or in civic endeavors, consider what you can do to help others prepare for leadership. Make it a practice to bring others along, so in your absence, they can “handle things.”

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