1. Inventory your bedrooms. You should have this drill down by now. Open all doors and drawers and shoot away. Be sure to continue to make special note of anything that is of value, an heirloom or an antique. Check under the beds!
2. Add a multi purpose tool to your adult 72 hour kits. These should have 10 or more functions to be really useful. Purchasing a tool with a sheath will enable you to wear it on a belt or strap it to the outside of your back pack making it easily accessible.
3. Compile a list of handicapped or elderly neighbors who may need help evacuating during an emergency. Create a list of their phone numbers and contact information for their family members. If you are being told to get out their family may not be able to get in to help them.
4. Gather your first aid supplies from around the house and in your vehicles. We will be working on first aid supplies in the next few weeks. Inventory what you already have on hand.
5. Purchase one large bottle of cooking oil, 1 large bottle of your favorite vinegar, one jar of mayonnaise, and one jar of salad dressing.
6. Play What If as a family. Discuss as a family what you would do if there were an emergency and you were away from home. In other words what is your family plan. What if dad were at work and you had to evacuate? What if there was an emergency while the kids were at school? Discuss a meeting place for the family, who children should go home with if mom and dad can’t get to school to pick them up, and who your family contact person is and their phone number so everyone can call them and check in. Even if it is just you and your spouse you should know the answer to these questions and have a plan. Good segue into step 7 for the week.
7. Make emergency information cards and include them in all your 72 hour kits and also in school backpacks and car kits. Cards should include: name, address, home phone number, work numbers, cell phone numbers and an emergency contact person with their name and phone numbers. Be sure your children understand they should call your emergency contact if they can’t get in touch with you. Explain that you will call this person also and get messages. Also include; the name and phone numbers for clergy, doctors, dentist, optometrist, police, fire and hospital. List any allergies and medications currently being taken on the cards also. You would not list medications that are temporary such as an antibiotic. For children you would also want to add parents names and if there is someone you do not want your child to be released to also include that name and information as to why, such as a court order, on the card.
