Every family's worst nightmare is an emergency. Having discussions and creating a plan helps to ease the worry. All towns and cities have emergency-evacuation and alert programs. Make sure you know how to access that information along with your family plan.

Emergency Situations

If you are being robbed, lock yourself in a room and be very quiet. Turn off all the lights, radios and televisions. Do not let anyone in until you are sure the area is clear. If there is a natural disaster, find shelter and follow instructions from radio or television. If you experience a power outage, remain calm, and use your cell phone to call the power company.

Earthquake

Drop to the ground, and take cover. Protect your head using your arms. Lower yourself into an inside corner. If the earthquake strikes while you are in bed, protect your head with your pillow. Stay away from anything that is loose or made of glass. Stay inside until the shaking stops. If you are outside when the quake hits, find an open space away from things that could topple. Stay there. Collapsing walls and flying debris can cause injuries. Cover your mouth. Do not light matches or kick up dust. Try not to talk or inhale dust. Get to safety after the shaking stops.

Fire

If you are on fire, stop, drop and roll. Do not run. Should you need to escape a building fire, get out quickly. Take your essentials, such as your wallet and medications. Check closed doors to make sure they are not hot. If they are, do not open them. Exit through a window. Crawl low. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from smoke damage. Call 9-1-1. Do not go back into the building until fire personnel deem it safe.

Flood

Listen to your local radio or television to get updates. Turn off all the utilities in your home. Prepare to evacuate. Secure your home. Moving water can cause you to fall down. Use a stick to check the ground as you walk. Do not drive in areas of flooding. Get to a refuge. Do not drink the water.

Extreme Winter Storm

Conserve fuel by turning down the heat. Close off rooms. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Eat and drink regularly, maintaining your body heat. If your pipes freeze, take off the insulation and wrap them in rags. Open all faucets. Pour hot water on the pipes. If you are using kerosene heaters, check for adequate ventilation. Outdoors, avoid overexertion. Cover your mouth, and watch for hypothermia. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.

Source:

The Berkshire Eagle

Baltimore city

Brandeis University

Resource:

FEMA

Ready America

Healthy Roads Media