The right preparation can help you get through an emergency. For a poisoning, that includes having the poison center help line, 1-800-222-1222 saved in your phone.
For other emergencies, such as natural disasters, it’s important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least three days. Follow these three steps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
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Every September is National Preparedness Month. Photo from ready.gov. Make a kit
- Pull together items your family will need during a disaster. Visit www.ready.gov for a list.
- Make sure your kit includes at least a three-day supply of any medications you need.
- Keep the kit out of the reach of children.
- Make a plan
- Choose someone you know in a different town that you can have your family call if you are separated.
- Set up a meeting place for your family to gather.
- Check with your workplace and your children’s schools to find out what their emergency plans are.
- Be informed
- Learn about different types of emergencies and how they can affect your family. This will help you make quick changes to your family plan. Visit www.ready.gov for a list of possible dangers you could face.
You can be prepared for personal emergencies by saving other important help lines in your phone. Visit the NNEPC’s R U Prepared program page for more information.
