Disasters aren’t something that are pleasant to talk about, and of course we hope they never happen. However, the reality is that a disaster can happen at any time and being prepared can make a huge difference—and it’s vital to communicate your emergency plan with your nanny. Whether it’s the next “big one,” a flood or other type of natural disaster, the more prepared you are, the better the chance that you and your family will emerge from the disaster unscathed.
Here, Chirp’s top five tips for being prepared in the face of a natural disaster.
- Discuss the type of disasters that could happen and what should be done after each one. Make sure that each member of your family, including your nanny is aware of what to do in the event of an earthquake, flood, fire or other emergency.
- Determine an emergency meeting place. After earthquakes and other disasters, telephone lines often become clogged as people try to call their loved ones for news. Avoid the frustration—at least among your immediate family—by creating an emergency meeting place. Your home is a logical choice, but you should also consider a location near your home, and a back up one outside your neighborhood should the disaster make your area of town impassable.
- Create a disaster supply kit. Depending on the magnitude of the disaster, there is a chance that you could be displaced from your home for a few hours or even a few days. A disaster supply kit should include the items you need to ensure your family is taken care of: Water, food, cooking supplies, medication, medical supplies and any other items necessary to keep your family comfortable. (See Chirp’s Emergency Forms kit for a detailed list.)
- Create emergency response cards for each of your family members. Small cards with emergency contact numbers, medical information and emergency meeting places should be carried in wallets, backpacks and purses. Be sure to give a card to your nanny.
- Consider your pets. Create an evacuation plan for your pets should it be necessary to leave your home.
Find out more about disaster preparedness within the pages of Chirp’s Emergency Forms kit. View and download your copy of these valuable forms, here.