Emergencies Happen — Make Sure Your Family Is Prepared

The recent torrential rains and flooding in South Carolina and throughout our region are a reminder of how important emergency preparedness is for our homes and families.

Osen-Hunter operators are accustomed to being prepared for anything. What about your family? Here are a few questions that will tell you whether your family members are as prepared as they could be.

• Do you know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in your community?
• Do you have a family disaster plan, and have you practiced it?
• Do you have an emergency preparedness kit?
• Is at least one member of your household trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automated external defibrillators?
• Have you taken action to help your community prepare?

Don’t have an emergency plan?

Here are some key elements you should keep in mind when creating a disaster preparedness plan.

• Get your family involved when creating a plan. Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to occur where you live.
• Assign responsibilities for each member of the household.
• If a family member is in the military or gone for long periods of time (such as an Osen-Hunter operator) plan how you would respond without them.
• Make a plan of action in case your family members are separated during an emergency. Identify a place to meet right outside your home in case of an emergency such as a fire, or outside your neighborhood, should you need to evacuate.
• Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person in case local lines are down or overloaded. Everyone should have emergency contact information on their cell phones and in writing in case a phone is not with them.
• Plan where to go and what route to take if you have to evacuate. Drive your planned route and plot alternate routes in case roads are impassable. Practice your evacuation plan twice a year.
• Have a plan for your pets. Keep a list of pet-friendly lodging and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

Let people know you are safe by registering on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

What’s in your emergency preparedness kit?

It’s important to have an easy-to-carry kit that contains, at the very least, the following items:

• Battery-powered radio
• Battery-powered flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Reflective blanket
• Non-perishable food for three days
• Water pouches, enough for five days
• First aid kit with your prescription drugs included
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air

Osen-Hunter employees are always ready to respond to any challenge. We can help our families achieve that same readiness and preparedness for any emergency or disaster situation.