Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Your plan should answer the following questions:
How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
What is my shelter plan?
What is my evacuation route?
What is my family/household communication plan?
Do you have pets? Children? Seniors living in the home? Consider the following factors when putting together your plan:
Different ages of members within your household
Responsibilities for assisting others
Locations frequented
Dietary needs
Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
Languages spoken
Cultural and religious considerations
Pets or service animals
Households with school-aged children
If you have guests staying with you over the holidays, be sure to communicate your home escape plan to them. Check ALL the smoke alarms in your home and make sure they are working. If you will be cooking/baking over the season, remember that unattended cooking is the leading factor in home cooking fires. Stay in the kitchen while preparing your meal.
Finally, if you are celebrating with a live tree - don't forget to water the tree EVERY DAY and make sure it is at least 3 feet from any heat source. For more safety tips to ensure you have a fire free holiday season, visit www.ready.gov.