Emergency Preparedness Starts at Home

    MOUNT KISCO, NY, September 04, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Forecasters are predicting that we will face yet another harsh Winter and now is the time to start preparing. As we experienced over the past few years, severe storms can lead to outages of power and communication. Don't be caught off-guard. Being prepared for what nature might have in store gives you a stronger chance at safely weathering these storms.

The owners and instructors of Mount Kisco-based Accel Health & Safety advise clients and local residents to begin thinking about emergency action plans.

Create Emergency Kits Now

Your emergency kit or kits should be created in portable bags, such as duffel bags or backpacks, and then placed in a larger water resistant container such as a Rubbermaid bin. Make sure to store emergency kits in a cool, dry and dark place, such as an interior closet or garage, and keep them clearly marked. Stock the kits with emergency food to last each household member for at least three days. High-calorie nutrition bars and canned goods are appropriate choices. However, any shelf-stable food that doesn't require heating would suffice. If you have pets, do not forget pet food.

Also include flashlights with fresh batteries, battery operated lanterns, spare batteries, a battery-operated radio, hand-cranked can opener, plastic cutlery, matches, disposable wipes, and toilet paper. Add other items according to your family's needs. Many people find that spare cell phone batteries, or battery-powered chargers, are an invaluable tool to add to their kits.

An important component of emergency kits includes a well-stocked first aid kit. These kits should include all basic first aid supplies such as antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, bandages, thermometers and any special medicines or equipment your family might need. If someone has life-threatening food allergies, for example, make sure to add an epinephrine pen. Diabetics who require refrigerated insulin should purchase a small cooler that can be used to store it in case of a lengthy power outage.

Emergency blankets, sometimes called 'space blankets,' can be lifesavers. These ultra-compact blankets can be used to prevent hypothermia by trapping body heat.

Drinking water is also vital to have in an emergency. Store the water next to your emergency kits. Most households will require between one and three gallons of drinking water per person per day.

If you have a baby at home, don't forget to add diapers, wipes, baby food and formula (if used) to the emergency kit.

Consider typing a list with key information - emergency telephone numbers, insurance information, hospital and doctor's contact information - and storing it inside the kit. If you are technically savvy, scan key medical, insurance and financial documents and store them on an encrypted USB key to take with you in case of emergency.

When you are ready to store your emergency kit for the season take an inventory of every item and add a list to the top of the kit. As you use items in an emergency, take note of what was used so you can appropriately ration what is available. It also aids in restocking the kit at the end of each season.

A Few Other Safety Tips

- Sign up for your town's emergency alert service. Often municipalities will broadcast alerts to subscribers through text message, email and phone messages.
- Know how to operate your garage door in case of power loss. Practice opening and closing it before a power outage.
- If you need to leave your home for an extended period during Winter storm, consider shutting your water and draining your pipes to prevent freezing.
- Make a fire safety plan for your family. Practice how to evacuate your home and identify a safe meeting point.
- Create an evacuation plan for your family. If you have to leave your home by car, identify options for where you can go.
- If an emergency occurs when you are at work or school, map out alternative routes to transit home, or identify alternative places to stay.
- Install and test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms throughout your home.
- Review your safety plan with each member of your family.
- Avoid using candles or oil lamps for light during a power outage. Flashlights provide more light and are much safer.
- If you use an internet-based phone service, or to maintain internet service during an outage, ask your provider to install a battery backup device. You can also purchase one at local electronics stores.
- Purchase snow equipment and supplies, such as shovels, sand or salt, before it is too late.
- Prep your vehicles for winter. This includes getting a tune-up, checking tire tread and building a vehicle emergency kit including first aid supplies, shovel, salt, flashlight and flares or emergency signaling device. Consider adding emergency food, water and medications as well. Aim to keep your car's gas tank full in the winter. This will help if you have to evacuate with little notice.

Finally, be sure to take a CPR and first aid training course. During a major emergency, first responders may not be able to get to your home quickly. Know how to care for minor and major medical emergencies that might occur. Accel Health & Safety offers private courses in the comfort of your own home. Our instructors can also provide guidance on emergency plan preparation, emergency kit design, and first aid kit design.

Remember that preparation and knowledge is power in an emergency situation. Be safe and enjoy the months ahead! (Here's hoping that Mother Nature is kind to us!)

For more information about health and safety training courses call 914-266-0559 or visit www.accelcpr.com.

Contact:
Jason Goldberg
Accel Health & Safety
[email protected]
914-266-0559

Accel Health & Safety offers layperson and professional CPR, AED, first aid, oxygen administration and bloodborne pathogens training in Westchester County. Accel Health & Safety offers certification classes through American Safety and Health Institute and Emergency First Response.

Accel Health & Safety is not your ordinary 'CPR training' facility. Accel Health & Safety offers personalized training at our clients' schedule in their homes or offices. Accel offers comprehensive training focused on confidence building through skill repetition and retention, using only the best training equipment in small class sizes with low student-to-equipment and student-to-instructor ratios.

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