Get a kit, make a plan, be informed

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- Emergencies can happen when you least expect them - sudden power outages, a severe storm or an unexpected shelter-in-place order. We can't predict when emergencies happen, but we can be ready for them!

At U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux, preparedness is a community effort that keeps us all safer. September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect time to assemble a reliable kit and a family plan. Planning for emergencies today can make a difference when every second counts.

"Having a home emergency kit is not enough", said John Hopper, USAG Benelux emergency manager. "Other kits could be useful whether you have to shelter-in-place at work or evacuate."

Every Family needs an emergency plan

Plan ahead for every type of emergency; every member of the Family should know what to do, where to go and what to take. As a Family, discuss where to go in an emergency, where children will go if they're at school, and how you will evacuate family members with special needs.

Develop a communications plan with your Family by creating a card with phone numbers and emergency contacts, save the information on everyone's phone and have a contingency plan if cell phone towers are out.

Now it's time to put your plan into practice. Set up evacuation and shelter-in-place drills, keep an emergency supply kit up to date, replace water and perishables regularly and make sure everyone knows where emergency items are kept. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

Make an emergency kit

A portable emergency kit should contain items similar to what is kept in the home emergency kit but smaller and easier to transport. Consider adding supplies for up to two weeks and place the kit in a designated area that is easily accessible during an emergency.

An office emergency kit should contain food, water and a first aid kit and be kept at your workstation in case of an evacuation. Other items to include are comfortable walking shoes and your family's emergency and communications plan.

Don't forget your pets

"Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food and water or accidents," said the Human Society of the United States. "Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence."

When you and your Family are creating an emergency plan, consider provisions for your pets. Creatures that rely on us in the best of times, can't always protect themselves in the worst of times.

Know in advance how you will handle your pets in an emergency. Your emergency kit should provide food and water for your pets, a strong leash, a carrier and veterinary records. Make sure your pets' identification tags and microchips are up to date, the tags should be secured on the collar.

If you are told to evacuate and can bring your pets, take enough supplies for at least three days, make sure the carrier is secured and tagged with your pets' name, description and contact details. Don't forget to clean up after your pets and make sure they are not causing problems for others.

If you are told to evacuate and cannot bring your pets, leave them inside with supplies for at least three days, place a notice on your door stating that a pet is inside with contact information for you and your veterinarian and keep a picture of your pet with you.

Just like people, pets can have trauma after an emergency which could result in behavioral changes. Keeping close contact with them will make them feel safer. Keep them on a leash and away from others until you are sure their behavior has returned to normal.

Power Outages

An unexpected outage can have unforeseen consequences. Without electricity, there is a possibility of shortages of food and clean water, as well as extreme temperatures. A home emergency preparedness kit may already offer many items that will also be useful during a power outage - such as flashlights and a hand-crank radio.

"Electric power can go out for a number of reasons," said Hopper. "All personnel should be prepared to manage without power for an extended period of time. Your Family's emergency preparedness kit can be critical to your comfort and survival."

In the event of a power outage, use flashlights instead of candles to minimize risk of fire, turn off the electrical equipment being used when the power went out, try not to open the freezer or refrigerator frequently and if possible, pack refrigerated items in a cooler surrounded by ice.

Sheltering in place

Sheltering in place means to take temporary protection in a structure or vehicle that is insured and contains emergency provisions. Installation procedures designate which office, or party will order the personnel to shelter-in-place and for how long the order is in effect.

When asked to shelter-in-place, turn off all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, close and secure all doors, windows, vents and exterior openings and bring everyone safely inside to an exterior room or one with few windows and doors.

Preparedness doesn't have to be overwhelming - it's about taking small, meaningful actions now to protect yourself and those you care about. Knowing what to do during a power outage, keeping a well-stocked emergency kit, having a shelter-in-place plan and including your pets in your planning all contribute to a stronger, more resilient community. Emergencies don't wait; but with the right plan in place, you'll be ready for whatever comes your way.

For more information visit https://www.army.mil/ready.

Start your emergency plan today!