When an unexpected crisis or emergency strikes, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by a sudden flood of panic and uncertainty. However, having reliable response plans and protocols in place allows you to take swift, effective action even in high-stress, urgent situations.
Follow these 10 essential methods to help you skillfully face emergencies and crises in composed ways that help protect what matters most.
Know When It’s Absolutely Necessary to Call 911
Some crisis scenarios like serious injuries, uncontrolled fires, crimes in progress, or life-threatening events unquestionably require contacting 911 emergency services immediately to dispatch first responders.
Take time to learn guidelines on the appropriate emergency use of 911 so you can get police, ambulance services, or the fire department on route without delay when literal seconds count. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to call 911.
Have a Family Evacuation Plan and Designated Meeting Place
Households should proactively create and practice an emergency evacuation plan mapping out at least two feasible exits and escape routes from each room, as well as selecting a pre-determined designated outside meeting place like a neighbor’s house where everyone reconvenes after evacuation.
Practicing your evacuation plan occasionally keeps it fresh for all family members. Make sure evacuation plans are accessible and easy to quickly reference in an actual crisis.
Assemble a Transportable Disaster Preparedness Kit
Take time upfront when calm to assemble a family emergency preparedness kit stocked with essential supplies like gallons of water, non-perishable nourishing foods, first aid items, flashlights and batteries, cash in small bills, and copies of your identification documents.
Preparedness kits should be easily transportable using bags, cases, or backpacks. Having your basics covered ahead of time provides significant peace of mind and confidence to withstand disaster disruptions.
Know How to Properly Administer First Aid and CPR
Investing a Saturday to take first aid, CPR, and defibrillator courses like those offered by the American Red Cross or other local providers equips you with the invaluable skills needed to potentially provide lifesaving medical assistance for injuries, choking, sudden cardiac arrest, burns, and more urgently until professional paramedics can arrive.
Every bit of quick, competent support you can provide counts tremendously in emergencies before emergency medical services reach the scene.
Compile and Save an Emergency Contact List
Take time when calm to compile and save a list of your family members, close friends, medical providers, employers, schools, and other crucial contact information. Jot this list down and stash physical copies in your wallet, car, workplace, and home.
Also, program digital versions stored in your cell phone. Having easy access to key contacts in emergencies equips you to start efficiently notifying and updating the important people in your life if a crisis strikes.
Maintain Adequate Insurance Coverage
Review all your existing home, auto, medical, life, disability, and property insurance policies at least annually. Speak with providers to ensure you have sufficient coverage to withstand various emergency scenarios and rebuild normalcy after disasters.
Keep policies rigorously current on payments, so coverage remains intact when catastrophes strike. Having adequate insurance goes a long way toward easing the financial stresses of losses, rebuilding, and recovery after crises.
Backup Essential Data Remotely Offsite
Don’t risk losing your irreplaceable digital data and memories. Make a habit of regularly backing up important computer files like documents, photos, videos, and other treasured files remotely using secure cloud-based storage or onto encrypted external hard drives that can be stored safely off your premises.
Maintaining remote backups proactively prepares you for technology crises or disasters where devices and local backups may be compromised or lost.
Improved emergency response capabilities come with education like an online emergency management degree, preparation, and practice. Approach unexpected crises calmly and methodically by utilizing effective methods and having reliable systems in place.
Remember, preparation breeds resilience. You will be able to adeptly navigate through whatever emergency you face.