Household Emergency Plan

Have a household emergency plan and make sure that is well understood by everyone in your household. Each person needs to know what they should do before, during or after an emergency, even if communication is virtually impossible. Include your children in all planning activities.

Your household emergency plan should address the following:

Is everyone aware of:

the disruption an emergency would create?
that reuniting the family could take time?

Does everyone know:

the location of the emergency survival kit.

People with special needs

Remember to identify people with special needs in your household, neighbourhood support group and work emergency plans. They will require assistance in an emergency. People and organisations that will need help include, but are not limited to:

blind
deaf
disabled
elderly
infirm
parents and caregivers with young children
people who require language translation.

If you have a disability, make arrangements with a family member, friend, neighbour or work colleague to help you in an emergency. If you need mobility aids, insist on bringing your aid if you are evacuated. Moving to safety is fine, but you won't want to be helpless when you get there.

If you are hearing impaired, store extra hearing aid batteries at home and at work. Make sure you have a torch, pencil and notepad where you can get them quickly and easily, even in the dark.

Pets

If you have family pets you need to include them in your emergency planning. You may need to leave home without your pet in the event of a disaster.

How you can help:

make sure your pet has a collar and disc with your name, address and phone number
always have a carry-box with a blanket or towel ready. Label the box with your name, address and phone number
keep an emergency supply of tinned and dry food.

If you have to evacuate and you cannot take your pet(s) with you, feed your pet(s) and leave them outside.

The SPCA will be active in emergencies. Advise your Civil Defence Centre of your concerns about your pet(s) and they will contact the SPCA.

Remember that animals may be more adaptable and self sufficient than you think.