It’s June, which means its National Safety Month! Every year the National Safety Committee (NSC), the nation’s leading nonprofit safety advocate, organizes a month of weekly themes focusing on safety precautions at home and in the workplace. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we must be more prepared for the unpredictable. In times of pandemic, mass protests, and unsettling riots, you must prepare for everything you can. Reclaim your sense of security, and follow these tips when planning for emergencies.
 
 
 
  • Create a Plan of Action
    1. Make sure you have a designated exit plan for any circumstance. Choose a meeting place, establish evacuation routes, prepare shelter options, brainstorm which communication and news outlets to use, etc.
    2. A comprehensive emergency plan will include where you will be, who you might be with, and what supplies may be needed.
 
 
  • Stock up on Necessary Supplies
    1. Prepare your home with all essential emergency tools. A fire extinguisher, flashlight, radio, basic first aid kit, extra batteries, and a portable charger are a few items you want to have in case of an emergency.
    2. Have a designated water/fireproof container for crucial documents.
    3. Establish a small emergency supply of frozen and canned food, needed medicine, and other necessary items that may be difficult to find during emergencies.
    4. Make sure to have all your required personal protection equipment. Support local businesses and get all your PPE like hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves from Bertarelli Co.

 

  • Educate Those Involved
    1. Ensure everyone is all set by regularly exercising various safety precautions, plans, and guidelines. 
    2. Practice the importance of stop drop and roll, covering your mouth and nose from smoke, checking doorknobs, keeping doors closed, tracking flooding patterns, taking shelter at appropriate places, etc.

 

  • Utilize Available Technology
    1. Equip your home with a security system such as Ring, or Google home and be able to see live and recorded video of your home.
    2. Update your locks and lights. Not only can you now lock your doors & windows from your phone, but you can also turn on & off lights making it look like if your home.
    3. Get notifications from your home security systems. Home security systems will notify you of any safety breach such as burglars, fire, water damage, and much more. Choose a security system that provides the best benefits for you and your home.

 

  • Know Your Resources
    1. During an emergency is the worst time to be frantically figuring out who to call for help. Have a written list of emergency numbers for electricity, water, emergency services, and any others you may need.
    2. Sign up for emergency alert systems in your area or download apps to keep yourself updated and safe during dangerous situations
    3. Don’t wait for a break-in to happen. Many police stations will send an officer out to inspect your home and offer different ways to protect it better. Make sure to call your local police department for more information, and not 9-1-1.
 

National Safety Month is a great place to begin developing better safety habits for your family and workplace. Reclaim Services is available to help home and business owners after any water, fire, or storm damage. If you have any questions or are experiencing issues with your home, please don’t hesitate to contact us!