Inquire at your workplace, and your child's school or daycare about their emergency plans. Find out about their evacuation plans and how they will reach emergency contacts. Make sure that you keep all relevant contact information up to date at work and at your child's school or daycare, and make sure any people designated to pick up your child are familiar with your emergency plan.
Think of your neighbours. Identify anyone who may need assistance during an emergency and discuss a plan with them and other neighbours. For instance, help them prepare an emergency plan and preparedness kit, and arrange to check in on that person during an emergency, like a power outage.
If you or anyone in your household has medical conditions or disabilities, be sure your plan reflects this information. For instance, for someone with medical needs or conditions, you may want to include in your plan a medical history, copies of prescriptions and contact information for key health-care providers. Your emergency kit should also contain extra medications and supplies. You may not have access to conveniences, such as pharmacies, immediately after an emergency has occurred. It is also a good idea to teach others about any medical needs, such as how to use medical equipment or administer medicine.
To learn more about emergency planning for disabilities, consult our guide for people with disabilities.