This month's Guest Speaker is from the people who plan the response to disasters in Bedfordshire and Luton. Read on to learn how to be better prepared.
To access our previous Guest Speakers, please visit the Archive section below.
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Are you ready to put your planning skills to good use? Are you ready to help your family get prepared for the unexpected? Your family can use this article to create a plan that will help you be ready for many different kinds of unexpected situations!
You're already a great planner! Every day you get your homework done, get to music or sports practice on time, and plan where and when you'll meet up with friends. But how do you get prepared for emergencies?
It's simple! It just takes planning and practice, and the information in this article and this website: www.bllrf.org.uk can help.
Students taking part in exercises to help us test our plans
GET READY
Just think about all the things your family uses every day. Hmm. Clothes, money, TV or radio, books... and don't forget about food! Learn how to build an emergency supply kit that includes everything your family needs.
TALK IT OUT
This meeting activity will help you and your family learn how to get in touch with each other during an emergency.
It's important to plan ahead so that during an emergency you know what to do and how to get in touch with other family members!
Here's how to create a clear family emergency plan.First, gather your family members (including your pets!) together for a quick family meeting, maybe over a pizza or before watching your favorite movie.
Then, talk about the following questions and make a list of your family's solutions. Use the tips provided as a guide!
Before you know it you will have a plan in place that everyone in your family can follow. And if an unexpected event does happen you can stay calm; listen to the direction of adults around you, like your teachers or parents and follow your plan.
If there were an emergency and we were not together in the same place...
How would we get in touch with each other?...
Decide that each member will call or e-mail the same person. For example, each person will contact Uncle Bob first. If he's not home, each person will contact Aunt Suzie instead.
If mobile phones are not working, you should try using a land-line phone at a neighbor's or friend's house, or a public telephone. Everyone should have coins or a prepaid phone card to make the call.
It might be easier to reach a person who's out of town. You can contact him or her to let them know you're okay.
Where would we meet? Tips for Selecting a MEETING PLACE:
Choose an easy-to-find location near your home, then practice getting there from different locations around your neighborhood.
Also, choose an easy-to-find location outside of your neighborhood in case you can't get home. With your parents, practice getting to that location from school, sports practice, or other places where you have after-school activities.
How would we remain in contact? TIPS FOR YOUR CALL LIST:
You should keep a copy of your family's contact numbers and meeting place(s) taped to the inside of your binder or homework notebook, in your book bag, or your wallet/purse. Your plan should include all the phone numbers you might need.
Remember, you might have trouble getting through on the phone during an emergency. Just keep trying.
What would I do if I were at school? TIPS FOR SCHOOL:
Make sure your parents talk to your teacher or headmaster about the school's emergency plan.
Depending on the unexpected event, your school may have a plan in place that will have you stay in your classroom or go somewhere else.
The most important things you can do if an emergency happens while you are at school are to stay calm and listen to the direction of your teachers or head teacher.
Make a plan for what you'll do with your pets if you can't take them with you.
Remember, you may not be able to take them to a shelter.
Get informed
OK, now you have a supply kit and a plan, but what do you actually know about different kinds of weather events and other unexpected situations? The words and terms you hear during emergencies can be confusing. Here's an overview of the most common terms, as well as websites you can visit for more information!
