September marks the annual observance of National Preparedness Month. This month is designed to help educate business owners and families about the importance of being ready for any emergency situation that can occur. If you are unsure of where to begin in case of an emergency, start here:
Create an Emergency Plan
The first step to being prepared is having a plan. When creating your path of action, you’ll be able to go over the different scenarios that may arise and develop the best course to take with your family or team. Each member should have a responsibility to take care of and a partner in emergencies to make sure everyone is accounted for. The main things that should be listed in this document are the chain of communications, a meeting spot to make sure everyone is safe and accounted for, and local emergency contacts. Your meeting spot should be local, but with enough distance to stay safe. When creating a communication chain, make sure someone on the list is not a member of your family. In case someone is incapacitated, this individual will be able to contact emergency authorities to expedite their arrival or call for additional help. Whoever has your plan should also have a copy of your insurance information handy in a fire and waterproof container.
Gather Supplies for an Emergency Kit
In case you are unable to reenter your home immediately, make sure you have an emergency kit set up and kept in an easily accessible spot in your home. In a water and fire-proof container, you should have a first aid kit, a weeks’ worth of prescription medication, a cell phone charger, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and a set of batteries. These batteries, even when not in use, should be switched out alongside your smoke detector batteries every six months. You should also have at least one gallon of drinking water for each family member or pet, per day and nonperishable food items, as well as hygiene products like toothbrushes, soap, and towelettes.
Emergency Response & Structural Stabilization Services in Boston, Medford, Stoneham & Revere, MA
If you experience an emergency and the structural integrity of your home is compromised, contact Boston Board Up Services. We will arrive with emergency personnel and stabilize the home as soon as it is deemed approachable. Upon stabilization, we will board up your windows and shore the roof, as well as provide estimates for debris hauling and reconstruction. We can be reached 24 hours a day at (800) 949-9113, or you can fill out our contact form.