Creating a Disaster Preparedness Plan for Your Family & Pets
September is National Preparedness Month, and a key focus for families around the country is to create a family plan in case of an emergency. Because it’s impossible to predict what might happen in any type of disaster, creating a plan to stay safe and communicate is of utmost importance. This Professional Organizer in NYC urges families to be proactive and have a plan in place so that they can maneuver through a disaster as safely as possible.
Two key parts of a family disaster preparedness plan are: communication and a written plan of action. Communication in any type of disaster is key. That includes being able to receive pertinent information from authorities on whether your home is safe to stay in or what steps might be required for your family, but it also means how you will stay in touch with your family members as you may not all be together when disaster strikes. Signing up for text message or email alerts through your local warning system is a great first step, and including important phone numbers for local authorities and family members is key. To learn more about the key parts of creating a family disaster preparedness plan, click here.
Another aspect of your family plan that is often overlooked is also making preparations for your family pets. Cats, dogs, birds, and other animals are often left behind because owners aren’t sure what to do in the event of an emergency. This is why having a plan in place for your pets is so important! The first step to prepare is to ID your pet. Every dog or cat should have a collar with an ID tag and up-to-date contact information so that if your pet gets lost or runs away (remember, this is scary for them, too!), the person that finds them can contact you immediately. Another option is to get your pet microchipped. You can do this through your veterinarian or your local animal shelter. For more tips in preparing a plan for your beloved pets, read here.
In the event of an emergency, whether it’s a fire, hurricane, flood, or another type of disaster, having a plan already in place to keep your family and pets safe will help you to stay calm and feel as in control as you possibly can. As a Professional Organizer in NYC, I have seen and been a part of disasters, and absolutely recommend having a plan in place today. It’s better to have a plan and never use it, then it is to be faced with a disaster and be unsure of what steps you need to take. Get organized and be prepared!