30 Lifesaving Tips You NEED to Know In Case of Emergency | ICE

It’s not a matter of if an emergency will happen, it’s a matter of when an emergency will happen. When we are in the midst of those critical moments, maintaining a calm and alert disposition plus emergency preparedness are essential elements to being best prepared to handle unexpected situations. Most important in keeping yourself and others safe is developing an emergency plan outlining your evacuation procedures, communication plan, and meeting locations.

Packed away in your emergency kit should be essential supplies like food, water, first-aid supplies, personal care items, and sanitation items. Stay Informed of developing updates by signing up for local emergency alerts and weather forecasts for your area. Practicing your plan on a regular basis, conducting drills, maintaining inventory of supplies, and refreshing your emergency preparedness knowledge and skills can significantly increase your ability to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Take note of these 30 lifesaving tips you need to know In Case of Emergency (ICE).

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30 Lifesaving Tips You NEED to Know In Case of Emergency | ICE

Emergency Preparedness

1- Developing your emergency safety plan, stocking up on supplies, while organizing into actionable steps is a comprehensive process. In the event of a Shelter in Place alert, if possible to do in advance, allow water to boil for 2 minutes, allow to cool, then store in a bleach/sanitized container. When instructed, shut off your utilities, disconnect appliances, and avoid any downed power lines.

We recently upgraded our front door locks to a Brinks Keyless Entry Lock . As a resourceful homeowner, we were impressed by the Brinks product line because we were able to install the new heavy duty lock set ourselves, plus Brinks provides a lifetime warranty on the lock material and workmanship. 

2- In addition to creating an added layer of safety, keyless entry for assigned users or remote access through single-use entry codes with built-in security features for basic household management. An emergency may pose a threat to the safety  of you and those around you in the forms of-

3- Warning and Alert Systems

EAS Emergency Alert System

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NWS National Weather Service

WEA Wireless Emergency Alert

Homeland Security and Emergency Services

4- Types of Disasters

Natural Disasters (Weather-Related, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods)

Power Outages

Fires

Hazardous Spills

Medical Emergencies

Human-made Disasters (Person-to-Person, Structure Failures)

Technological/Cyber Threats

Active Violence/Shooter

Family Plan 

5 - Activate your cell phone to receive emergency phone alerts. Most major U.S. phone carriers will activate emergency push alerts on your phone, you should verify that you have the proper settings turned on. Check your local emergency management services for local assistance available to you.

6 - Choose a safe, convenient family meeting location. Decide on a familiar, easy-to-find area where everyone can meet if you're are separated from one another during an emergency situation. Remember to plan for family, friends, and pets or service animals in need of additional assistance to evacuate,  select an easily accessible meeting location.

7 - Decide who will be your first point of contact in the event of an emergency. Choose someone dependable, located outside of the emergency situation area, and able to accept calls and relay messages to other people.

Emergency Supplies 

8 - Maintain a sturdy "To-Go" or "Bug Out Bag" adequately packed and ready to take along in case of an emergency. Include a first aid kit, fresh water (1 gallon/person/day), cash, local evacuation route, hygiene needs, medication, clothing, personal identification, important documents,  and pet care needs.

Prepare for Before, During, After

9 - Make a list of important names, numbers, and addresses including your emergency contact, doctor, Poison Control, utility companies, school, and insurance providers. If your phone is ever lost, damaged, or not charged, create a family communication plan.

10 - Respond and Recover happens once you have safeguarded belongings, secured doors with a keypad or smart lock, and posted a note on door with your contact information, evacuation plan, time, and date until your return. 

Property Preparations

11 -- Review and know your insurance policy coverage. Keep itemized lists with photos of valuables in digital storage in multiple locations.

12 - Relocate potentially hazardous items by securing loose any objects, routinely test fire extinguishers, and learn and identify shut off valves for utilities.

13 - Protect important paperwork and documents including your passports, birth/adoption certificates, wills, deeds, and property agreements sealed inside of a fireproof safe.

14 - If possible, before evacuating your property, shut off your main valves for gas, electricity, and water. When you return, it is important to remember to contact your utility company to reconnect your services.

Protect Life and Safety

15 - Learn and keep up-to-date on basic first aid skills. A common guide to use in case of an emergency is to check-

A- Airway 

B- Breathing 

C- Circulation 

D- Defibrillator

16 - Maintain adequate emergency supplies for your household to last for approximately 7-10 days. Routinely check expiration dates on all items and replenish with fresh supplies as needed.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

17 - Knowing that you have formulated a preparedness plan and supplies can help to significantly reduce your stress and anxiety levels during an emergency. Empowering yourself and those around you to best manage emergency situations may reduce feelings of uncertainty and lead to better decision-making skills.

Minimize Damage and Loss

18 - Document any property damage observed in the event you will have to file an insurance claim. Keep a record of damages with photos and detailed notes before you begin to clean up.

19 - Take the time to secure loose objects, inspect your fire extinguisher, and cover windows with plywood or duct tape, if necessary to help minimize the need for extensive repairs or replacements.

20 - Assess for any property damage by walking around the exterior to check for any disconnected power or gas lines, fallen trees, or structural damages.

21 - If you notice the smell gas or hear a hissing sound, immediately leave the area to call your local fire department immediately or utility company to investigate the situation.

22 - Move with extreme caution if the power is out, keeping a flashlight easily accessible for visibility. Candles may not be a safe option as the flame may cause gases to ignite.

23 - Before using appliances which may have been disconnected or unplugged, first check for signs of water damage. Contact your utility company to come out to inspect the safety of your appliance connections and components.

Help Your Community

24- Being prepared also allows you to support other people in need of assistance during times of emergency. When possible, sharing supplies, shelter, information, resources, or emotional support helps your community to reduce the impact of the situation.

Emergency Alert Tips

25 -Flood

Move any valuables to higher levels before evacuating, if time permits. Shut off your power at the main supply switches and disconnect appliances. Never touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. 

26 - Fire

Place Fire/Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors in all bedrooms,  near heating systems, boilers, and generators. Limit combustible/flammable liquids and materials. Have, test, and inspect fire/smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher Types

A Combustible Materials

B Flammable Liquids

C Electrical

D Metals

K Combustible Cooking Liquids

ABC  - Multipurpose Use

Call 911 immediately, if you see a fire, never assume that first responders have been contacted. Quickly evacuate according to your emergency safety plan and inform your contacts where you are going to be located.

27 - Thunderstorm

If you're caught outside during a storm, avoid tall trees, open fields, the beach, and anything metal. When it is safe to do so, quickly move indoors or to a hardtop vehicle. Avoid running water inside or showering, as pipes and metal fixtures may conduct electricity.

28 - Tornado

If you are able to, safely move down to a basement or local storm shelter. if it's safe to do so. Avoid windows and doors, and move into an interior room or beneath a sturdy table to help protect your head.

29 - Hurricane

Secure all windows and interior and exterior doors. Stay inside of a small room, closet or hallway on the lowest level. Keep curtains and windows closed and move as far away from windows as possible.

30 - Earthquake

Memorize this advice- "Drop, cover and hold on'. Drop to your hands and knees (so tremors won't knock you over), cover your head and neck by getting under a sturdy table and hold on until the shaking subsides.

Share this information and stay safe!

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