Emergency Response Plan

Emergency Response Plan

Home care and a functioning Emergency Response Plan (ERP).

When does disaster strike? Genesis Home Care would like for you to take a moment to think about that. Part of what makes a disaster a disaster is its sudden impact, its overwhelming force of destruction and unpredictability. Tornado alley has shifted. Earthquakes are ground shaking (pun intended). Wildfires can consume massive amounts of land. Flooding can happen in seemingly a blink of an eye. Even extreme freezes during the winter seasons can wreak debilitating havoc on states and regions. All of these are natural occurrences, thankfully some come with warnings others unfortunately are immediate and out of nowhere. The only surety we have is- they can’t be controlled and they can’t be stopped. What each of us can do is mitigate the effects to some extent by being prepared.

Being prepared doesn’t mean owning a below ground earthquake proof home, with solar panels and a back up generator, an added bomb shelter, food for the apocalypse and extreme wilderness know how. Being prepared can literally be handled with a few items of which you may already possess inside your home. Genesis Home Care wants you to focus on the number three (3). Most Emergency Management Organizations (FEMA, NFPA, DHS, etc..) agree that people should prepare to be self sufficient for three days. If you get caught in a natural disaster more often than not help will be by your side within three days. The three day kit should allow for you to make due with the minimum requirements to help you in the events of no access to power, food or transportation.

Here are a list of items, and ideas to help you and your family in preparing for a natural disaster.

Develop a plan for evacuating the house the city and maybe even out of state. Depending on the situation, getting across the street may be all you need.
Have method of contacting family in the event of separation. (Ex: triangulating using an out of state friend or relative)
Know your local emergency contact numbers
Have your supply kit ready and locate-able
Keep important devices charged
Quiz family members on need to know information
Understand the different ages and abilities of your household and plan accordingly. You may need to adjust your timing and planning.
Dietary needs for those with medical conditions.
Do you have pets? What will you do with them?
Know the location of your local emergency shelters
This isn’t an all inclusive list but it will help you think about some simple yet important concepts to help ease some controllable stressors. We at Genesis Home Care have included a few sources and references where you can find more detailed information on “what to do” both national and in the metro Atlanta area.

Home care agencies, such as Genesis Home Care, provide home assistance, companion care, assisted living and other services should offer some guidance on this as part of their service. Genesis Home Care is one that can. We are owned and operated by local metro Atlanta firemen and military veterans that can assist you with questions. We also, provide free home safety inspections. Feel free to contact us to learn more. As we close out remember that “planning beats worrying” everyday!!

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a friendly reminder with recommendations. It is not medical advise, direction or prescription of any sort. Please refer to professional services for any health related questions, concerns and relief.

References:

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/emergency-preparedness/natural-disasters

https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

https://www.fema.gov/blog/2015-04-29/everyone-must-be-prepared-emergencies

Local contacts:

http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/afcema

http://www.gema.ga.gov/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/public-safety/dekalb-emergency-management-agency

https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/public-safety/cert-community-emergency-response-team