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Preparing For Emergencies at Home (Handout F)
 

Identifying and reacting to emergencies in the home is a critical role for parents in keeping their children safe. These tips help parents prepare in advance for emergencies and gain appropriate response skills.

The following is an excerpt from Safety First: Preventing & Managing Childhood Injuries.

Preparing For Emergencies at Home (Handout F)

What would you do if...

Here is a suggestion for an inexpensive and waterproof kit you can make by using a coffee can with a plastic lid.

The contents can be purchased for a small amount; you may even have the items around the house. In a serious emergency, dial 911 for help.

SUGGESTED CONTENTS:

  • Triangular Bandages (3)
  • 1” Band Aids (25)
  • 2” x 2” Gauze Pads (5)
  • 4” x 4” Gauze Pads (5)
  • 1” Roller Bandage
  • 2” Roller Bandage
  • 1/2” Adhesive Tape Roll
  • Q-Tips (10)
  • Small Bar Soap
  • Small Hand Towel
  • Large Safety Pins (4)
  • Small Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • your child got into your purse and ate your medications?
  • a frying pan caught fire on the stove?
  • your child fell out of the window and was unconscious?
  • your child started choking on a piece of meat?
  • you lose your temper and feel like hitting your child?
  • a hurricane, tornado, flood, or earthquake struck your home?

Prepare your family for emergencies with:

  • Adults trained in first aid and CPR
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency numbers posted near telephone
  • (police, fire, ambulance, poison control, parent stress hotline)
  • Smoke detectors—test monthly
  • Fire extinguisher—know how to work it
  • Fire escape plan from every room
  • Evacuation plan—know where to go
  • Three-day supply of canned food, manual can opener, baby formula, diapers, bottled water
  • Warm clothes, sturdy shoes, extra blankets
  • Extra medications and eyeglasses
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable radio and extra batteries
Preparing For Emergencies at Home (Handout F). Safety First: Preventing & Managing Childhood Injuries. Training Guides for the Head Start Learning Community. DHHS/ACF/ACYF/HSB. 2000. English.