Too few families put together a family emergency plan and emergency kit, even though we know how important it is. Why do we procrastinate?
Partly because we know it’s not going to be a lot of fun. Emergency planning isn’t a game, after all.
Maybe that’s the problem.
Try taking a board game the kids already like to play --- like Chutes & Ladders, Clue or Monopoly Jr. --- but instead of using dice or a spinner, have each player move forward when they give the right answer to an emergency planning question. The better the answer the higher the dice roll.
Before you know it you’ll have discussed and planned nearly every aspect of the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan, published by the Emergency Preparedness Plan offered by the New York City Office of Emergency Management (note: print up the plan beforehand--in color if possible--so you can fill it out as soon as you’re done playing.)
If you employ a live-in nanny or live-out nanny, invite her to play along as well.
SAMPLE CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:
Name three types of emergencies WE should plan for.
HINT: There are three main types of emergencies: Natural Disasters (e.g. hurricanes, floods, etc.), Technological (e.g. power outages) and Attacks (e.g. terrorist activity)
Who do you call first in an emergency?
PARENT TIP: Every kid should know 911, but remind them to evacuate before calling if there’s a fire or smell gas, then call 911 afterwards. Also make sure they know it’s okay to tell a 911 operator their address, even though the operator is a stranger.
What’s our address and family phone number? What are mom and dad’s work numbers? Mobile numbers?
PARENT TIP: Remind your kids that cell phones may stop working in an emergency and long distance calls are sometimes easier to make than local calls.
Name two places should we meet up if there’s a hurricane or power outage and we’re stuck outside the home.
PARENT TIP: Award a higher dice roll if your child can think of one place near your home (like a church, synagogue or local Y) and one well outside your neighborhood, like an out-of-state relative’s house. Both places should be identified.
Award a higher dice roll if your child can recite the friend or relative’s phone number from memory.
We’ll need supplies if we’re stuck inside the house for a few days. What should we put in our Emergency Kit? What about a Go Bag, which we’ll need if we suddenly have to evacuate in a moment’s notice?
PARENT TIP: Increase dice roll by one for each correct item mentioned: flashlight; battery-operated radio; first aid kit; bottled water; notepad & pen; extra batteries; toothbrush & toothpaste; prescription medicines; granola bars and other dry, no-cook food; drinking water, tissue & moist towelettes. Add others using the NYC Office of Emergency Management Disaster Plan.
Does anyone in our family have special needs we should think about?
HINT: Discuss how you would meet the needs of children with allergies, pets, and older relatives and neighbors in an emergency.
Wait, Do not pass go, Do Not Collect $200... yet
When your done playing, complete filling out your Ready New York: My Emergency Plan (with your child if she's old enough). Note that some of the answers--like detailed insurance information and physician contact info--you’ll have to plug in yourself.
Final though: consider having the form laminated for about $5 at an office supply store like Staples, and then keep it in a common place everybody knows.
Have fun!