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Preventing accidents and planning for emergencies are two of the best ways to keep your family safe. Many small changes can quickly and easily make your home and outings safer, so evaluating these updates is well worth the effort.

Emergency Prep for Your Family

The best way to keep your family safe year-round is to proactively prepare for emergencies. Whether it’s a house fire, community disaster, or individual injury, having a plan in place will increase the chances that your family can come through the event unscathed.

Keep a Full First Aid Kit and Learn CPR

For emergencies that don’t require a home evacuation, the best resource to have on hand is a first aid kit and someone who knows how to use it. Even if you call an ambulance or plan to visit the hospital, immediate attention to an injury can save a life. Adults and teens should take CPR courses regularly and practice at least once a year to keep up their skills.

Pack Emergency Bags

Preparing supplies for a quick home exit can help everyone stay calm during an emergency. Pack a backpack for each family member to grab quickly that includes essential supplies. A basic packing list contains copies of important documents, cash, toiletries, extra medications, flashlights, water, and food. You can also keep supplies in your vehicle, including blankets and extra water. Spare phone chargers are always useful, but print a list of key phone numbers to use just in case. Remember to include items for any pets and update these packs annually.

Practice Emergency Procedures

Everyone is more comfortable with situations they’ve encountered before, so practicing emergency procedures with your family can help keep everyone safer in the event of a real emergency. Make a family evacuation plan with a meeting spot away from the home (a neighbor several doors down is a good choice). Have children practice unlocking doors, using ladders to evacuate second-story rooms, or crawling with their heads down to avoid smoke inhalation. Many young children today don’t know how to call 9-1-1 from a cell phone, so take the time to practice. Calling family and friends to report an emergency at home is also an essential skill for children to master.

Eliminate Hazards at Home

Knowing how you’ll handle an emergency is essential, but preventing one in the first place is even better. Take time several times a year to evaluate your home for potential hazards. Involve the whole family in this activity so your children can learn to incorporate safety into their everyday planning.

Utility Dangers

Check the equipment for your utilities twice a year when you conduct your winter and summer maintenance. Any cracks, evidence of rust, or unusual smells can be cause for concern. A representative from a utility company like Duquesne Light Co. should come to take a look and help you plan any needed repairs. This is also a good time to ensure that lightbulbs and outlets are functioning properly throughout your home and that batteries in smoke alarms are fresh.

Outdoor Concerns

Many areas around a home’s exterior can potentially be a hazard. Trees often interfere with power lines and may be dangerous during storms. Your local power company can help you navigate these concerns. Duquesne Light Co. has a robust plan to proactively monitor this potential hazard and keep its service communities safe. Closer to the ground, hazards like uneven paths and low spots where water pools can create the perfect conditions for slips and falls. Fix as many of these spots as possible. Paint unrepaired pavement areas with a reflective stripe to warn anyone walking in the area. If you have a pool in your yard, check fence locks and other safety features at least twice yearly to ensure they function correctly. It’s also a good idea to walk your home’s perimeter at night and mark places where extra outdoor lighting would help prevent accidental falls or injuries. Install energy-efficient outdoor lights on a sensor.

Medications and Chemicals

If you have children at home, ensure that medications and chemicals are out of reach and locked away. Twice a year, check labels and appropriately discard anything that has expired and is potentially volatile. Don’t forget to check the garage for oils, paint thinner, and other supplies that might need disposal or proper storage.

Prepare for Your Environment

While many safety concerns occur at home, heading outside for adventures can also pose risks. Knowing the environment and planning accordingly will go a long way in keeping your family safe.

Check the Weather

During all seasons, extreme weather can make conditions outside unsafe. Summer’s heat is dangerous for everyone, but young children and older adults are especially vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration. Pack extra water, take protective clothing, and plan multiple breaks in the shade if you’ll be in the heat for long periods. A headache or mild nausea can be early signs of a problem, so take these indications seriously and hydrate while you recover.

Know Your Location

If you’re heading into the wilderness or traveling on back roads, make sure to have a paper map available in case of emergencies. You should research the area beforehand to note any potential hazards or obstacles to avoid. Always tell a friend back home where you’re headed and when you plan to return. Packing more food and water than you think is necessary will save you if you encounter unexpected problems.

For more information about preventing and addressing emergencies, follow the National Safety Council’s educational campaign for June.