We believe an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. The best thing anyone can do to prevent emergencies is to prepare for them in advance. Since all emergencies cannot be prevented, it’s good to have a handy list of resources on hand for life’s inevitable chaos. Make sure your family knows where you keep all your emergency numbers and you have a plan for emergency situations.
Write or type all-important numbers in large print and have them easy to reach for your kids. Make copies for different areas in your home and post them in easy to access spots. Keep a copy in your car and at your place of work. Another easy preventative measure is to go ahead and log these numbers into your cell phone.
Numbers to include in your emergency resources list:
• Emergency medical services: In most places this is 911, but your community may have its own number. • Non-emergency police line for your area
• Poison control center: 1-800-222-1222. This toll-free number will put you in touch with the poison control center in your area.
• Hospital/ER
• Fire department
• Your Doctor
• Work places (important for kids, baby sitters and other family members)
• Cell phone numbers
• Relatives and neighbors
If you are calling 911 from your cell phone, the dispatcher may not have enough information to pinpoint your location so be prepared to give details about where you are. Have your own address listed for visitors and kids.
It’s better to be prepared and keep a list of too many numbers, than not enough. You can only do so much to prevent an emergency, but you can prepare for what life may throw at you.
