| As part of any home security strategy, | | | | Also, keep copies of important documents such |
| emergency planning should be a top priority. | | | | as passports or birth certificates in your kit as |
| Although it is obviously something no one wants | | | | well. |
| to think about, it's always better to be prepared | | | | As part of your plan, you should make sure |
| than to be caught unawares. The reality is that | | | | everyone is acquainted with your home security |
| emergency can strike at any time and it is | | | | alarm system and/or your fire alarms. If you do |
| important to make plans beforehand. | | | | have a home alarm system, check it on a regular |
| First, you should assess the different types of | | | | basis to make sure it works. Teach your children |
| emergencies that could occur. Emergencies don't | | | | to use it properly and practice drills. The same |
| occur at convenient times, so it's best to have | | | | goes if your fire alarm is part of your home |
| several plans laid out and prepared should | | | | security system; check it frequently, and make |
| something occur. As with a home security plan, | | | | sure your children know how it works and how to |
| work places have their own rules and guidelines. | | | | use it. |
| You should memorize these and get to know | | | | Prepare an escape route from each bedroom; |
| them well, as they may save your life while you | | | | each room, in fact, should have two viable escape |
| are at work, and some of the guidelines may | | | | routes, through a main door and another through |
| even apply to your own home security as well. | | | | a window or other opening. Plan safety measures |
| When at work, always keep a small emergency | | | | to take should a fire break out, or should there |
| pack with water, a flashlight, a first aid kit and | | | | be a break-in of some sort. Also, after outlining an |
| other such things. Should an emergency occur, | | | | escape route, make sure you have planned out a |
| you may need to get home as quickly as possible, | | | | meeting place where everyone is to gather should |
| so get to know different driving routes. Figure out | | | | any thing occur. This should be a place that is well |
| the best way to get to out with the least traffic; | | | | marked out, such as a tree or a mailbox. It |
| also map a walking room, just in case driving is | | | | shouldn't be too far from your home either. |
| out of the option. | | | | Also, plan for situations in which your family isn't in |
| Keep an emergency kit in your car in case | | | | the same place; many emergencies occur when |
| anything happens while you're on the road, | | | | one or more family members are away at work |
| whether it be on the way to work, or traveling | | | | or school. You should discuss plans for these |
| with your family. Make sure to include bottled | | | | types of situations and make sure everyone |
| water, extra clothes, food and medical supplies. | | | | sticks to them. |
| Your home emergency should be thorough; it | | | | For your home security practice these plans. Do |
| requires the most thought. It's probably a good | | | | drills. Go over your plans on a frequent basis with |
| idea to keep an emergency pack near the door. | | | | your entire family. |