Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
Teach your children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency medical services number for emergency help.
Show responsible family members how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity and locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main.
Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
Turn off utilities only if you suspect that the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. (If you turn off the gas, you will need a professional to turn it back on.)
Check to see that you have adequate insurance coverage.
Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Conduct a home hazard hunt. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a home hazard. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards.
Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.
Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
