The short answer
Identify Your Home's Specific Risks
Your plan should start with the hazards most likely to affect your home. In a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and spring storms, this often means preparing for severe weather, flash flooding, and power outages. Consider your home's location, such as whether you are in a floodplain. Knowing these risks helps you focus your preparations on realistic scenarios. For instance, if flooding is a risk, knowing where to move valuables and how to quickly contact professionals for water extraction becomes a key part of your plan.
Establish Clear Family Communication
A reliable communication plan is vital if your family gets separated. Choose an out-of-town contact everyone can try to reach, as local phone service can fail. Ensure every family member has a paper list of these numbers. Agree on where to reunite if you cannot return home, selecting one location nearby and another farther away.
Assemble Critical Supplies and Documents
Gather essential supplies to last at least 72 hours without power or water. This includes non-perishable food, water, basic medical supplies, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. Also, collect vital documents like insurance policies, identification, and medical records in a waterproof, portable container. Keeping these items together saves precious time during an evacuation. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. A well-stocked kit helps your family stay safe and focused on the situation at hand.
It's important to store these supplies in an accessible, known location. Check and refresh them every six months, replacing expired food items and used batteries. For water damage events, having these supplies ready can help your family stay safe and focused while you contact local water damage pros to address the immediate problem in your home. This preparation allows you to manage the emergency without unnecessary delays.
- Water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Basic medical supplies and any necessary medicines
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Copies of personal documents in a waterproof bag
Plan for Home Emergencies and Shutoffs
Know how to secure your home during an emergency. Locate and label your main water shutoff valve, gas line, and electrical panel. Teach responsible family members how to turn them off. If you live in Oklahoma City, keep your shutoff valve location written down. This can prevent extensive water damage if a pipe bursts during a freeze or storm.
Practice and Review Your Plan Regularly
A plan is only effective if everyone remembers it. Conduct family drills for different scenarios, like a fire or tornado warning. Review and update your plan every six months, especially if contact numbers change or children grow older. Discuss what went well after each practice to improve your readiness for a real event.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Oklahoma City and nearby communities.
Call Now (405) 565-9833Frequently asked questions
What should be in a basic emergency kit?
Your kit needs water, food, basic medical supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a radio. Include personal hygiene items, cash, and a multi-tool. Remember supplies for pets and any family members with specific needs. Store everything in an easy-to-carry bag or container.
How do I plan for a power outage?
Have alternative light and power sources ready, like flashlights and a portable charger. Know how to manually open your garage door. Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to preserve food. If you rely on a medical device, talk to your doctor about a backup power plan.
Who should I list as an emergency contact?
Choose a reliable person who lives out of town, as they may be easier to reach during a local disaster. Also list nearby friends, neighbors, and your family doctor. Give this list to every family member and to your children's school or daycare.