EMERGENCY MEETING PLACE

By Dr. Marion Somers, Ph. D., Ask Dr. Marion

QUESTION: How can I prepare for fire, flood, and other disasters but not scare my family or my dad who now lives with us? Nicholas in Vermont, 61

ANSWER: Every family needs to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Whether it is for a fire, flood, earthquake, terrorism, or other accidents, an emergency preparation plan has to be in place. How many times have you heard about a family member who was injured or died while going back into a burning building to save a child who was already safely outside? You need to know where family members will meet in case of emergency. Think through other contingencies like how to get in touch with each other if the phones don't work, and plan the chain of command when a drastic event occurs. Being prepared shouldn't scare your family or your dad. In fact, making this effort should give them all increased peace of mind.