Farmers Electric Cooperative cares about our communities and the people who live and work in them. In times of emergency, such as a natural disaster, you can be sure your co-op is doing everything it can to support emergency services and members’ need for electrical power. Here are some things* you and your family can do to prepare for challenges.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
- Discuss with your family the need to prepare for disaster, the types of disasters that are most likely to occur (fire, thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes), and how to respond.
- Create 2 different routes to get out of your house in case you must leave, and establish meeting places inside and outside of your home.
- Make sure you have a contact who does not live with you. In an emergency, everyone in the household should contact that person to let them know they are alright.
- Have children memorize important family information, including family name, phone number, and address.
Keep a Checklist
- Post emergency phone numbers next to phones.
- Teach children how and when to call 911.
- Teach family members how to use a fire extinguisher. Check it each year.
- Install smoke detectors on each level and near bedrooms. Test and change batteries once a year.
- Learn basic first aid.
- Replace stored water and food in emergency supply kit every 6 months.
Remember Your Pets
- Keep up-to-date identification tags on each pet’s collar.
- Create an emergency supply kit for your pet: 3 days’ worth of water and food, medicines and medical records, a first aid kit and reference book, all in watertight containers.
- Keep backup leashes and pet carriers on hand for all pets.
- Plan for pets’ sanitation needs, including litter, litter box, trash bags, and chlorine bleach.
- Keep a picture of you and your pet for identification in case you’re separated.
- Include familiar pet toys in the preparation kit to reduce stress on your pet.
*Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency