Reading Hospital recognized the month of September as National Preparedness Month, which raises awareness about the importance of being prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Reading Hospital encourages families and community members to plan. Every family should have an emergency plan in place that they have practiced together. Develop a plan to shelter in place and stock up on supplies in advance, such as water, canned food, diapers if needed, batteries, and candles. Cards and board games can come in handy, too. Supermarkets tend to become picked over when severe weather is imminent, so ensure to stock up on necessities for a minimum of three days and up to 14 days.
Have an emergency supply kit. A first aid kit, flashlight and spare batteries, baby supplies, pet supplies, manual can opener, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, a battery-powered radio, plastic bags, medical devices, and prescription medications are a few important items to keep on hand. Ensure to check the expiration dates on food items, water, and a fire extinguisher in your kit at least once per year.
Plan to act. Have escape routes mapped out, and practice using them with your family at least once per year. It is a good idea to plan a way to send and receive messages to family members who live outside of your home so that you can communicate in times of need. When it comes to your children, form a plan that considers the best way to evacuate with them, but plan on how you would reunite in case you are separated. Prepare for your animals as well, and practice both routines annually to make sure everyone is aware of where they need to go to be safe and what their role is.
In addition, know how to turn off your gas, electric, and water, in case it’s necessary.
Keep supplies in your car. Reading Hospital strongly recommends an emergency kit for your car. A first aid kit, batteries, flashlight, battery-powered radio, bottled water, shovel, energy snacks, jumper cables, maps, and roadside flares are a few things that can help keep you safe if you ever find yourself stuck or stranded.
Rent an AED for free. The Friends of Reading Hospital has partnered to offer the HeartSAFE Berks County AED Loan Program. Reading Hospital strongly encourages everyone to take advantage of this program.
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are very easy to use, and you’ll receive a brief training when you pick up your rental unit. The machine will talk to you to guide you through the steps, and you can’t shock someone who doesn’t need it, so you don’t need to worry about causing harm.
If interested in having an AED at your event, contact HeartSAFE Berks at 484-628-8434 or [email protected]. Learning CPR and how to use an AED are both valuable skills that could save someone’s life.
At the end of the day, the best way to be prepared is to plan. Disasters can come in many forms, but with an annual checkup on your preparations, you can be ready for almost anything.
Reading Hospital encourages you to sit down with your family and discuss the best course of action that you can take to make sure you’re prepared.
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