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Article Series:
Home Emergency Preparation Tips &
Family Disaster Plans
Emergency
Telephone Numbers You Must Know
When
an emergency strikes, it's very easy to become confused,
disoriented, or panic-stricken. That's
why it's so important to have emergency phone numbers readily
available at a moment's notice. The last thing you have time
for during an emergency is to rummage around your address book,
frantically searching for phone numbers. Here are six tips
for ensuring that you'll always have emergency phone numbers
on disposal when you really need them. Also, it's important
that your young children also learn how to access these numbers,
and are able to place an emergency phone call. Having a clear,
complete list of your emergency contacts on hand will make
all of your family be and feel safer at all times.
1.
Make sure you have all the numbers you need. Everyone knows
911, but sometimes it's easy to overlook other numbers you
need during an emergency. Here are the numbers you should have
on your emergency contact list:
Emergency medical services (e.g. 911)
Poison
Control Center: 1-800-222-12222. This toll-free number
will put you in touch with your local poison control center.
Hospital
Emergency room contact information. You can find
this information in your local phone book or look it up on
the Internet. If you live near more than one hospital, write
down the number of all the hospital emergency rooms you may
need to contact.
Your
local fire department number.
Your
local police department number.
The
number of your child's doctor.
Your
work number, and the work number of your spouse.
Cellular
phone numbers for every member of your family.
The
number of nearby relatives and neighbors.
The
number of your child's teacher, school administration office,
and/or daycare service.
If
someone in your family takes prescription medications, you
may want to write down the number to your local pharmacy.
If
applicable, the number of any home health aides.
The
numbers for your local gas and electric companies.
2.
Make copies of your emergency telephone numbers and post
them near all the telephones in your home. Keep the master
list on the door to your refrigerator. Familiarize babysitters
and other caretakers with your emergency phone number contact
list.
It's also a good idea to carry a list of your emergency telephone
contacts with you in your wallet. Write them down on a brightly
colored index card for easy access in case of an emergency.
Also, if you have a cellular phone and use it often, you may
want to program many of these numbers into your contact list.
3.
Use dark-colored ink to print your list of emergency contact
numbers. Use large, clear print handwriting when making your
list. In an emergency, the last thing you want to do is have
to strain to understand a number. When you are in a hurry or
in a dimly lit room, light-colored ink and messily written
numbers can be difficult to read.
4.
Teach your child to place an emergency phone call. Unplug
the telephone and let your young child practice dialing and
speaking into the receiver. Many young children have problems
expressing themselves clearly, and relaying important information.
Have your young child practice saying their first and last
name clearly. Also, it's important that they learn their primary
telephone number, and memorize their home address.
To teach them to place an emergency phone call, pretend you
are the 911 emergency operators. Prompt them with the questions
they would be asked in a real-life emergency. Have them practice
giving their full name, address, and a very short description
of the emergency. Explain to your child that in a real emergency,
they should remain calm.
Also, be certain to explain that calling 911 is very serious,
and such a call should only be placed in a true emergency.
This exercise can be a fun and very rewarding experience for
your child.
5.
Make a list of medical conditions and known allergies. List any medical conditions and known allergies that members
of your family suffer from. Also, it's a good idea to keep
information on prescription medications, and health insurance
for all members of your family. Keep this information with
your list of emergency phone numbers.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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