(NC) You may not be with your child when disaster strikes. Emergency Preparedness Week 2017 (May 7-13) is the perfect time to make sure your child knows what to do during an emergency situation. Here are some tips for you and your family:

1. Make sure your child knows the emergency exits from your home.

2. Create a designated family meeting place in case of emergency.

3. Assemble an emergency kit and make sure your children know where it is.

4. Give your children the names of out-of-town contacts and have them practice getting in touch with these contacts.

5. Teach your children how and when to call 911.

6. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector and fire extinguisher.

7. Ensure everyone in your home knows where to find the fire extinguisher.

8. Familiarize yourself with your child's school or daycare emergency policies. How will they reach you should a situation arise? What authorization is needed to release your child to someone other than yourself?

9. Make sure the school or daycare has updated contact information for you, other parents and caregivers and the designated pick-up persons.

By planning ahead you and your family will be better able to cope if an emergency happens. You can create your own emergency plan online and get more practical tips at www.getprepared.ca. 

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