Preparedness is not just for disasters, terrorism or weather emergencies. Consider events that don't have widespread impact, but can have huge personal impact: a car accident, a fall in the home, a heart attack. An emergency can happen to any of us at any time. That's why we focus on emergency preparedness June 15-21, the third week of National Safety Month.

Emergency Preparedness

• One unintentional-injury death occurs every five minutes in the United States.
• Coronary heart disease is the nation's single leading cause of death, and about 700,000 people suffer new or recurrent strokes each year in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association.
• Annually, there are 800,000 emergency room visits for unintentional poisoning.
• Fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths at home.

The NSC and the Safety Council of Maryland, Inc. recommend these steps:

• Become certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Keep a well-stocked first aid kit. Store medication in a locked cabinet so kids can't access it. Keep cleaning agents and dangerous chemicals out of reach. Keep all substances in their original containers.
• Fire extinguishers are affordable. Keep one near the furnace, in the garage, and anywhere else a fire may start. Make sure everyone knows how to use them.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended or sleep while a candle is burning.
• Space heaters can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure yours will shut off if accidentally tipped over.
• Install smoke, gas and carbon monoxide detectors outside each sleeping area in your home, and change batteries regularly.
• Make sure family members know how to shut off utilities, and post the phone numbers for gas, water and electricity providers.
• Create and practice a home emergency/escape plan. Determine a meeting place where your family can go if forced to leave the home; post a note on your door telling others the date and time you left, and where you're going.
• Keep a bag stocked with cash, nonperishable food and water (3 days' worth for each family member), battery-powered radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, extra eyeglasses and prescription drugs, change of clothes and sturdy shoes, keys, pet supplies, and blanket or sleeping bag. Make sure all family members know where the bag is kept.
• Keep a radio, blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit, and fresh batteries in every vehicle.
• Keep a phone list of emergency contacts in your vehicle and wallet or purse.
• Children should know their street address and last name, and how to dial 911.

For additional information see: www.nsc.org.

Pedal Your Way to Safety