How to craft an emergency action plan in Columbia

Natural disasters like fires, tornados, and hurricanes are challenging enough, but they can be exponentially worse if you don’t have a strategy in order for your loved ones. Planning ahead and having the proper supplies will help tremendously in making a tough situation less stressful. Read our tips for creating an emergency action plan in Columbia and learn how a sophisticated smart home can help.

Follow these steps to create your emergency action plan

Instead of expecting a disaster to miss your neighborhood, it’s always better to be prepared. But how might you ready yourself? Abide by these basic steps:

• Discuss the likely emergencies in your location. Do you live in a tornado alley, hurricane zone, or a blizzard-prone region? Understanding the hazards you might come across will inform how you respond.
• Assign responsibilities. Each household member, including your kids, should know what to do when a disaster strikes. Discuss how you will work in unison to maintain safety.
• Designate meeting points. In disasters like fires, you should identify a spot outside your home to get together. Where will you travel to if you are asked to leave your property because of a hurricane? Family members who aren’t at home will have to know where they can find you.
• Decide on where you will take refuge. If you have to evacuate, you’ll need to secure temporary lodging. Pick a place likely to be protected, such as a relative’s house or hotel a reasonable distance from the crisis.
• Put together a survival kit. Stock the necessities, such as water, non-perishable food, batteries, cell phone chargers, and flashlights. For a more comprehensive list, explore the tips from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How can your Columbia smart home aid you during a crisis?

Modern smart homes may be furnished with various safety alarms like carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and flood sensors to protect your family during an urgent event. Additionally, these devices are linked to round-the-clock monitoring professionals. Besides triggering your alarm, these safety features will notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever they trip|. But that’s not all your smart home can provide.

Advanced automation allows you to program actions when emergencies arise. For instance, you might have your front door unlock or garage door raise when a smoke detector is activated to ease your departure. A smart thermostat can also turn off your HVAC system to reduce the spread of flames.

Equip yourself for emergencies with a Vivint Smart Home in Columbia

A Vivint smart home in Columbia is the perfect complement to your emergency action plan. Monitored CO, fire, and flood sensors and innovative automation will enhance your home’s protection. You’ll also benefit from the extra reassurance knowing qualified professionals are in place to provide assistance. Reach out to (573) 641-8250 today to request your new system.