Over the past year, we’ve all spent quality time in the comfort of our own homes. While your home may be a safe place to quarantine during a pandemic, it’s still possible for the unexpected to happen. And if it does, are you prepared? By planning ahead for emergencies, you and your family are better able to handle any situation appropriately, significantly reducing the risk of harm.
Here are some ways you can prepare:
- Keep an emergency contact list. Make sure your babysitters, children, spouse and other household members have access to a list of important names, phone numbers and addresses
in the event of an emergency. You might also want to include phone numbers for doctors, veterinarians, poison control and other emergency contacts. - Have back-up childcare. If something comes up or your babysitter cancels, you’ll want to have a list of backup sitters and childcare centers that can watch your child if needed. Ask friends
and trusted neighbors if you can include them on this list. - Train older children. Think about potential problems that could arise while you aren’t home. If you have appropriately aged children, teach them how to use important appliances, care for
family pets and know when to call you for help. - Stock essential supplies. It’s always good to stock up on healthy snacks and easy-to-prepare meals for your kids. In case of an emergency, keep cash and medical supplies such as
bandages, a thermometer, pain relievers and antibacterial ointment safely in a drawer or cabinet. - If disaster strikes, take care of you and your family’s emotional health. The New Directions Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential counseling sessions with a licensed
therapist at no cost to you. You can connect in-person, via phone or text, audio and video messaging.
Other tools available through your EAP include:
- Family resources
- Legal and financial consultations
- Child/elder care locators
- Health assessments
- Personal/professional development tools
Want to get the most out of your free EAP benefit? Register online to attend this
month’s webinars: