Emergencies can cause significant disruption and distress, so it's important for households to have emergency preparedness plans in place to effectively manage the situation. The basic preparations a household should take to prepare for common household emergencies include:

1. Emergency Supply Kit: Prepare an emergency supply kit that includes water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, emergency light source, medications and essential items for each family member. This includes having a "Go Bag" if you need to leave the house, as well as an emergency bag and supplies stashed in your car. For detailed information about what to have in your emergency bags, go to this page from U.S. Homeland Security.

2. Communication Plan: Develop a family communication plan that includes emergency contact information for each family member, doctors and extended family; meeting locations, and a plan for staying connected during an emergency. Download this PDF from the Homeland Security ready.gov to get started.

3. Home Safety Checks: Regularly inspect and maintain home safety devices such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers to ensure they are functional.

4. Evacuation Plan: Create an evacuation plan with designated escape routes and a meeting place outside the home. Go to U.S. Fire Administration website for how to create an evacuation plan for your family.

5. Awareness of Risks: Identify the types of disasters most likely to occur in your area and educate family members about how to respond to each specific emergency. Though there could be many risks, start with winter preparedness from NJ.gov.

Common Emergencies

1. POWER OUTAGES
2. WATER LEAKS
3. GAS LEAKS
4. BROKEN HEATING OR AIR CONDITIONING
5. BURST PIPES
6. CLOGGED TOILETS, PIPES OR DRAINS
7. DAMAGED ROOF OR GUTTERS
8. BEING LOCKED OUT OF THE HOME
9. FLOODED BASEMENT
10 KITCHEN FIRE
​11. CAR PROBLEMS - FLAT TIRE, ACCIDENT

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