The Belgian National Crisis Centre has thoroughly renewed its online tool for creating personal emergency plans. The improved website makes it easier for families to prepare for crisis situations. In about ten minutes, you can create a complete emergency plan for yourself and your family.
Why a personal emergency plan is essential
A personal emergency plan comes in handy when an emergency situation occurs. During a fire, flood or other calamities, every second counts. What are the telephone numbers of your family members or your insurance company? Where is the gas tap located? It may seem like basic information, but if you can’t find that information quickly during a crisis situation, panic can arise.
🔗 Create your own emergency plan!
- Via this link you can create your own emergency plan
Emergency services benefit too
A well-prepared emergency plan helps not only yourself, but also the emergency services who arrive on the scene. “That information can be very useful in an emergency situation, such as during a fire or flood. It’s important that you know that information yourself, but also that you can make it available to emergency services. For them, an emergency plan contains essential information, for example about how many people or pets might still be missing.”
Crucial information for emergency services:
- Number of residents in the building
- Location of vulnerable persons (elderly, children, people with disabilities)
- Presence and number of pets
- Access routes and evacuation routes
- Location of utilities
The renewed online tool
The National Crisis Centre’s website now offers a more user-friendly platform for creating an emergency plan. The questionnaire guides users step by step through all the important components of a well-thought-out emergency plan. Afterwards, you can save and print your own emergency plan.
Practical storage and accessibility
The National Crisis Centre recommends printing the completed emergency plan and keeping it in a fixed, accessible place. “You can print the document and make it available somewhere in the house, such as at the electricity cupboard or in your first aid kit. Then everyone knows where they can find the information in an emergency situation.”
This approach ensures that all family members know where to find the essential information, even when the power goes out or digital devices are not available.
Awareness without panic
The Crisis Centre emphasises that the tool is not intended to sow fear. “We must be aware of risks in our society and prepare for them. Unfortunately, we see emergency situations every day.”
This sober approach is appealing. It’s not about doom scenarios, but about practical preparation for situations that can actually occur. Floods, fires and other accidents regularly make the news – and can affect anyone.
Self-reliance as a starting point
“In such a situation, not only can the emergency services help you, but you can also help yourself by knowing what the right reflexes are. And having an emergency plan is one of those good reflexes that can ensure the situation remains limited.”
This philosophy of self-reliance forms the core of effective crisis preparation. By thinking ahead about possible scenarios and preparing yourself, you increase the chance of successfully getting through a crisis situation.
Conclusion
The renewed online tool from the National Crisis Centre makes creating a personal emergency plan more accessible than ever. Investing ten minutes can make an enormous difference when an emergency situation occurs. The platform offers a systematic approach to collecting all relevant information and making it available in a convenient way. For families who want to increase their self-reliance, this tool forms a valuable starting point. The combination of practical information and easy accessibility makes this a tool that every responsible homeowner should use.