In an emergency, your family members have to know what to do, where to go and how to respond to an emergency.

The only way you can ensure they can do this without relying on blind luck is if you practice.

1. Medical Drill

Very likely, this is the most important one of the bunch. Have the family take care of an “injured” member. If you have teen or middle school age family members, you could even let them perform first aid on a parent. Make sure they know where your medical supplies are located, and actually let them use the stuff.

2. Fire Drill

On average, this drill is second in importance to performing medical emergency drills. Your fire drill should have all the typical components. Each family member should low crawl out of house to rally at one meeting point once outside. While you’re on topic, make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms all have fresh batteries, your fire extinguisher is charged, and your multiple escape routes are clear.

4. Lights Out Weekend

A grid-down exercise in cold weather will really show you where your strengths and weaknesses lie in the realm of preparedness. Kill the main breaker for your home’s electricity, and then get to work–cooking, cleaning, performing sanitation and hygiene tasks, providing alternative heat, and even figuring out how to keep the kids entertained. It should also be a high priority to keep your home from getting damaged, especially in sub-freezing weather. Drain all the water pipes, or keep a small amount of heat going to prevent freezing.

Emergencies can happen anyplace, anytime and you and your family must be able to respond to them quickly and with precision.

The only way to accomplish this is if you practice survival drills with your family until you can respond seamlessly.

For more information on drills you must practice, please visit Outdoor Life.