8 Ways to Be Proactive for Emergencies
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Last month we talked in-depthly about emergency preparedness. As they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The inconvenience now of being proactive about things can save lots of headaches, pain, and maybe even worse, later on.
Here are 8 ways I’ve been thinking about to be more proactive, more prepared:
1. Store ICE contact numbers in your phone.
What would happen to you if you were hurt while away from work, home, or anyone you knew? “In case of emergency” phone numbers can be programmed into your cell phone so that if something were to happen to you, emergency personnel would know who to contact. The Happy Housewife has the details as well as info on an app for your smart phone to help you be better prepared.
2. Fill an emergency supply closet.
I’ve slowly been building my stockpile of water, but this emergency supply closet just blew me out of the water. Brilliant. We even have some storage cupboards in our garage that I could repurpose this way.
3. Get a full medical physical.
Yes, really. I know it’s a total pain. But, most of us moms don’t do this very often. And all too often, there can be little things that get overlooked. But, regular check-ups can be helpful in diagnosing issues early enough to be treated successfully. Make sure to check your skin and do monthly breast exams as well.
4. Inventory your home.
Last Spring my friend Lynn‘s home was hit by a tornado. Thankfully, they were all safe, but there was a fair degree of damage to the house and property. Lynn went through the process of recreating lists of the items that were damaged for the insurance claims adjuster.
While I may not live in tornado country anymore, we aren’t immune to fire or theft. Having a list of the big ticket items, their purchase prices, and date of purchase would be helpful later during what would surely be a stressful time.
Now, you might not think you have anything valuable. That’s what I thought, too. But, then I just thought about all my kitchen appliances! I would hate to have to replace my food processor, stand mixer, bread machine, and so on. While I can certainly live without them, I’d honestly rather not have to.
5. Pack go bags for your kids and you.
Lauren shared some great tips last month for how to pack emergency evacuation bags for your kids. Check out the post and then think about the supplies you can gather in one place to be better prepared.
6. Stock your car with a small on-the-go emergency kit.
We never know when an emergency situation will hit. So, while you’re packing go bags, make an extra one for the car filled with general supplies, like water, non-perishable food, and first aid kit.
7. Think about life insurance and then do something about it.
We think about it, but we’ve yet to do anything about it. Life insurance is really not that expensive, and it can be a good cushion for your family to land on if the worst happens.
8. Store valuables in a fireproof safe.
While most of us aren’t worried about protecting the Hope diamond, we are concerned about more important things: birth certificates, family photos, contracts, and property documents. A good way to protect these items is to store them in a fireproof safe.
I just finished the emergency kit update!
Loved this article! We have our documents in a safe, have life insurance, but still need to do a home inventory!!
We recently refreshed our ememrgency box. I need to work on getting a store of water as well.
I have created a 72-hour kit for me and my son that includes a large rolling suitcase for me to lugg and a very sturdy backpack for him. Our kits include everything we’d need in an emergency along with copies and some originals of our important documents and cd’s of all of our pictures. I also keep a freshly rotated supply of enough water and food storage for up to 3 months. I’m working on taking this storage up to a 6 month, then 1 year supply. Slowly, but surely. 😀
I just programed the ICE numbers in my phone. I too am recovering from the tornadoes in April. Right now I am just trying to get our house settled with the insurance and get ready for a big move. Once we move I will be getting new insurance, doing an inventory, and getting a safe (if I don’t win this one).
One major tip I have is KNOW your insurance policies! Know where they are, know what they say, know what they cover, know what they don’t cover, and make sure your coverage is still what you need. If you don’t have a copy of your policy and declarations page GET ONE! Then put it in a fire proof safe.
We have life insurance. We keep a pretty good stock of nonperishable foods around, and we have lots of heat-and-eat foods also. We have a small propane stove, and extra propane, and we have a generator that keeps our furnace, fridge, deep freeze, and lights on in case of power outages.
My husband and I have had an emergency bag in the trunk of our car for a # yrs now. We also have a go-bag in the house, too. We are lacking go-bags for our cats, but I will put some cat food, bowls, etc. together in a smaller bin for them.
Hubs and I are firefighter/emts. Our 6 y/o knows hands only CPR, fire exits, how to properly use an extinguisher and where they are. She also knows when to try and use the extinguisher (to get out, save yourself not the “stuff”). Our 14 month old mimics the CPR, so he may learn early.
We also actively monitor our credit & “identities”. 6 y/o’s bio mom ruined her credit just after she and hubs split. When we caught it years later, she attempted meddling in our finances. We’re quite vigilant. As its said, its not paranoia if someone really is out to get you.
I have been replacing all the items in our first aid kit and stocking up on water and canned goods. I never worried about this stuff before I had my daughter, but now I’m all for being prepared for an emergency!
We have emergency kits and a safe room for when there is a tornado or hurricane.
One thing that I read a long time ago that stuck with me is so easy & very much common sense, but it would be easily overlooked. When you’re getting into your safe room in the event of a tornado or hurricane, make sure to have sturdy shoes and socks for everyone; you never know what the outside will look like/what you’ll have to walk around or on once you come out so you don’t want to be barefoot or with just sandals.