Emergency Relief Kits
The recent East Coast earthquake and large hurricane remind us that being prepared for emergencies can be really useful. Previously, I had posted on documents that should be collected and copies (digital) kept for safe keeping in case of a major event like an earthquake or hurricane. Given the events of the past couple of weeks, I thought it would be good to review the preparedness checklist:
–Keep an emergency kit readily available — and well stocked with necessary items. The items will differ slightly depending on whether it is for earthquakes, hurricanes, or other types of emergencies, but should include items that can get you past a few days of no electricity. Be sure to check things like batteries and rotate them regularly to ensure they are fresh. And keep in mind, when there is a forecast for a major hurricane, stores will likely sell out of key items.
–Keep documents, files, and other items up to date including insurance numbers, prescriptions, and identity documents. If you’ve changed your name or made other changes, be sure your documents match your identification items like your driver’s license (saying from personal experience of having to deal with an incorrect birthdate on one document).
–Be sure to have cash, especially small bills available — since I tend to use cash rarely, I tend not to carry a lot around, but I do keep some in my emergency kit as ATMs may not be operational and vendors, repairmen, and others will appreciate the cash.
–If you need to keep emergency food — aim for reasonably healthy, not perishable items (like cans, tetrapaks, and vacuum packed seals). Keep in mind a lot of nonperishable foods are really junk food in disguise. Check expiry dates on these items as well.
–Review safety and emergency procedures with members of the family — immediately after the East Coast earthquake the cell network was mostly busy for several hours. If you have a specific evacuation protocol, be sure to review with all members of the family including children so they are prepared in case it becomes necessary.
shared at Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday
My friend and I were just catting about this during our morning walk yesterday. She has tons of photos of her kids. She keeps 2 sets of backups close by to make sure she doesn’t lose all her work.
Barb, this is a great point. With the ability to digitize photos (including very old ones), backups are quite useful!
Those are such great tips! It’s something that’s been shuffled from one to-do to another for far too long for me and I really should get it taken care of. I just realized last night that if we were stuck in our home without electricity for any length of time, we wouldn’t have any water to drink. I’m planning to start washing out milk jugs and filling them with water as a back up supply.
Dear OutGrowinIn, I feel the same way. So, I’m using the recent spate of bad news to remind myself to be better prepared! Thanks for visiting.