Are you prepared for an emergency? September is National Preparedness Month sponsored by FEMA. (No matter what month you are reading this it still applies!) Will you be ready if an emergency or natural disaster happens like an earthquake, flood, tornado or wildfire? The question should really be not “if” but “when”. While most of us might not live in an earthquake or tornado area, a house fire can erupt at any time. The US government has prepared some fantastic resources on their website at ready.gov. Go check it out!
They encourage us all to do three things:
- Be informed
- Make a plan
- Build a kit
This is not just an issue for those of us in the United States. It is an International issue for all of us, no matter where we live or our economic level.
Do you need to take action to be prepared but just can’t get motivated? Try these ideas to help kick start your effort.
- Get a mental picture of an event that could most likely happen to you. Let’s say a house fire. (If you need something more serious, pretend Hurricane Issac just hit your home.) Place yourself and your loved ones in the picture. Did you all get out? What were you able to save? Where are your pertinent records so can you access critical accounts? Where are you living? Bottom line…Is the loss or chaos created worth not being prepared? If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for your family.
- What are three things I should do to be prepared? Write them down and DO them. Bottom line…Don’t let a long list deter you, get something in place.
- Buy a kit. Search the internet using “emergency preparedness kit”. Or go to the Red Cross Store or even Costco. Bottom line…Yes, it may be more money than putting one together for yourself but at least you’ll have something.
Your goal should be to at least get somewhat prepared. It’s better than nothing!!
Here are some additional resources if you need them:
California Emergency Management Agency “10 Ways YOU can be Disaster Prepared”
Emergency Planning for Older Americans video
Planning for an Emergency for Caregivers
If you need help getting your life affairs in order, contact us to see how we can help. Post a comment below and let us know how you are progressing and what challenges you are facing.
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