Is your family ready, in case of an emergency? If you are not, now is the time to make a family emergency preparedness plan. September is National Preparedness Month and there are some great resources available to help us think through the details and get going on it.

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We can all start by examining our cupboards and garages to see what important items are not there so that we can get them. In addition, as a family discuss these 4 important details : how to sign up for alerts, have a shelter plan, make an evacuation plan and determine family needs.

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What really got me thinking about this was when I read latest Presidential Proclamation about preparedness. It emphasizes the importance of every family taking strides toward having important supplies and a family plan in place.

Have you ever gone through a natural disaster? Our community has faced blizzards, windstorms (one blew a freight train off its tracks) weeks-long ice storms and rain-induced floods.

In recognizing the many disasters that our nation has suffered recently, the president also shared his deep appreciation for those who help us all in times of need. First responders work tirelessly to clear roads, get the lights back on, rescue the stranded, bring medical assistance to the sick / injured and get the community back on track. Words are not enough to say just how wonderful these people are.

Sometimes we forget that in many cases the first responders live right in our communities. They are helping us while their own families are suffering the ravages of the same storm.

The proclamation mentions all kinds of disasters that have afflicted us in just this past year including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wild fires and even volcanoes. No area is exempt and it behooves us to be as prepared as possible.

No fear here! If you are like me, the thought of having my family prepared for something horrible that might happen is unnerving. There is that looming feeling that you can never do enough. It is expensive to buy things you will not be using and many families are living paycheck to paycheck. So what do you do?

Do not worry about doing all of it in a day, just get started! Keep a list and check off the items as you buy them. Get something from the list every week and start stashing it away. Who knows, if trouble comes something that you have a lot of may help someone else and they, in turn, may have something you were not able to get. People pull together in difficult times. And, on the bright side, you may never need to use any of it. That is what I am planning on: never having to use any of it.

So, here are some of things to have on hand:

Baby supplies – formula, diapers etc.

Batteries – all kinds!

Battery powered candles

Battery powered radio

Bottled water

Books, games, paper, pencils, coloring books & crayons … to pass the time.

Camp cook stove

Can opener – manual

Cash or travelers checks

Chlorine bleach & medicine dropper to purify water

Documents – keep important paperwork in waterproof/fire proof cover (take a picture of each page, too, for digital copies)

Emergency Kits for car and work

Extension cords

Fire-starters

Firewood

First Aid Kit

Flashlights

Garbage bags

Gasoline for generator with stabilizer in it

Gas powered generator

Matches – waterproof are best.

Medications – prescription and non-prescription

NOAA weather alert radio*

Non-perishable foods – canned and dry foods in water-tight containers for everyone in your family, including pets.

Paper products – paper plates, cups, plastic ware, napkins, paper towels

Propane tank for grill

Propane gas grill

Sleeping bags / warm blankets

Tools

Water

Water pump – submersible.

Wet Vac for storm cleanup

Wet Wipes

Things to do now:

Arrange for help for your pets.
Discuss where to go if you get separated.
Insurance – verify your coverage now.
Medic alert bracelets/tags for those with health conditions
Sign up to get emergency alerts on your cell phone.

For a very complete list of items and ways to plan for the unexpected, visit:

Build-A-Kit

Individuals With Disabilities

Plan for Your Pets

Senior Citizens

Information about NOAA weather alerts.

Does your family have an emergency preparedness plan? Everyone needs one. Here is what you may need and how to get started! #tips #family Click To Tweet

Be prepared!

Have you ever had to rush someone to the hospital? Your heart is pounding, your thoughts are racing. Your number one concern is to get to that hospital as soon as possible.

I have been in this situation more than once. In fact, just today we almost had to race to the hospital again. Sometimes it is hard to know. Do you need a hospital for real this time or not? No one wants to be an alarmist and, let’s face it, hospitals are no fun. But aren’t we grateful for hospitals when we do need them? Oh, yes we are.

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Out of necessity, I am getting somewhat proficient at the “pick up and run” part of unplanned trips to the Emergency Room. I have learned a few things from experience. I hope that you never have to use this but here is my “short list” of items to have ready to bring to the hospital, just in case you do:

Items To Have Ready For A Quick Trip To The Hospital

1.Your first priority is the patient. Assess whether you should call for an ambulance. If so, call 911. If you do not need one, accompany the patient to the car and get him/her safely settled inside.

*Note: we are blessed to live within 10 minutes of a major hospital. Had it been farther away, I would have been calling an ambulance for sure. Discuss it with your health professional for their best advice.

2. Keys to the car. Keep your car keys in the same location at all times so that you do not have to go searching. Likewise, since you are living in a state of always being ready, keep your car’s gas tank filled.

3. Insurance card. The patient’s insurance information is vital to have with you. Again, if you keep it in the same location consistently, it will take no thought to grab it as you go.

4. List of medications. The hospital needs know every medication the patient is taking with the dosage. Keep a current copy of the list of medications in your purse or wallet or bring your file.

5.Sweater or jacket. No matter the weather outdoors, I have found our hospital to be well air conditioned. For comfort, both you and the patient will appreciate having a jacket or hoodie to put on if the ER is too cold.

6.Wallet with cash in it. You will need to pay for parking and, possibly, food or a bottle of water.

7.Cell phone – keep your phone charged and, if it is not, bring the charger with you. Have all of the most important phone numbers already loaded in your contacts list.

8.Now get going! Anything else you may need can be retrieved later.

What to take with you for a quick trip to the hospital #healthcare #tips Click To Tweet

Special tip about pets – if you will be leaving your pets alone, quickly secure them and leave a light on. After you get the patient checked in at the hospital, you can call and ask a friend to go to your house to take them potty and feed them.

Related articles:

Warning Signs Of A Stroke

Heart Attacks and Heart Disease

Do You Know When NOT To Call 911?

Enjoy!