Daily Preparedness

Even with the best prevention techniques, uninvited ‘guests’ can disrupt your romp through life. Whether it be the ‘flu’, a ‘bug’ or any some other creature, humans are prone to getting sick. Preparing for the reality of illness is not only wise, but overlaps other areas of preparedness and provident living. The time for preparation is long before illness strikes!

What should every home have on hand? A checklist:

1. Over the counter medications such as pain relief (tylenol and motrin), anti-inflammatories (motrin or advil), anti-diarrhea meds, decongestant, cough suppressant, aspirin, heartburn and indigestion relief, laxatives, antihistamines (benadryl), throat spray (cepacol), antiemetic (pepto-bismal), and throat lozenges. Be sure to check with your pharmacist about possible drug interactions with prescription medications.

2. Nightlights. Place nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to provide a bit of light for folks stumbling to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

3. Facial tissues. Always have several boxes on hand so that you can place them around the house as needed.

4. Toilet paper. No home should be without at least a two week supply.

5. Hand wipes and hand sanitizer. Multiple containers of each..again to be able to place around the house.

6. Bowls or other containers with lids. You’ll want to place these at the bedside of anyone feeling queasy. If your local grocery store has an olive bar or bakery, ask if they get their products in small plastic buckets with lids. These are great for bedside and a variety of other uses. When one member of your family comes down with an intestinal bug, place containers at every bedside–prevents late night cleaning binges.

7. Phone numbers. Have on hand the phone number for your physician, pharmacy, a 24-hour nurse hotline and the local urgent care. Program the numbers into your cell phone as well.

8. Easy to fix food. This can be pre-frozen dinners, canned soup, cup-of-soup products, sandwich supplies, cold cereal, canned meat or anything that you or any member of your family can prepare easily.

9. Easy to digest foods. Think of items that you can eat when you don’t feel well such as soup, crackers, toast, honey, pasta, rice, etc.

10. Small trash cans. Place small trash cans in every room. Line with grocery bags so that tissues and other trash have a place to go.

11. Popsicles. These are especially important for families with small children as they sooth sore throats and provide much needed fluids.

12. Bottled drinks. Water and juice in individual servings are great to have in order to place beside the bed. ‘Sports top’ bottles are easier to drink from and reseal, preventing spills. Having fluids bedside makes it easier on the patient and the caregiver.

13. Electrolyte replacement drinks.

14. Thermometer. Everyone should have one in their home. Disposable covers for the thermometer end are an added bonus.

15. Disinfectants. Sprays, liquids and wipes.

16. Disposables for eating. Flatware, plates, cups and baking pans will make clean up easier and help prevent the spread of infection.

17. Paper towels. Again, easier and helps keep the cooties at bay.

18. Trash bags. Keep extras on hand all of the time! Useful for extra trash generated, covering mattresses, holding nasty laundry, and dealing with a variety of messes that could occur.

19. Baby supplies. Be certain that you will not run out of baby necessities. Sick babies can go through a lot of diapers very quickly! All households with infants should have formula on hand. If a nursing Mom becomes ill, she may find that her milk supply is curtailed.

20. Latex gloves.

21. Humidifier with extra filter.

22. Cash. You need a supply of cash on hand! Have the cash in bills no larger than $20.

23. Gas in your car. You don’t want to have to stop for gas at 3am if Junior needs to go to the ER.

24. Extra linens. You need at least two sets of sheets for every bed in your house, extra towels and dish cloths.

25. Prescription medications. Refill as soon as possible every month so that you aren’t ever close to running out. Have a list of your prescription medications in your wallet, as well as your significant medical history.

In addition to supplies, it is wise to pre-think these things:

1. Childcare. If you rely on childcare and/or public school to mind the kiddies, do you have a back up plan? Who can pick up your children should they become ill at school? What will you do if the school or childcare are closed due to illness? Do you have readily available help if you are too ill to care for your children? Do your children know who to call if they need help immediately?

2. Telecommuting. Will your employer allow you to telecommute? Is your home internet provider/system compatible with your work?

3. Physicians. Does your doctor have an on-call system or will you have to go to an urgent care/ER if you are ill after office hours? Does your doctor offer same day appointments? How available are they?

4. Skills. Do all members of your family know how to prepare simple meals? Can they keep the home running? Do you know basic first aid? Can everyone call 911 appropriately? Have you taught your children to be responsible, obedient and trustworthy individuals who can be self-sufficient and entertain themselves?

5. Home. Is your home maintained in such a way that everyone can find what they need? Do you keep the house clean? Orderly? Laundry caught up?

No matter how hard we try, most of us are going to become ill at some point. When illness strikes, it is too late to prepare!

NEXT WEEK; Part Three–Illness Strikes, Now What?

——–10×100 Challenge —–

Here are this weeks 10×100 Challenge Goals:

“Let’s do these things because they are right, because they are satisfying, and because we are obedient to the counsels of the Lord. … It is true that difficult times will come—for the Lord has foretold them. … But if we live wisely and providently, we will be as safe as in the palm of His hand” Spencer W. Kimball

This week’s 10×100 Goals:

15. Clean one pantry shelf. Move older food to the front.

16. Write down neighbor’s phone number, doctor’s phone numbers, family contact numbers and place inside a cabinet near the phone.

17. Add at least one long-term storage food to your grocery list. Consider rice, dry beans, sugar, oatmeal.

18. Check outside lights. Replace burned out bulbs.

19. Check your supply of flashlights. Do they work? Do you have batteries for them? One for each room of your house?

20. Clean the trash out of your car.

21. Cook a double entree and freeze the extra one.