Daily Preparedness

In several parts of the world this week, we literally felt the earth move under our feet. Thankfully, the majority of the damage was isolated to a few buildings! However, the unpredictable nature of even minor earthquakes highlights that we never know when disaster might strike. Doing all that you can NOW to prepare for the WHEN, is worth every minute and every dollar.

And if the earth moving weren’t enough, nearly the entire East Coast of the U.S. is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irene, expected to make landfall this weekend. Some coastal areas are evacuating, while others are busily preparing for a direct hit. Folks living inland may feel that they are safe from the damage that Irene may produce. Wrong!

Areas inland, even if not hit with the eye of storm, may suffer significant damage due to high winds, torrential rain and disruptions in normal services. Modern science allows us to fairly accurately predict and track hurricanes, giving us ample warning to prepare. However, Mother Nature can be a wily woman full of mischief and surprises. Do not be lulled into thinking you are safe just because you do not have a beach view.

Take a few minutes to click on one of the links on the lower portion of the right side bar–FEMA, prepare.org or ready.org– to find out what you should have already done to prepare for any emergency. If you have the basics in place, consider taking these additional steps, designed to make life more pleasant should you experience the wrath of Mother Nature:

• Get your laundry and basic housework caught up. The most common disruption from a major storm is the loss of water and/or power. You want to start with a ‘clean slate.’
• Be certain that your prescription medications are well stocked. Also check your supply of over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, tylenol, antacids, etc.
• Review your family communication plan.
• Fill the gas tank of every car you own.
• Bring in or secure outdoor furniture.
• Empty your trashcans and be certain to meet your end-of-the-week trash pick-up.
• If you need items from the grocery store, don’t wait until Friday or Saturday. The stores will be packed and the shelves may be empty!
• Be certain that every room has a flashlight handy. If you have outdoor solar lights, you can use those to supplement lighting inside if you lose power for a lengthy period of time.
• Clean up any messes lying around that might present tripping hazards.
• Keep your cellphones charged.
• Have your BOB ready to go if you are ordered to evacuate. If it looks like your area will sustain a serious hit, pack an additional bag with extra clothing, toys, hygiene needs, etc.
• Be certain that you have a good supply of baby needs, sanitary products, trash bags (LOTS of trash bags), bottled water, water for cleaning & flushing as well as food you can eat without cooking.
• Consider the needs of neighbors, especially the elderly, ill, disabled or single parents who may need extra assistance.
• Most importantly, if you are told to evacuate, do it NOW!

Now is the time to prepare!