If you want to get more ready today, I recommend that you at least complete two critical actions that cost little to no money and take very little time to do. And seriously, you’ll be better prepared. If you’ve already done them, congratulations! You’re more prepared than many of your neighbors. Keep taking those preparedness steps.
What are those first two all-important actions?
- Store at least 3 gallons of water per person in unbreakable containers. (And don’t forget water for your pets, too.)
- Develop a simple communication plan for your family.
Water. No excuses. Do it! I don’t want to hear about the snow in your yard that can be melted or the lake a block away or the water in your toilet tanks. In an emergency, you’ll be so glad that you had readily available clean water. Buy packaged water, or find or buy containers and fill them with water. Fill them now. Don’t wait until you find out how much chlorine to put in them in a future post. Fill them now.
Your family communication plan should include:
- A list (on paper, not just electronically) of all the important phone numbers for your family; with a copy for each family member.
- The phone number of an out-of-the-area person that everyone in the family agrees to call first in an emergency; this person will act as an information hub for you.
- A meet-up location outside your house in case you have to evacuate quickly.
- A meet-up location not in your neighborhood in case you can’t get home.
In this blog, I’ll share more on the why’s and how’s of these two steps, as well as loads of information on other actions and useful tips that will help your family to be more ready for the next big one.
Remember, you’ll never be completely ready, but taking simple steps will help you to handle an emergency situation much better, and it’s important to start now. You can be more ready today.
More Ready Today! 