This is not a novel idea. Clearly none of us can predict an emergency, hence it is called just that, an emergency. But realize that when caught off guard, it is hard to implement sensible decision making when you are in the throws of a disaster. Setting up systems prior to the emergency and being prepared for one, would be ideal.
Should any kind of household emergency occur, can you say with confidence that you are ready? How organized are you?
Right off the bat, prepare a list of emergency phone numbers all on one place and post it in a designated place for immediate retrieval. Unquestionably, calling 911 saves lot of lives but it doesn’t solve all emergent problems. Anticipate. Make the effort to prevent a disaster.
In all honesty, I do not claim to be an emergency specialist, but I can speak from both personal and professional experience. Regretfully, most of these scenarios have happened to me. Here’s my short list.
- Check batteries for your smoke and fire alarms, stay on top of that. It can save a life.
- Have an ample supply of batteries, flashlights, and lanterns, and a battery operated radio.
- Check for a land line phone.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors.
- Be sure you have a fire extinguisher in the home.
- Winterize your home and prevent pipes from bursting.
- When you go on vacation, remember to shut off valve to the washing machine. Avoid the flood.
- Have crystallized aspirin handy in the case of a heart attack.
- Never let your gas in you automobile go below 1/4 of a tank. You never know when you may need that full tank for an emergency.
- Have your windows protected against storms and floods.
- Have your gutters cleaned regularly.
- Perhaps purchase a wet-vac (flooding has become a more common occurrence than you think) or have a reliable Water Restoration company on your emergency list. Keep old towels handy as well.
- Have your cesspool maintained annually.
- Clean your chimney regularly and avoid the puff back.
- Organize your family’s critical medical information and create a folder that a loved one can retrieve an emergency (documenting all medical history, including medications).
- Take inventory of your valuables and create a detailed manifest of these items. Take pictures for safekeeping. Should they get lost or stolen, you will need this documentation.
The list could go on for sure. If you live where earthquakes, mud slides, brush fires, and other likely disasters are a threat, be diligent with the necessary preventative measures. Readiness and preparedness should be a pro-active practice each and every day, but in regards to an emergency, these measures could be life -saving.
Protect yourself, loved ones, and your treasured possessions against potential danger or risk. Indisputably, these are not the things in which to gamble on.
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