A Call to Action That Cannot Wait!

What’s in the trunk of your car? Today, a friend showed me her organized car that was stocked with items that would be useful to have during almost any emergency! While I had to admire her amazing packing skills – I also had to admit that I was not quite as “disaster prepared” as I should be. Shame on me! Especially since I have penned many articles on this subject! So, when I arrived home, I started to assemble my “to-go kit” for my car and update the emergency containers I have at home.

We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there were enough disaster preparedness.
Petra Nemcova (Brainy quotes)

This year has been one for the record books! Devastating fires have erupted across the western states. Temperatures are well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in areas that have not experienced triple digits in a long time, if ever. The hurricane season seems to be wreaking havoc with floods and tornado activity as a result. And then there is the very real possibility of an earthquake. Some may even say we are “long overdue.”

So how does one get ready to either evacuate or shelter in place? I found a comprehensive safety preparedness list to share that also has additional resources. It was compiled by the National Fire Association and their website is really chocked full of great information. They also offer tips for helping individuals requiring special assistance. Read more here.

Making time now to prepare will probably save you aggravation later!

This is my list is of things to place in your car or in an easily accessible box. Remember these items need to be available in one place so that they easily can be carried to your car or outside your home in a moment’s notice. In a disaster, rarely are you give the luxury of time to get all your items assembled. Sometimes people need to leave with just the clothes on their back. And, remember to have an emergency plan in place and practice. Be sure your children know how to evacuate and where to go if you are separated.

Flashlight with a spare set of batteries
CASH!
Medications for a week (or more)
Water and cups to place water in.
Change of clothes
Emergency supply kit (bandaids, eye wash, etc.)
Hygiene and personal products
Cell phone / computer/ tablet (have ready to go)
Phone charger / computer charger
Pet supplies
Flash drive with important documents, family photos, and any other non-replaceable items. Take a video of your home and place the video on your flash drive. Then BACK UP YOUR VIDEO to an “online” cloud like Google Drive or iCloud. These small devices are CHEAP and also can be the difference between being prepared and having hours or days of aggravation and grief over the loss of favorite photos, etc.
For children, their special toys, deck of cards, or small games to keep busy.
Earbuds or earplugs.
Sanitary wipes, masks, and gloves.
Special foods if your family members have allergies. And just in case: Cereal bars or energy bars.

SHELTERING IN PLACE

If you are sheltering in place – be sure to have all the above listed items (just in case you need to evacuate) AND enough food and water for 14 days. Canned or dried goods are best. Items most recommended are cereals, cereal bars, canned beans, tuna, peanut butter, crackers, and for your little ones baby formula (if needed), and don’t forget your fur-family members – pet food.)