Starting an unanticipated planning undertaking is the most difficult phase. But if you need to leave your house quickly or bunker down for a while, taking a few easy measures now will pay off later. Whether the crisis is brought on by hazardous weather, a medical issue, or something you’ve never considered, the objective is to have everything you need.
It’s not necessary to complete everything right away. Just begin, then gradually increase your level of emergency readiness. Here are a few crucial points to consider.
Prepare a Go Bag for a Fast Getaway From Your House
Every second counts if there is a fire, gas leak, medical emergency, or family situation that forces you to leave town. Start assembling your emergency kit. It should contain useful objects you’ll be glad to have, as well as crucial records that cannot be replaced. Start by gathering all of your important documents, like your birth certificates, social security card, and passport, in one location.
You can also make use of a Stasher silicone bag. It remains in a lock box but is easy to access in case of an emergency evacuation. Include a list of crucial phone numbers, an extra set of reading glasses, a phone charger, and some face masks in case your phone dies. Add a sticky note to remind you to grab your prescriptions, contact lens cases, and solution. A whistle is another necessary item that you most likely haven’t considered. The high-pitched shriek of a whistle will aid rescuers in finding you if you become stuck or trapped while escaping. A torch and batteries, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a first-aid kit, granola bars, and water bottles are other nice-to-have items.
Get a BLS Certificate
Numerous incidents that can seriously harm a person or stop their breathing happen every day. These occurrences necessitate a quick response and the presence of people who are capable of providing valuable assistance and are aware of the situation. In addition to getting certified and renewing it as necessary, one of the most crucial things you can do is get training in basic life support or BLS. It is very simple to get a certificate, and you can even complete your BLS recertification online, giving you one more effective emergency response option. Your BLS training will assure you of your ability to respond quickly when called upon.
Inclement Weather Means Staying Inside
A two-week supply of water and shelf-stable food is recommended. Toilet paper, pet food, hand sanitizer, and garbage bags shouldn’t be overlooked. Prepare for power outages as well. Batteries for flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns are a few examples of useful items. You can also include a solar phone charger and a hand-crank weather radio.
Car Emergencies
If you need to evacuate, your automobile has to be ready. Never let the gas level go below one-fourth of a tank. Portable jump starters, power banks, first-aid kits, energy bars, bottled water, and mylar blankets are all components of a good automobile emergency kit. Although an escape tool may seem excessive, it is cheap and necessary for smashing automobile windows in the event of a flood or other water disaster.
Medical Crises
Begin compiling a binder with the information you or your loved ones will require in the event of a medical emergency. A list of emergency contacts, a medical power of attorney, an advanced health directive, your will, and any financial accounts and information that would enable someone to manage your affairs while you’re away should all be included. If these items are on your phone, however, others cannot access them.
In Case of Emergency Leaving Work
Do you know the location of the office’s emergency exit? Likewise, don’t store sensitive personal documents at the office. You won’t have access to your place of employment in an emergency.
Pet Plan
Pet owners must be prepared to remove their animals or board them in a safe environment during any emergency. Large and tiny dogs, cats, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish have varied demands. If you end up in the hospital, have you thought about pet care? What if you get lost somewhere else? What happens if you have to leave your house? Have you gathered pet carriers, bowls, leashes, and paperwork from the veterinarian for a brief getaway? Consider the aforementioned crises as well as any potential need to ensure the safety of your favorite animal companions.
Hopefully, this manual will be of help to you if you ever find yourself in an unfortunate emergency, and we hope that you will not. Good luck!