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July - Prepare Now
Getting Organized "In Case of Emergency"
Good Scouts are taught to "be prepared". As seen by our recent fires in the American River Canyon, wildfires are common in California and can move quickly. In these tips you will learn how to be organized in case of emergency.
1. Keep pathways in your home and garage clear of piles and clutter. In an emergency you want to be able to get out fast. Also, should firefighters have to get into your home, they need clear access to your rooms and attic or basement doors.
2. Gather up irreplaceable and important documents. Either make a photocopy of them and leave with a relative (or at your worksite), or scan them onto a flash drive and store it away from the house. Update this collection of documents once a year.
3. Create a list of important people and phone numbers: family, friends, insurance, etc. Keep a copy of it accessible to you when you travel. I save mine electronically and email it to me, deleting it after I travel. A friend of mine was on vacation when there was a burglary in her home. No one knew how to contact her. Be sure someone knows how to reach you.
4. Take a plastic garbage can with lid and create an emergency home supply. Include flashlights, batteries, radio, garbage bags, non-perishable food, bottled water, and more. [click here to see a list of things to put into this kit] Update contents annually. 5. Discuss with each family member what to do in case of emergency. Where to meet, who to call, what to take, what will happen if someone is not home. 6. Evaluate the important things in your life. Is it all about the "stuff", or is it something more sustainable? 7. Keep a list handy of family medications, copies of prescriptions, names and phone numbers of doctors or specialists, phone number of pharmacy. If you or your family members have a serious medical condition, consider using the "Vial of Life" in your home. Click here to read about this. These vials are available free from Seniors First and most fire stations.
8. Put the letters "ICE" in your cell phone next to important family member contact numbers. "ICE" stands for "in case of emergency" and alerts emergency personnel to who should be notified. Note that this is only one way to alert emergency personnel, and there are some drawbacks. See the snopes.com article here. 9. Don't forget the pets! Prepare a list of important phone numbers, medical information, license and vaccination copies. You may need to leave pets at home in case of evacuation. Plan ahead on where you will board them and where they will have food and water until you return. Many shelters will not accept pets, but humane societies may go door to door to rescue animals. Have your pet information clearly visible if you need to leave them at home. Click here for Red Cross suggestions.10. Like a good scout, be prepared. Emergencies happen when least expected. You will be glad you organized your papers and information ahead of time.
Some of these suggestions may make you uncomfortable about having personal information so readily available. I urge you to weigh the consequences of losing all you have versus getting organized to help you in case of an emergency.
If you need help getting starting with any of these tasks, contact me.
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