I’ve blogged about emergency preparedness before but it’s something that deserves constant repeating. Home disasters/emergencies can happen at a moment’s notice… whether it’s a fire, theft, tornado, etc. Getting prepared for disasters and emergencies can seem like a daunting job. Because many people don’t know where to start, they never start at all. So I’m here to help you. If you’re still sheltering in place due to COVID-19, this is the PERFECT time to perform the activities summarized in this blog.
Am I an Emergency Preparedness expert? Absolutely not. But since relocating from New England to South Carolina where we’re more prone to hurricanes, flooding, etc., I’ve taken it upon myself to learn how to better prepare… not only for myself, but for family, friends, clients, etc.
Because I’m no expert, I’m going to summarize the steps recommended by Ready.gov, a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. Suggestions include:
- Make copies of your vital documents so you can bring them with you if you need to evacuate.
- Create a document of vital computer codes (login information, security answers, etc.)
- Create a household inventory in advance just in case you need to submit an insurance claim.
- Know how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings: Examples include Emergency Alert system, smartphone apps, NOAA, local radio, www.nextdoor.com, etc.
- Determine a shelter plan in advance: You don’t know where you’ll be if disaster strikes. Will you be home, at work, commuting, out of town, etc.? Assume scenarios for each of these. Will you shelter in place, at a community shelter, with a friend/family member, etc.?
- Pre-plan your evacuation: Identify several places in different directions where you could go in an emergency. In addition, identify several alternate routes for each location. If you have pets, identify places that will accept pets or make plans to board them.
- Develop a Household Emergency Communication plan: To be on the safe side, assume that cell phones/computers may not be functional. As a result, create a paper document of all your important contacts, emergency meeting places, share it with everyone in your family and practice, practice, practice.
- Build your basic Disaster Supply Kit for a minimum of 3 days- to be prepared whether you shelter in place or evacuate.
- Consider the special needs of household members (i.e. age, dietary, medical, disabilities, pets, etc.)
Feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to be done? Then call me. I can help you plan and execute each of these critical steps no matter where you live.
Quote:
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ~ Benjamin Franklin ~
Brenda Tringali, Organizing & Productivity Pro / Speaker / Trainer
At Your Fingertips Organizing
Serving Greater Myrtle Beach, SC or “virtually” anywhere (via phone/video)
Cell/Text: 603.490.6062
Email: Brenda@AtYourFingertipsOrganizing.com
Web: www.AtYourFingertipsOrganizing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtYourFingertipsOrganizing/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendatringali/
Brenda Tringali is the owner of At Your Fingertips Organizing. She provides Life/Workplace/Residential Organizing & Productivity services to clients in the Myrtle Beach, SC area & “virtually” anywhere via video, phone, etc. Brenda is an active member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing professionals). She was also Chair of the NAPOCares Committee which highlights the community outreach efforts of NAPO members, NAPO Chapters, and NAPO Business Partners as they reach out to share the three “T’s” of Social Responsibility: their Time, Treasures, and Talents.