Simple Steps to Prepare for Emergencies
Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? Most people don’t think much about being prepared for the unexpected things that life can throw at us. We live in a pretty comfortable world where the stores are just a few minutes away and the shelves are always stocked with our favorite milk, bread and everyday items. But what if we experience a storm that knocks out power for a few days or an earthquake, hurricane or even car trouble on a road trip? Have you ever thought about simple steps to prepare for the unexpected?
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Simple Steps to Prepare for Emergencies
Being prepared for emergencies is not about being paranoid or living scared. It just sets us up for success when life throws an unexpected curve. Not only should we as adults think about simple steps of preparedness, but our teens should be taught to be ready in case there are storms or disruptions in our daily lives.
Always Have a Water Source
When we traveled out west this summer we became crucially aware of the need to carry our own water. We filled a cooler with bottles of water and kept our reusable water bottles with us at all times. You just never know when you might need water when you are crossing the Mojave desert. I always carry a LifeStraw Go with me. I can fill it up at any water fountain and know that my water is clean and safe for me to drink.
Even when we hiked in the Santa Monica Mountains, my Lifestraw was in my backpack!
My kids also carry water bottles with them to school most days. Even if your kids are younger, they can get in the habit of keeping a water bottle with them so they are never without a water source.
The LifeStraw Play is the first water bottle with filter that is designed for kids. The 10 oz. bottle guarantees that no matter where they are, whether traveling on a bus to after school activities or filling up their bottle from a water fountain between class, they have safe drinking water. I know that they are always prepared and hydrated.
Carry a Flashlight
I always carry a flashlight in my purse in case of emergencies. I used it when I was helping at school activities when the lights went out in an auditorium filled with hundreds of elementary school students. It has come in handy when I unexpectedly found myself navigating the halls of a museum when the electricity went out or when I am trying to find my vehicle in a dark parking lot. You can purchase small flashlights that pack some serious illumination power.
Tip: Give your kids their own flashlight to keep in their backpack so they will always be prepared for unexpected emergency situations.
Pack a Snack
I learned a long time ago that you never know when you or someone you are with is going to need a snack. It’s easy to keep a granola bar or bag of peanuts in your purse or in the glove compartment of the car. In an emergency, you will have a quick energy snack.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
It’s not always possible or convenient to wear comfortable walking shoes when you go out. That’s why I keep a pair of extra tennis shoes in the back of my van at all times. That way if we have car trouble and need to walk, I can switch out my flip flops or church shoes and be prepared for the unexpected.
Have a Plan
When the kids were little we talked about where to meet if there was fire in the house and we got separated. We talked about not getting the car with strangers and what to do if the emergency alarms went off at school. As they have gotten older, we talk about other things to make sure the whole family is aligned with how to handle emergencies.
- Do you have a plan for keeping the house secured?
- What is the plan if school is called off early? Who will pick up each child?
- If you have teenage drivers, do they know how to pump the gas, change a flat tire or what to do if they have an accident?
September is a good month to talk about being prepared with your family. Spend a few minutes and take the first steps toward being ready to handle emergency situations that might be coming.
Ready to take the next step and create a Family Go BAG? Take a look at these things you might already have in your house that you should keep in a safe place in case you needed to evacuate your house in an emergency!
