Are You Ready if an Emergency Happens?

We got a call over the weekend that Jerry’s grandma was gone and as you are reading this, we may very well be at her funeral. It’s a sad time for all of those who are left behind because she filled our life with love and the fun of pinochle, line dancing, big hugs, and her quick wit. We are happy for her that she is out of pain now and reunited with Grandpa.

This post isn’t about funerals, or even a tribute to Grandma–it’s about being prepared in your life and business to handle things when emergencies arise and things happen that are out of our control. Because of the systems we have put in place we were able to leave to go to Idaho during my busiest week of the year without having to worry about how everything was going to get taken care of in my businesses, the children’s businesses or at my husband’s job.  With my direct sales business, this week for me is kind of like the week of April 14 for accountants. Since I outsource so extensively, we are leaving without with very few. Someone is taking care of the home front for us, the house has been cleaned (by someone else), and the laundry is all done! Whew!

There are lots of systems to consider when getting yourself and your business prepared for “life” happening.

The systems that I use to outsource in my business can be found here!

Below is one system we have in place in case of emergency called a 72 Hour Kit:

Prepare a portable kit for each member of the family. Also prepare one for your place of work, your car as well as essentials for kids’ school bags.

• Water: Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water.
• Food and Utensils: Prepare a three-day supply of non-perishable food that could include ready-to-eat meats, juices and high-energy foods such as granola or Power Bars.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Alert Radio: Either hand-crank, solar or battery-powered plus extra batteries if needed.
• Blankets/Pillows/Sleeping Bags
• Flashlight and extra batteries or hand crank and light sticks.  Do not use candles or open flame during an emergency situation.
• Whistle on a cord to hang around neck to be used for signaling.
• Dust/Filter Masks found in hardware stores. N95 masks are recommended for preventing inhalation of airborne particles.
• Baby Wipes/Hand Sanitizer
• Tools: Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities, broom, shovel, hammer and working gloves.
• Can Opener (if kit contains canned items).
• Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape to create a shelter if necessary.
• Medications: Include prescription and non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, etc.
• First Aid Supplies: An assortment of bandages, ointments, gauze pads, cold/hot packs, tweezers, scissors and sanitizer.
• Emergency Phone List and prepaid phone card or roll of quarters to make calls.
• Personal Hygiene Items (this where your “Stop, Drop and Roll Beauty Bag” will be very handy!) and include at least one change of clothes/shoes/ outerwear for different weather.
• Garbage Bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Paper Supplies: Note pads, markers, pens, pencils, plates, napkins, paper towels, etc.
• Camera: Disposable camera to record damage (small video camera a great idea too).
• Cash/ATM and Credit Card: Keep enough cash for immediate needs in small denominations.
• Maps: Local and outer area.
• Medical History Lists: For every family member in your home, make a list of medical history, all medications (by name) and dosages.

Suggested Areas To Store Emergency Kit(s):

The best place to have your emergency kids is anywhere you can quickly grab and go–especially the food and water containers–in case you are advised to evacuate.  Children and adults should keep their emergency kit(s) in their bedrooms. Let the children have responsibility for their own backpack and have the older children buddy up and take care of younger brothers or sisters. If you are traveling have a small kit for each car. Also have a small kit for at school or in your away-from-home office.

Other Things to Consider:

• If a senior citizen resides with the family, also buddy up and help them, for they move slower and a backpack may be too heavy for them to carry.
• Donʼt forget house pets should also have emergency kits to be ready to grab and go.  Pack the foods pet(s) normally eat, leashes, crates and litter box.

• Re-think where all of your camping gear is located throughout the household. Keep in one area if possible for easy access so youʼre not looking in the dark with a flashlight for things.
• Another crucial piece is your documentation, identity and data. I suggest making a copy of your wallet contents, wills and so forth to put in the emergency kits along with insurance paperwork (auto, home, life, medical).
• Always keep a pair of hard sole shoes underneath your bed.
• Have a backup of your computer files off-site or in the cloud! We use Dropbox (a 2GB account is FREE) as well as Carbonite and love both!

*** We would love to know what things you and your family have in place to prepare you for the unexpected! Leave a comment below.