Being prepared is a good way to handle the majority of challenges that arise during our everyday activities that seek to destroy the normalcy in our lives. It can be a man-made disaster, a simple mechanical breakdown or an act of nature that reminds you who is really in control. Being prepared could save your life and the life of your family and will make the return to normalcy in your life a much simpler task. The road to recovery will be a very bumpy ride if you are not prepared.
While having emergency supplies are critical, an emergency plan is just as vital to your preparedness efforts. A good emergency plan should be developed that will help you make an informed decision in a timely and effective manner. The need to bug out, the option of bugging in (sheltering in place), where to go and how you’ll get there are all important considerations that should be determined first and foremost. Being properly prepared requires advance planning that will cover your needs.
Emergency plans are essential. They should be in written form and kept in a safe place that is accessible by all family members. Your emergency plan should be considered a vital part of any emergency kit. Your emergency plan should also include up-to-date maps of your local area (city, county, and state) and current maps of any areas that you may need to travel through outside of your immediate area. Keep a list of family, friends, resources, and phone numbers for emergency purposes as well as any important documents such as birth certificates, ID’s and insurance documents where they will be available in an emergency.
Include all the possible locations that you may be able to access safe shelter and list them in order of their priority and what place will be your first, second or even third choice if an evacuation or if bugging out becomes a necessity.
Include a list of any special needs that your family members may require that covers everyone from infants to senior family members. Include any required medications or items, such as wheelchairs or walkers, needed by those who may be physically-challenged. Remember to include items needed by your pets or livestock because they depend upon you as well.
Make sure the location of your emergency supplies is well known to family members. Supplies that can’t be located quickly may be of little or no use in an emergency unless family members know where they are located. Don’t forget to keep some extra cash handy along with your other emergency supplies. After you’ve got your lists made, don’t forget to check your lists for any deficiencies or items that may have been missed.
Even a small amount of emergency supplies, when combined with a good emergency plan, will put you way ahead of the majority of other people. It is quite easy and fairly simple to develop an emergency plan. It may not be the best plan but it is a plan. Having a good emergency plan doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Even a small amount of preparation can take you a long way down the road to recovery after an emergency or crisis.
You can download a free simple emergency preparedness plan here:
Got emergency plan?
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
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