Preparing for emergenciesWhile we’re in the midst of the summer storm season, I wanted to share some things that have made weathering any unexpected situation easier for our family.

We all know where the “emergency” items are stored: in the basement (which is near the back door, in case we need to exit the home.) In a cardboard box (which could be picked up and taken out if needed) live the following:

  • Our Coleman lantern (which has served us well with it’s D cell batteries for many years!)
  • A simple old fashioned telephone which does not require electricity to work, along with its RJ11 cord
  • A battery powered radio
  • We also have a propane Coleman camping stove and some thrift store pots and pans that can be used for cooking

In addition we like to keep several gallons of filtered water on hand, as well as non-perishable food items.

For a while, after 9/11, I kept a small duffel bag packed with some of the essentials listed above. I dismantled it years ago as I didn’t like the energy of having a “9/11 bag.” If, however, you would like to have such a bag (but with a more pleasant name such as “my unexpected adventure bag”) it might include some the following:

  1. Photos of your loved ones & pets in case you are separated and need to find one another
  2. Some cash in small bills
  3. Copies of your IDs (driver’s license, social security card, passport, etc.) and the insurance policy for your home (It may be sufficient to have your policy number and your insurance agent’s contact info).
  4. A small battery operated radio
  5. A flashlight (our favorite is a headlamp style that you can wear on your head and have both hands free)
  6. Several changes of underwear and perhaps some old clothes that you could wear “in a pinch”
  7. Gloves and hats that are stretchy and could be used by anyone
  8. Some means of charging your electronic devices (car charger or backup battery pack)
  9. A few days supply of any medications that are essential to family members’ health plus basic first aid supplies
  10. Basic toiletries & sunscreen
  11. Financial information, such as credit card numbers and bank account numbers
  12. Important phone numbers

If you choose to have a bag like this, it is wise to go through it at least twice a year (quarterly would be best) to ensure that things like sunscreen and meds do not expire and that pictures of youngsters are up to date.

You and your household might decide on a designated place to meet in case you are not together when an emergency strikes. We rely so much on our mobile devices and other electronics that it is sometimes hard to wrap your head around how you would connect without them!

Below are useful resources for emergencies:

This information is by no means comprehensive, but gives you a place to start in making your own plans for emergencies.

The most important thing is to remember in an emergency is to remain calm, keep breathing, and remember what is important: your health and safety and the health and safety of others, NOT THE STUFF!

Do you have an emergency bag or checklist in your home? What did you decide to include in it and why?

Discover more ways to mindfully organize your home or office here! >>