BE READY TO BE MOBILE

During an emergency/natural disaster, how prepared you are can make the ordeal less traumatic. It is good to make a Mobility Kit, in the event you will need to evacuate your home. You will need items for each member of the family and each individual kit should be identified with a tag. A sturdy backpack (even one with wheels) that will be easy to grab and carry make a good choice to store your items in. Remember that when a disaster strikes you may not be at home so it is advisable to have a Mobility Kit at your place of employment as well as your child's school or daycare. You may have to make special arrangements for things to be kept at these locations but it will give you added peace of mind if you and your loved ones are separated at the time if disaster strikes. You can also keep certain extra supplies in your car.
Things you will want to include are - flashlight & batteries, solar and/or battery operated radio (you can try the hand crank ones as well but they require a lot of cranking as I used one during a five day power outage), a whistle, tape, paper, permanent marker, dust mask, hand sanitizer, baby wipes or something similar, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a hand can opener, pocket knife, flink lighter, non-perishable food, water, study pair of shoes, several change of undergarments, several shirts, long pair of pants, short pair of pants, hat, family/pet pictures, first aid kit, essential prescription medications, and one thing I had never considered before - a small amount of cash (ones, fives, and tens) in case you lose access to banks and ATM's. If you have pets you might be able to take them so have bag for them that will include food/water/portable bowls/small blanket.
Now many of you who know me probably have seen the LIFECompass PHR device that I promote. If you have ever considered something of real value for you or your family you might consider one. All of your medical information can be stored on the device and taken with you. Without you having your own information, this sort of information can be lost during a disaster that would destroy hospital/clinic, etc. that you may have been a patient in. You can read more information on why you should consider owning a LIFECompass PHR at ANOTHER VOICE.
OK...this is my list...can you add an item? What sort of non-perishable foods would you choose?



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Prepare to stay safe

Always around this time of year, I am reminded of the terrible disaster of Hurricane Katrina and other natural events that we have no control over (floods, tornados, power outages, etc.). The one thing we all can do is to become aware of what disasters are likely to occur in the area we live and how to begin to prepare for them. There are several immediate things all people should do as they begin to put a plan into action. The first thing is to contact the American Red Cross or the Emergency Management Office and ask a few questions:
1. What sort of disaster could occur in your area
2. How will residents be warned in the event of an emergency
3. Inquire about the evacuation route in your community (many areas now have posted
signs)
4. Ask if there is special assistance available for the elderly or physically
challenged individuals
Because you might not necessarily be at home you also want to check about plans for your child/ren's school or place of day care and your place of employment.

Check back soon for a continuation of more helpful tips on staying safe.