No one likes to think about being in the middle of an emergency, but sometimes we find ourselves quite literally in the eye of a storm. One of the reasons we pay for insurance on our home is that if there is any damage, there is some financial help to get it fixed.
But there are other steps you can take to keep yourself, your pets, and your family as safe as possible if you find yourself in the middle of a disaster.
Here are a couple of ways to prepare your home for an emergency.
Emergency Supplies Kit
Keeping a kit in an easy-to-reach place - but is waterproof is a good idea. At a minimum, you’ll want to have batteries, flashlights, and a Swiss Army knife.
Here are some other things that can make a difference if the time ever comes:
- Gloves
- Gauze and different types of dressings
- Plasters and bandages
- Antiseptic spray and wipes
- Spray on bandage and/or wound sealant
- Pain medication
- Tweezers and scissors
- Spare socks and jumpers
- Snack bars
Ensure they are checked regularly so anything that is used or outdated can be replaced.
Contact List
One of the things that can be vital is a contact list. We are so used to having all the numbers we need on our mobile phones, but what if our mobile phones weren’t working?
Could you remember the phone numbers for the hospital? Doctors? Family and friends?
Write out a contact list and ensure copies are in the emergency kit. It can also be worth putting in a basic mobile phone and keeping it charged and topped up.
Generator
You never know how your home is going to be impacted by the surroundings, and there are times when you’re going to need a generator. The problem is that many people don’t know how to use it or even check that it would work if they did need it.
Check out this Guide to Whole House Backup Power for everything you need to know about keeping your home ticking over.
Practice Your Emergency Plans
While most of the things you need won’t need to be practiced ahead of time, there are a couple of things it is a good idea to know. With first aid kits, it is easy enough - but what about emergency medical equipment?
If you have any members of your family with additional needs - are there preparations in place for making sure you can keep their machines running if you need to?
Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher? Or what about the right way to do CPR?
Everything that could save your life should be practiced in advance - so that you know if the time should come, you could make a difference.
Keep And Protect Hard Copies Of Documents
With everything digitized, there is a risk that extreme weather, house fires, and more can take out everything that matters in terms of paperwork. Getting a waterproof and fireproof case and adding your hard copies of essential documents is important.
Photocopies of passports, birth certificates, home deeds, rental agreements, car documents, and any other things you think will be important if needed.
As well as hard copies, you can keep copies on the cloud - make sure that they are password protected.
Prepare An Emergency Fund
We never know what our emergency will be, so having an emergency fund can help with all types of situations. Emergency preparedness covers everything from illness and house fires to hurricanes and job loss.
An emergency fund will be there to act as a cushion if you need it.
The saving process will look different for everyone - but most of the time, it is good to have two pots that you are working on. Even a few dollars a week into the pots can make a huge difference when the time comes.
Proper Car Care And Maintenance Is Critical Too
Your car is ready for school runs and work commutes, but is it prepared to travel far at the drop of a hat? Wildfires and hurricanes are two of the main reasons people need to be uprooted and travel a far distance quickly.
Make sure that you have a to-go bag in the car with some clothing, first aid, water, and snacks at all times. Blankets are a great addition.
Ensure all the fluids on the car are topped up regularly too.
If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to the food, here is everything you’ll need (and more): Doomsday Prepper Food List List For A Survival Emergency.
