We all want to be a little more prepared for the next emergency, whether that’s reduced work hours or a global pandemic.
But knowing where to start can leave you feeling overwhelmed. I’ve got 5 things you can do TODAY to get you prepared for the next emergency.
1. Get Your Finances In Order
If you haven’t done so already, get on a budget! Know where your money is going, and start putting a little away for a future (or on-going!) emergency. Have a plan for what you spend on essentials each month and work toward a 3-6 month emergency fund to hold you over in the case of job loss. In the short term, start saving for a $3000 emergency fund and figure out where you can pare back. Get on a debt repayment plan that works for you. Knowing where your money is going – and that you have a little bit saved for a rainy day – will give you instant peace of mind.
If it feels like an uphill climb, don’t sweat it. Check out Jordan Page at FunCheaporFree.com for lots of great budgeting advice!
2. Stock Up On Water
The CDC recommends 1 gallon per person in your household per day. You can purchase flats of single-use bottles (not my personal favorite but a good way to get water stores fast – but remember these are not meant for long term storage so you need to rotate them every year!). You can also purchase gallon jugs of water for under $1 in most grocery stress, or the 5 gallon water cooler jugs. Even refillable camp jugs will do! Check out my video for some free water storage hacks you can implement today.
Water is the source of LIFE! You need some stored and a water filter that’s more heavy-duty than your trusty Brita. Make this a top priority and rest assured you’re keeping your family healthy with clean water.
3. Make A First Aid And Medical Inventory
Go through your first aid kit and make a list of what you’re missing or running low on. Look at gaps in what you have like gloves, gauze, and medical tape. Inventory medication and throw out any over-the-counter medicine that is expired. It looses its strength as it ages, and an emergency isn’t the time for some half-strength pain reliever! Check in with your doctor to see if you can get a month ahead on your medications. This will give you a buffer if you must shelter in place at home.
4. Make A Pantry Inventory
Reviewing what you keep on your shelves gives you the benefit of spending money exactly where it’s needed. Look at the items you use most often – how much do you have? What gaps do you have? Do you have 5lbs of flour but no yeast or sugar? Do you need to throw out rancid flour (and yes, even white flour can go rancid!). Do you have enough cooking oil and is it fresh?
Have an inventory then make a plan to fill in any gaps. This can also serve as your base for future meal planning – and hey, maybe even use up that bottle of blueberry chipotle barbecue sauce you’ve meaning meaning to use since last summer!
5. Get Your Paperwork In Order
Having quick access to essential identity documents in an emergency can be a life saver. While I do think that originals need to be kept in secure locations, copies of passports, marriage license, deeds, etc are necessary – especially in the event you need to leave your permanent residence quickly. Having organized and accessible paperwork on your major medical needs, your kids, even your pets can come in handy in an emergency.
If you want to keep those documents in an encrypted file on your phone, check out Cover Me. This way, all you have to do is grab your phone to have access to necessary documents. In addition, download and print off paper copies of maps with highlighted routes for getting out of town should there be a reason to evacuate. Lots of people using their GPS could interrupt the service and having one or two routes marked and ready will get you out of dodge faster and more efficiently. The key is to stay a step ahead of the emergency!
Don’t Get Stressed, Get Prepared!
Preparing for an emergency is about managing what we can in order to alleviate future stress and worry. Preparedness is NOT about fear, but about confidence. If we can do our best now to set up our future selves for success even in the middle of unexpected crises, we can be a little more at peace. Check out my youtube video for more tips and tricks you can implement TODAY.
Now tell me, what’s one thing you’re doing TODAY to get more prepared?
Working Writer Mom 