How Does Your Family Save Time & Money? Achieving Financial Independence
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Capital One 360. What does financial independence mean to you? To me, it means being able to travel whenever we can. It...
The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled the importance of preparedness in emergencies. As the store isles became bare, individuals struggled to find masks, flu medications, and toilet paper. As the climate changes, we are experiencing more emergencies, like hurricanes and forest fires, adversely affecting families worldwide. Individuals can ensure the safety and well-being of their families during disasters by developing a plan and by doing their due diligence. Unlike taking out a mortgage or purchasing your first car, there are few resources for developing a safety strategy. Below we will discuss some tips for conducting a plan and accessing materials, ensuring the protection of your loved ones. We hope that this What Should a Family Emergency Plan Include post inspires you.
Many individuals think solar panels only work during high sun exposure days. The rain improves panels' efficiency rates by removing dirt, grime, and build-up, increasing their ability to absorb sunlight. Systems continue generating electricity through indirect sunlight, meaning they work on cloudy and rainy days. Hurricanes and tropical storms increase flooding in certain regions. You can protect your home from water damage during natural disasters by utilizing a solar-powered sump pump. Some individuals fail to remove basement or ground-level flood water when the electricity is down.
Fortunately, residents can access power for water removal when harnessing the sun's energy. You can remain prepared for flooding by installing a pump in the lower levels of your home. It can help to evaluate your region's flood risk before investing in the emergency device, ensuring its support for your property.
During fires and floods, individuals must escape their homes safely and efficiently. At the moment, anxiety and distress can cloud a family member's judgment, limiting their ability to evacuate. Developing a designated route beforehand can save an individual's life. Before creating your plan, you should consider the types of disasters you are at risk for. Evacuating an ignited home and a water-consumed home requires two different strategies. If you have small children, you should practice your plan a few times, ensuring their understanding and comfort with the route.
If you are trapped inside for extended periods due to an emergency, you will need access to medical supplies. Residents can develop a first aid kit, enhancing their ability to bandage wounds and tend to burns. Individuals can include bandages, antibiotic creams, daily medications, burn ointments, and pain relief medications. The supply kit should also include masks, enhancing a family's ability to breathe in poor air quality conditions. Additionally, you should keep a three-day stock of feminine supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, and an extra set of prescription glasses. It is helpful to keep a battery-powered flashlight near your first aid kit if you have to assess a medical emergency when the power is out.
Families can also increase their access to essential electronics during a disaster-driven power outage by investing in a solar power generator. The devices have zero reliance on the conventional grid, creating usable electricity through solar radiation. Generators range in size depending on an individual's energy needs. power on the go.
Individuals can also ensure their families' health and safety during emergencies by generating a preserved food supply. Your stash should include canned fruits and vegetables that are ready for consumption. It is also essential to keep a can opener in the same location as your food supply. Additionally, you can keep preserved meats in your stash, increasing your family's protein intake. High-carbohydrate foods are also essential in emergency food supplies. Peanut butter, granola bars, and trail mix can provide quick energy after consumption.
In preparation for family emergencies, individuals should update their wills. When making alterations to the document, you can contact an estate lawyer. The professional will ensure the legitimacy of all changes.
It is essential to gather important documents before evacuating a home. You can ensure access to the paperwork during emergencies by creating a main folder or binder of information. In the holder, you may place your family's birth certificates, insurance cards, and passports. >Without your insurance cards, some medical professionals will limit the treatment they provide you. You can also include important banking information and spare cash in the folder, increasing your access to aid on the go.
Creating a supply of preserved drinking water is essential to your family's health during lock-ins or transportation. Your stash should include three gallons of bottled water per person, ensuring hydration and sanitation for three days. For extra protection, families should try and contain enough water for two weeks, preparing for extreme scenarios.
If you have small children, you can practice reciting important information with them. In case of separation during an emergency, family members should know their last names, addresses, and phone numbers. The minimal amount of information can reconnect families and save lives.
Talking about life-threatening emergencies can generate discomfort and anxiety. Though it is challenging to think about disasters, discussing your preparation plan with your family is essential. Practicing your escape routes and showing family members where you store supplies can increase their protection under extreme circumstances. We hope that this What Should a Family Emergency Plan Include post inspires you. Happy planning!