Disasters Don’t Wait

When I wrote about my irrational fear of piercing noises last week, I neglected to mention that September is National Preparedness Month, and that Friday September 30th is designated as National Preparedness Day. If you read last week’s post, then you know that I plan to personally swap out all the smoke detector batteries in my house as the first step in addressing my anxiety over shrill sounds. I’ve earmarked September 30th as the day to accomplish this (I already stocked up on 9-volts!)

The daily news is ripe with stories showing the west coast’s frequent wildfires and power outages, hurricanes hurling through the Atlantic towards the eastern seaboard, and the severe storms and flooding affecting the south. Disaster readiness has always been a vital task!. 

How prepared are you in the event of a fire, power outage, or flash flooding?

Over 60% of Americans have no disaster plan

Preparedness means:

• Tuning into local TV and radio stations for important updates
• Filling our cars with gas
• Stocking up on nonperishable food, water, and medicine (I added TP and paper towels!)
• Storing important documents like passports, social security cards, etc. in a waterproof container
• Having a first-aid kit handy (the Army Rangers in my family insist that duct tape is a must-have)
• Staying clear of both standing water and ground water (think electrocution)
• Avoiding tap water for fear of contamination
• Charging phones (time to get everyone in the household their own charger)
• Preparing the house – do a perimeter check and store outside items safely
• Checking that pets have identity tags (i.e., attached to their collars)

Having the right supplies and emergency plan is more important than ever

JUDY is a company that offers emergency kits to help keep clients safe during life’s unpredictable moments. These kits are great for both individuals and families on the go. JUDY offers existing Chubb PRS clients a 15% discount on these emergency kits (applied in the cart).

Learn more about these kits and their contents by visiting the JUDY website.  

Evacuations for caregivers

If you’re caring for someone who is elderly or has a disability, evacuations can present unique challenges. Here are a couple things to consider that can save you time and stress in the moment:

Research transportation options ahead of time and have a list of backups, including transit providers who can accommodate wheelchairs or any other mobility concerns.

Have a copy of the person in your care’s medical history handy, as well as an emergency supply of all their medications. Most doctors are willing to provide a 90-day supply, though this may not always be covered by insurance.

Power outages can be caused by a natural disaster, heat wave, or accident nearby. In other words, they can happen any time. To prepare for a power outage, here are some easy steps to take now:

Put new batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every year.

Make sure you have cash in a safe with a backup battery or as part of your evacuation kit. Watch this video for more tips on what to pack.

To keep your home at a comfortable temperature and your major appliances working when the power goes out, install a generator that is large enough to heat or cool your home and operate a few of your major appliances like a refrigerator and stove. If you or a loved one relies on electric machines such as a ventilator or needs to keep medications cold, always have a backup portable power bank charged and ready to use.

Keep a printed list of vendors you can use in emergencies, including collections conservators, art storage facilities, and art handlers.

Thanks to CHUBB insurance for providing much of the above information. Here are some additional things to consider before and when the power goes out. 

And if you’d like to read an older post of mine about “The Helpful Things To Keep In a Car,” go here. It’s the story about what happened when my pregnant daughter’s water broke in my husband’s new car.

Hope you found some of this helpful. And that you’re motivated to tackle a few things on the list. Like joining me in swapping out smoke alarm batteries. Or stocking up on water. Verifying that flashlights are charged up and restocking the first aid kit. 

Because as we all know: What can go wrong, will go wrong (Murphy’s Law).

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• Oct.1-2, Julie will be participating in the StoryStudio Writer’s Festival in Chicago as part of the nonfiction cohort led by notable author Gina Frangello.

“Over 60% of Americans have no disaster plan.“

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