With wildfires recently devastating large swaths of the West Coast and hurricanes causing widespread flooding across the Southern United States, 2020 has been the country\u2019s most chaotic year in recent memory. And with the COVID-19 pandemic showing few signs of disappearing, the old saying has never rang more true: there\u2019s no rest for the weary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the level of unpredictability we\u2019ve all grown accustomed to this year, it\u2019s more important than ever to stay proactive and make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever comes next. Whether it\u2019s a global pandemic or natural disasters like wildfires, tornadoes, or hurricanes, it\u2019s critical to have an emergency plan and supplies in place. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your first action item should be putting together an Emergency Preparedness Survival Kit for you and all members of your household. The ideal go-bag is typically a small, lightweight backpack that you can grab and throw over your shoulder in a hurry if need be. It should include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For an updated list of what to store in your go-bag, you can refer to the Basic Disaster Supplies Kit<\/a> provided by the Department of Homeland Security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget about the deed to your house, the code to your family\u2019s safe, or the authorization form for your kid\u2019s prescription refill. These important details are often left behind in the wake of an emergency or disaster. Important documents, including custody papers, birth certificates, identity cards, passports, 401K plans, and legal papers, should be stored and safeguarded against damage, fraud, and theft. Copy and upload files onto a password-protected thumb drive. Additionally, upload these documents to a secure online cloud platform<\/a> and make extra hard copies for the Go-Bag. Store copies with a trusted neighbor or local friend and include their contact information along with your plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the CDC is advising that people stay at home as much as possible, you still need to ensure that your car is maintained and ready in case there\u2019s a need to evacuate in case of natural disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you\u2019re driving your car a few times every week to keep the battery charged. Check your tires periodically and get regular oil changes. Store a spare tire in the trunk and keep a tire pressure gauge to ensure your tires are filled with the proper amount of air. Bottled water, insurance plans, blankets, flashlights, first aid, and tool kits are also useful things to store in the trunk or underneath the car seat. Car owners often overlook several important items, including a small hand shovel, jumper cables, granola bars, and print outs of your emergency contact list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You probably already have your most trusted people listed under speed dial. During a disaster, your community is your best resource for communication and safety. Update the contacts on your cell phone, and if your kids have one, on theirs, too. Put \u201cICE\u201d or In Case of Emergency underneath your names and the names of friends and relatives that you trust. Familiarize your kids with 911. Print out hard copies on emergency contacts complete with addresses, numbers and emails of your contacts and slip them into a waterproof case or bag. Put copies near your home phone, car, and also in each Emergency Supply Kit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are cut off from your home and can\u2019t remember the particular phone number of a relative or friend, use Spokeo\u2019s Reverse Address Search<\/a>. With Spokeo\u2019s Address Search tool, you can find the phone number of your relatives or friends. If you can\u2019t remember their address, you can look them up by name<\/a> or even email<\/a> address. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Focus on dry and canned goods that are easy to prepare, including rice, pasta, beans, and oats. You should also stock up on canned foods that contain liquid, such as tomatoes, beans, and tuna. Use the excess liquid to cook dried food like rice and pasta. (Make sure you have a manual can opener in case the electricity isn\u2019t working.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget to include your favorite comfort foods, whether it\u2019s chocolate, candy, or coffee. Even if they\u2019re not strictly essential, these small pleasures will go a long way to making self isolation manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the CDC, regular and thorough handwashing<\/a> is one of the best and easiest ways to protect yourself from the coronavirus. So remember to include hand soap<\/a> and sanitizer<\/a> in your home quarantine kit. Don\u2019t forget other hygiene items such as toilet paper, tissues, feminine-care products, and diapers if you have small children in the household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the New York Times, people should have at least a 30-day supply<\/a> of their medications. The US Department of Homeland Security recommends periodically checking your regular prescription drugs<\/a> to ensure a continuous supply in your home. While many prescription drugs have quantity limits, you can ask your doctor to help you submit an exception form<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To be prepared for any kind of emergency<\/a>, the American Red Cross recommends keeping an at-home first aid kit<\/a> to treat common injuries, including cuts, scrapes, swelling, sprains, strains and more. This kit<\/a> should include things like<\/a> antibiotic ointment packs, gauze, bandages, thermometers, scissors, tweezers, and an emergency blanket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check to see if you need other medical supplies such as contact lenses, contact solution, hearing-aid batteries, and over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, stomach remedies, and vitamins. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMake copies of important documents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Maintain your car and get periodic check-ups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Update and maintain emergency contacts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What happens if you lose contact with your relatives and friends? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Everything You Need for A Home Quarantine <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stock up on a 14-day supply of food for each person in your household \u2013 including pets.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Stock up on \u2013 but don\u2019t hoard \u2013 household products like soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, tissues, feminine care products, and diapers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If possible, get a 30-day supply of your prescription medications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Maintain a first-aid kit with supplies to treat common injuries<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Stock up on a two week supply of water<\/h4>\n\n\n\n