09/09/2020
I never thought I'd issue warnings and recommendations for a date. 2020 isn't a year, it's a marathon. Since this year we all could be at risk from some kind of disaster, here are some considerations:
1. Put your financial information into order, with a "cover page" that makes it easy for anyone to access in an emergency. You may need to grab it as you pack in advance of approaching danger. Someone else may need it to help support you as you deal with serious issues.
2. Pack GO bags for everyone in your home: kids, parents, pets. A bag with necessities for 2-3 days per family member make emergency exits safer and easier. What ever you MUST HAVE goes: meds, clothing, financial cheat sheet (see #1), some cash, extra keys, snacks, laptop (?). Pets need food, water, leads/leashes, vet records, bedding, crate. Add toys for children.
3. Have your contact list handy for friends, family, emergency responders. If you aren't able to communicate easily, make it easy for someone else to contact your key family/friends. Digital file is great, but good old fashioned paper is a valuable back up.
4. Don't procrastinate. Make the important calls, write the overdue notes. Let others know what is happening and how you feel. Listen to their stories, too. Human contact is important to mental health right now, but it can also be a critical time saver in times of disasters.
Use this list as a starter for your own. Change it, add to it, send it to others, print it. Just remember - action is the best insurance.
