By Sara Noel | Posted: Saturday, April 11, 2009 12:00 am
Preparation is smart. Emergencies can be man-made or natural and happen when you least expect them.
Maybe you've had a nagging feeling that you should be doing something. But what? There are a few basic ways to plan ahead so you can have peace of mind.
First, consider some of the top items that are needed in an emergency. That includes a generator, water and filters, money, clothing, firewood, oil lamps, hand-crank radio, cook stove and first-aid kit (including medication, nonperishable foods, tools and batteries), to name a few. It's also important to stay informed.
Preparedness information isn't intended to scare you. It's to help ease any anxiety or fears you might have. While some planning costs money, the information, supplies and resources are well worth it.
Here are a few ways to help you plan.
LOCAL-GOVERNMENT INFORMATION: Look at your state-preparedness Web site. Wisconsin's information can be found at: http://www.ready.gov/america/local/wi.html
Racine County's Office of Emergency Management Web site is: http://www.racineco.com/emergencymanagement/ This will give you specific resources for your area such as what disasters could occur and locations of emergency shelters.
FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN: Include your family in activities that can help you plan for emergencies. Web sites such as Sesame Street (http://www.sesamestreet.org/ready) offer games, printables and videos that teach kids and families how to learn about local weather, put together an emergency kit, create a contact list, and plan a meeting place.
PRACTICE AND HAVE EMERGENCY DRILLS: Make sure that your family knows how to exit your home, basic fire and weather safety, how to contact help and is aware of your evacuation route.
Part of your emergency kit should include a bug-out bag. This portable bag will contain at least 72 hours' worth of items needed for basic survival. One reader, Karen in Kansas, says: "We've scanned our important papers and identification and have them on a Zip drive in each of the backpacks."
Each family member should have his or her own bag, and it should be easily accessible. It's often recommended to have a kit located outside of your home, such as in a shed or your car. Captain Dave's (http://www.captaindaves.com) has all the information you'll need to create a kit.
LEARN FIRST AID: If you haven't learned or updated basic first-aid skills, consider taking a class. Classes are often available at hospitals, colleges and fire departments. There are classes on first aid for pets, too. Visit the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org) or the American Heart Association (http://www.americanheart.org) to find local educational classes.
BORROW BOOKS: Learn more about water, food, home and generator safety. Borrow books from the library on topics such as food prepping and storage, gardening, bartering, home canning, pest control and cooking without electricity. Knowledge gained can be useful at any time, not just for emergencies.
One reader, Gayle in Oklahoma, says: "I am one of those who believes that 'old skills' could come in handy at any time. I garden because I want to know where my food comes from. I have friends who know how to kill a chicken and get it on the table for dinner, as well as those whose husbands hunt and know how to clean and butcher what they kill. I can filet a fish with the best of them and dress out small wild birds.
"So if I can garden, forage for plants, hunt, sew and do other things or barter for what I need, then I am ahead of the game, so to speak. How lost are people without their cell phones and computers? We've seen that, too. I believe that knowledge is a powerful tool, and the more you have, the better you can care for your family and yourself."
Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (http://www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail: