Create an emergency preparedness plan.
Step one: Be prepared for your plan to fluctuate throughout the emergency.
What a great prompt! My first thought was, “I have no idea!” which didn’t speak well for a grandmother of six, mother of four. Why? I have planned life on the go all my years. The day is open to anything, and we’re not always prepared.
However, if I prepare for an emergency, my number one task is to memorize whatever I prepare! I doubt there will be time to run and fetch a written list.
If I am home, my emergency could be one of four scenarios:
1) Fire
2) Tornado
3) Blizzard
4) Home invasion
Can you guess where I live?
In the event of a grass fire mitigation is my friend. Keep grass mowed, debris away, and chemicals stored. I live in a prairie area so fuel is plentiful. In the event the fire reaches structures, get out, fast. You don’t have time to secure belongings, you wouldn’t logically have certain items easily accessible. If possible, get your keys, gather your kids and animals, and drive away a safe distance. If you are unable to get your keys, gather them and run.
If you are able to fight the blaze, do so with caution. Use all spigot (I always thought it was spicket by the way) to wet the area. Always maintain a safe distance and assess danger. Leave if flames get to close.
Perhaps, 911 should have been near step one. Don’t forget to call them!
If your emergency is a tornado, don’t do what we do! Our step one was to run outside and look for it. I bet I’m not alone!
They suggest seeking shelter in the lowest level of your home or bunker outdoors. We planned to use our basement restroom. The idea of the washer and dryer machine flying around seems counter productive to a logical survival plan. Use your weather radio to monitor conditions. Tornados move fast and I’ve learned by experience warnings can be minutes from impact. I suggest in the event if an early warning to have water, essential identification items, ready to go. There is a chance a tornado will level your home, perhaps your safe area will withstand!
Blizzard! I’ve lived through many of these. We don’t need weathermen to tell us they are coming. Natives can smell and see the impending storm long before it hits. Be prepared with a generator, food for a week or so, water, medications, and firewood. If power goes out, you will stay warm. If you have a family member requiring oxygen, make sure your local emergency folks are aware.
Don’t panic, a hundred years ago people managed blizzards just fine. Public service plea: if you didn’t grow up driving in snow, please don’t start to learn now. Stay home!
Should my home be invaded, I’ll grab the gun, knife, iron, anything, and fight back. I’m so sick of thieves and law-breaking citizens in this country. Tell them to leave; when they don’t, choose self-defense.
I guess in the end the number one way to prepare for an emergency is to learn to cope. Life is full of emergencies. We have become soft and easily rattled. People flake out and fold. The strong America I grew up in is lost in emotional abyss.
Enter an actual emergency! We resolve once again, pick up the pieces, and rebuild. Our emotions no longer dictate our actions. We unite. And it is beautiful.
Perhaps life would be better if we walked every day as though there were an emergency.
-Lisa
Authentic Truths 