Personal planning is going to be vital to your wellbeing if the worst should happen. Below are a few ideas to think about to help you be more prepared for an emergency.
Rather than throw out that old pair of running shoes – take them to work and store them in your draw. You will have something comfortable and sturdy to walk in if you need to walk home. Other items to consider storing may be a waterproof jacket and your own torch.
If you take medication regularly, keep a few days supply at work in case you are stuck there.
Do you know how to turn off your household gas, water and electricity if you need to? Find out where these can be shut off quickly in an emergency.
If you take regular medication – keep a month’s prescription in with your emergency supplies. You then know you have at least have a months supply should the worst happen.
Good sanitation is going to be critical in an emergency. You are going to have enough to contend with without getting sick on top of everything else. It is likely there will be no running water after an emergency so keeping a good supply of hand sanitiser and disinfectant (unscented bleach) is a good idea.
Ensure you have a plentiful stock of water and food for all your family members. Don’t forget something for the pets also!
Get involved in Civil Defence. Your local Civil Defence runs free courses on various aspects of community emergency management throughout the year. In a disaster, you will be able to help both your family and your community with your training!
Keep important documents in a central place so they can be grabbed at a moments notice. These may include passports, drivers licences, birth certificates and financial/legal documents. Store them so they can’t get wet.
Keep an additional first aid kit and store it in with your other emergency supplies. You then know you have at least 1 complete kit ready to go for your family in an emergency.