BellaOnline Forums News and Politics Military Families Preparing for Emergencies

The east coast is preparing for Hurricane Irene. So how do you prepare for a disaster? Check out the article on "Preparing for Emergencies"

www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8868.asp

Also, share some ways that you prepare and ideas for emergency kits.

Great article - Sherrie!!!

One day I will get caught because rarely do I prepare and have been very, very fortunate so far that none of the disasters have actually occurred, while my heart goes out to all of those affected in the many natural disasters of late.

You offered wonderful advice to follow!!!

Thanks Dianne,

I started to learn about how to prepare for an emergency when I was working at a Court house. We had a training day that was filled with financial and emergency preparedness so I learn some great ways to get a kit started. Even though some don't live in disaster prone area it is always a good idea to be prepared for anything. Thank you for reading my article.

Interesting article Sherrie - thank you. I have to admit that a lot of what you say had not occurred to me, but it does make perfect sense.

You mention that in the Court House training you dealt with financial preparedness - was that financial preparedness in the event of an emergency, and if so what did they suggest (apart from what you said of building up a kit a pay day at a time)?

Asha,

Thank you for reading my article. Training offered good advice about financial planning but also during emergencies. Keeping copies of all your financial documents like deeds and wills. Also, keep copies of social security cards, birth certificates, marriage license in a plastic bag in your emergency kit. Documents should be in a sealed plastic bag so water does not get into. Another tip is to have numbers and addresses of relatives, doctors, and insurance in your kit.The reason for this is in case you have to leave your home or if your home is endanger is being destroyed. Save money and credit cards so it can be part of the emergency kit. A great tip I learned is to keep your emergency kit near your door so you can make a quick exit with you emergency kit.

Sounds like it was a really good course Sherrie. I guess the other things that could be useful would be passports (or at lease passport numbers so they could be replaced easily) and driving license details. Certainly in the UK both of these are commonly used to prove identity. I have worked with people who have left their homes with nothing. In this day and age having nothing to prove who you are does not make life easy...