topic Re: What are your emergency plans? in AARP Rewards Connect

What are your emergency plans?

AARPTeri — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 13:29:47 GMT

September is National Preparedness month. Created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2004, it serves as a reminder that we all must take an active role to prepare for the types of disasters and emergencies that could affect us where we live, work and visit. Our Rewards Connect page (https://www.aarp.org/rewards/connect/) has some great Q&A with a FEMA expert.

Do you have a plan in place? Have you a ready-packed “go-bag” or emergency kit? What’s your communication plan? Share your tips or ask questions of others here!

Here is an additional great article on how to prepare for fire, hurricanes and other emergencies.

Not sure where to start when packing an emergency kit? Check out this list of essential items in the time of Covid-19.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

MBeiro — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 17:16:41 GMT

I keep a blanket, water and an extra pair of hiking boots in my car ever since we had a bad ice/snow storm some years ago and everyone got stuck overnight in their cars coming home from work. I could use a better kit. In case there is an emergency and we can't get through to each other by phone, my family and I are meeting at my sister's beach house an hour away.

I'll be interested to see what others have planned! Any "preppers" out there?

Re: What are your emergency plans?

f546364s — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 20:54:26 GMT

I need an emergency plan for a person who doesn't own a car and a new plan for bag-n-pack.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

VickiP779960 — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 19:27:39 GMT

We are fortunate enough to own an RV which is like a 2nd home. It has everything we need to survive plus it is mobile and we have extra clothes, food, dishes, emergency kits and more. Even fun things like games and an inflatable kayak.

This makes it feel like if we are faced with any evacuation, we can get up and go and even perhaps enjoy ourselves!

Life is like a full time survivor game as we age!

Sometimes a different perception helps a great deal.

Who knows, maybe it becomes a last minute impromptu visit of our Grandkids or friends who moved out of the area?

Also with the RV we are "dog ready". He has a cabinet full of food and dog needs, including shoes if it is hot or cold outside.

We are truly prepared for anything!

oh and do not forget the walkie talkies. or just use a cell phone I guess? But these came in handy for us from time to time!

Re: What are your emergency plans?

billycalm — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 12:27:31 GMT

I live alone on the second-floor.I keep an old flip-phone charged at the bottom of the stairs.

Also, unless you're tankless, your hot water heater holds at least forty gallons of drinking- water. The spigot at the bottom is how to get it out. Note; if your tank is old, there may be some sediment at the bottom of your tank. Use cheese-cloth or a nylon stocking to filter it.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

PaulH627938 — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 13:14:49 GMT

no, i am not prepared. mentally i am ready for whatever life throws me but i am a trusting soul. life is not what they show in the movies. Something like the day after will never happen. i hope & trust the stores will remain open & i would have the resources to cope with whatever comes my way!

Re: What are your emergency plans?

JacquelineS432476 — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 19:51:32 GMT

I have a bag packed with all my important documents in case of an emergency situation. I know the location of my emergency center which is 10 blocks away in the event of removing myself from my present domain.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

ds226560 — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 16:51:57 GMT

I will be downstairs with with my bag containing my medication, my cell phones, and a pillow and blanket.
I've notified my son of my location. I'll be home, downstairs in what should be a very safe place.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

bp4323 — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 23:51:55 GMT

I think that you are more ready than you think. 😀

Re: What are your emergency plans?

chantep765583 — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:24:43 GMT

have 7 days supply of medication in my go pack.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

chantep765583 — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:27:35 GMT

Have a place to meet up with other family members. Have all their phone numbers in a file on my phone.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

RichardM855952 — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:00:16 GMT

It is wise to have an emergency supply of food and water in case you are trapped at home as well as a kit, easily portable, ready in case you need to leave quickly. Don't forget any medicines you take, toilet paper, and a light blanket. Study! The more you know, the less you need.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

ManicProgressive — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 14:30:18 GMT

I've had several go bags for years. We don't get much in terms of natural disasters here in the DC area. A few hurricanes and one derecho that have killed power for up to a week. But really, it's pretty safe.

What I learned from the derecho:

1) some gas stations didn't work because they didn't have power to the pumps (so have a full tank of gas).

2) many stores couldn't take debit or credit cards because of power outages, or the communication lines were down (so have a good amount of cash on hand).

We've now added a dog to the mix, so I have a go bag and a first aid kit for him.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

MarkV847771 — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:46:06 GMT

Many disaster-prone states offer a tax-free weekend where many emergency supplies that are normally taxed aren't. Here in Texas it occurs in late April to encourage people to get ready for hurricane season. How about your state?

TX Emergency Prep Tax Free Weekend: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php

Re: What are your emergency plans?

gropel — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 23:00:15 GMT

Up until 2 weeks ago, we had none. But after being evacuated twice within a 24 hour period of time due to wildfires in Southern Oregon, we are doing a lot of re-thinking. Fireproof-locking safety box with all important papers that can be grabbed. A duffel bag with some toiletries, tylenol, extra chargers and some clothes waiting to be grabbed. The big take away I learned from this is have alternative escape routes planned out. When a whole neighborhood and city is being evacuated, it does not help you to be stuck in traffic.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

MonicaB149594 — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:25:54 GMT

Keep my family contact #, prepare a bag with clothes for at least 3 day, package food, and make plans for family to meet in a safe place. Keep cash for emergency situations in a safe place.

(PRAY)

Re: What are your emergency plans?

lh6707 — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:51:41 GMT

Our main concern is tornadoes. We have a tub with bright yellow lid containing essentials. Bottled water is always kept in the pantry. A plan for dragging mattresses and closing doors so we can hunker down in the hallway is shared with everyone.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

DarwynT366917 — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:10:19 GMT

we have a bug out box witch has 40 gal water 10 days if food for 3 batteries 4 flashlights 2 hand crank

chargers one scanner one ham radio 4 sleeping bags 20below 1two burner stove 5 propane canisters and goodies snacks my truck always has a full tank with 5gal gascan in back

Re: What are your emergency plans?

MarkV847771 — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 18:13:29 GMT

At this very moment here in Houston we're being hit by tropical storm Beta. It's dropped over 12" of rain since last evening and most major roads and freeways are blocked with flood waters. In other words, a normal summer storm here. That being said, I'm always shocked by how many people don't have flood insurance. If you live in an area that probably won't flood it's only pennies but even if you live in an area that does flood often it's still amazingly cheap for the protection it gives you.

The insurance is backed by the U.S. government even though the policy is sold through whatever insurance agent you're using for home/auto/renters insurance. There's a wait period between when the policy is purchased and when it goes into effect so you can't wait until the storm is at your doorstep before signing up.

Stay safe.

Re: What are your emergency plans?

augustine1956 — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 20:19:16 GMT

Weather radio. Batteries. Canned food with pop tops. Battery operated heated blankets. 2 gallons of water per person . flashlights plenty batteries snack items keep phones charged. Blow up mattresses first aid kits. Plenty hand wipes sanitizers candles battery operated heaters