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AARPTeri
Community Manager
August 25, 2020

What are your emergency plans?

  • August 25, 2020
  • 29 replies
  • 24802 views

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.

29 replies

Contributor ⭐
September 22, 2020

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.

Contributor ⭐
September 22, 2020

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 

MarkV847771
Contributor ⭐⭐
September 22, 2020

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.

 

The medicine man at www.medicinemanplantco.com
Contributor ⭐
September 22, 2020

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

Contributor ⭐
September 22, 2020

For a storm, I have water, flashlights, hiking boots, blankets and pillows and a bicycle helmet in my downstairs bathroom.

 

if I have to leave my home PDQ, I have scanned/emailed copies of all my important documents,  including prescriptions to 2 of my email accounts.  I never park my car with less than 1/4 tank of gas ️ 

Best!!

Contributor ⭐
September 22, 2020

Here in South Carolina, it is possible to experience nearly every type of in climate weather:

We live on a fault line & can experience an earthquake, we have experienced hurricanes, tornadoes,  the city of Charleston burned over 100 years ago, and we have had ice & snow storms. 
Our readiness plan is to evacuate prior to hurricanes with our family. If we have a natural disaster when we are at home, we always have a large supply of medication, gas for our grill & many batteries for our flashlights. We always keeps 2 weeks of food in the house. 

Contributor ⭐
September 23, 2020

Unfortunately, I do not have one. I think I have taken for granted that there has not been a disaster in the city I live.that I am too relaxed. However, after reading this article, I will be getting one together. 

Contributor ⭐
September 23, 2020

We have backpack for each family member.  Each pack includes, flashlight, extra batteries, supply of water, snacks & freeze-dried food, person-specific medication, compass, small first aid kit, 2 extra sets of clothes, books/games/puzzles/entertainment, whistle, pen & paper, and toothbrush.  We also keep a backpack we call the family pack.  The  items in this pack are for the entire family:

 

radio/batteries;  extra phone chargers;   small tool kit;  blankets;  toilet paper;  freeze dried food; water; and first aid kit.   It's quite a bit, but once there, it doesn't have to be replaced except for the food and water, and freeze-dried food usually last 10 years.  Of course, medication should be rotated out and used, keeping the newest prescriptions in the backpack.  This may sound like overkill to some people, but if you have to leave quickly, you will be thankful you had made this preparation.    (Examples:  California wildfires;  last-minute hurricane evacuations;  must move to a shelter due to a tornado, flooding or other disaster.  Good luck!

 

 

 

Contributor ⭐
September 25, 2020

How would I start a plan?

Contributor ⭐
September 26, 2020

    First when I shop I always pickup bulk items that can sustain me if things get tough, like big storms, financial system melt down, political turmoil, natural colamities like earthquakes, flood, etc, sickness as the current pandemic and keeps one calm to know your ready if things go bezerk!!  Learn how to garden and process the food at harvest. Plus get heirlooms seeds, so you can also have seeds every year, because you use your crop also produce seeds for you. But you can only do this with heirloom seeds, because most seed is hybrids and your crops can only be eaten. Hybrids don’t produce seeds that will grow like their parent plants, so every year with hybrids got to buy new seeds Every Year. Your stuck into buying every year new seed which costs money. Thank you for your ears. My Best.