Our lives are full of bumps in the road. A bump can really throw your life off track… if you let it. A way to help smooth out the bumps is to prepare for them. There is no way to know what is around each corner, and truly, there is no way to completely prepare, but being ahead of the curve will help exponentially when a crisis is at hand.
There are certainly many different types of disasters that can befall us. All situations and needs are unique, and when thinking of the way to prepare, it is important to carefully consider all aspects. There is no need to go overboard preparing for every situation, but some basic supplies and prep can handle most problems.
- Food & Water – It is up to you to decide how much to put away for an emergency, and a lot of it depends on where you live, and the type of natural disasters that are a possibility in your area. Even if you live in a low-risk area, a couple weeks food and water can help in case of electrical outage, snowstorm, broken pipes, etc. A buffer can never hurt. Something to keep in mind – stock food you would normally eat – if it’s an emergency, unfamiliar food will stress a body even more than it already is. This is a great way to use your mad couponing skills! Don’t forget to rotate stock to ensure expiration dates are current.
- Emergency Account – the ease of mind that comes with an emergency account is incredible! Start slow, but start soon! Try setting up a direct deposit into an account that is not easy to access. Choose an amount weekly or monthly to put aside and promise yourself that it is not to be touched unless it is a true emergency. Nope, cute new shoes do NOT count! 
The amount to set aside is different for everyone. Brainstorm about the ideal amount you would like to save, determine how much you can put into the account over time and put the plan into action.
- Batteries, Flashlights, Radio, etc. – Look for items that do not rely on electricity. Batteries are good, but they have a shelf-life. There are many gadgets in the camping area that are powered by solar power or human crank power. Set them aside in a specific, easy-to-fine box, but make sure they work occasionally.
- Life Insurance, Living Will , Power of Attorney – a horrible idea to consider, but often a way to ease your mind. Taking care of your family, whether you are physically here or not is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. If you have children, make a plan for their care if both of their parents/guardians are no longer able to care for them. Make a decision as to whether or not you want your children to know of this plan. In many cases, it can help them feel secure “just in case”.
- Passwords/Bills/Accounts – if a tragedy were to occur, and the parent or spouse that primarily handles the finances could leave behind a huge mess for the survivor to handle. Take some time and make a master checklist – include things like bank accounts, insurance info, passwords, regular billing info, etc. If you have a safe deposit box, this would be a good place to put this list – and make sure that all involved are aware of the location of the pertinent info.
- A What to Take Plan – Imagine if you had to leave your home in 20 minutes – and anything left may be destroyed. A way to be prepared and confident that you would take with you the appropriate items, is to make a list. Keep in mind the space limitations of your vehicle. Essentials such as a few days clothing, crucial items for children, etc. are necessary, but don’t forget a few special items such as photographs. Another thought – are these items able to be packed in the time frame? If not, it might be beneficial to keep them in a place that would allow easy access if it were needed.
- A Vehicle Break-down Bag – keep a duffel with some extra clothes, some bottles of water, a pair of walking shoes, and a blanket. Vehicle breakdowns can occur when you least expect it, and being stuck can be miserable if you don’t prepare. This bag will come in handy in so many other ways. Just remember to keep it stocked!
- Plans of Action – Every area has its own unique type of natural disaster – earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, forest fires, etc. It is crucial to know what to do if one were to occur, but also what to do after. Kids need to know where to meet if you were separated. What if the disaster shuts down a particular particular route you would normally use? What are your alternatives to escape the area? What if a credit/debit card would not be accepted for gas along this route? Some emergency cash would be useful… near or attached to your plan of action. Writing out a plan, whether ever enacted can help you act quickly when speed is necessary.