Be Prepared for Emergencies
As we get ready to either have company or travel to see family and friends during this wonderful holiday time of year, it’s good to be reminded that you should always be prepared for emergencies. Lynnae at Being Frugal told about running out of diapers during an snowfall and slipping and sliding to the store to pick up more,
… no matter where you live, you need to be prepared for an emergency. Keep extra food on hand. Canned food is great. Even if you don’t normally eat it, by keeping canned food on hand, you will have something to eat if the power goes out. It might not be the tastiest food, but it will allow you to get by.
Keep bottled water on hand. Pipes freeze. Water sources are compromised. You need to make sure your family can survive, if you can’t get water from your tap. Be sure to also keep extra medication and personal hygiene products.
There is a reason you see people make that mad rush to stores when a storm is coming. After the ice storm in the midwest last year, I’ve given serious consideration to picking up a gas generator in case we lose power. I haven’t actually taken that step, though.
What else can you do? Keep water, canned food, a hand operated can opener, firewood, and some emergency cash on hand. Think of the worst and plan for it. Hope for the best, of course.
If you’re traveling, bring a couple of extra blankets, some dry food, first aid kit, gloves, socks, shoes for everyone, a coat!, make sure someone knows when you’re leaving, when you’re expected, and whether you’ve arrived back home safely.
