In preparing for emergencies, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. What do we store? What types of emergencies should we be planning for? As you might expect, it depends on where you live and the weather concerns that might affect you.
To begin emergency preparedness within your own family, you should begin thinking about some of the most likely emergencies that could happen to you where you live. I have listed here a few of the emergencies that are the most likely to happen, no matter where you live.
Neighborhood evacuation
There are a few different reasons why you might be required to evacuate your home within minutes. For instance, there could be a hazardous chemical spill from a truck passing nearby your home. Or, if there was a hostage situation or other police confrontation in a home in your neighborhood, police might ask neighbors to quickly leave their homes. Do you have a 72-hour kit or other bag with supplies for a sudden home evacuation?
Disruption in all or part of the food supply
There are a few reasons why freeways might be closed that deliver food and other items to our local stores. If you were not able to shop for a few days, would you have what you need to comfortably stay in your home? Those living in smaller communities with only one or two roads to and from town might be most vulnerable to a disruption in their food supply.
Power outages
We have all been without power for a period of time. Is this very stressful to you or are you prepared? What if a power outage lasted for more than a few hours? Would you be able to cook food and keep your home comfortable without electricity?
Broken heating or cooling devices
Would your family be okay if your air conditioner or heater broke down when you needed it the most? Depending on where you live, you might have different considerations. Those living in hot climates might want to be equipped with extra fans and those in cold climates will want portable heaters. In many places, you might want to have both on hand.
In addition to these listed, you might be faced with threats of hurricanes, tornadoes, snow storms, or extreme heat emergencies. What are some other emergencies that are most likely to happen where you are?
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