Emergency Preparedness in the New Year

As a new year quickly approaches, it’s crucial to prioritize our safety and well-being as we make some New Year’s Resolutions. Emergency preparedness should be at the top of our list. Whether you’re an experienced prepper or someone looking to start their preparedness journey, I want to talk about emergency preparedness in the New Year. Taking these steps, you’ll be better equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances that may come your way.

Review and Update Your Emergency Plan

The first step towards effective emergency preparedness is to review and update your existing emergency plan. If you don’t have an emergency preparedness plan, now is a great time to start putting one together. Make sure it’s a true “family emergency plan” and that all family members are familiar with the plan.

It needs to include copies of important documents like identification papers, insurance policies, financial documents, and emergency contact numbers. The plan should also outline what prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are part of the necessities to be included. A plan that makes your family self-sufficient and shows resilience should be a goal.

Consider any recent changes in your household, such as new family members, pets, or those with any disability, and update your plan accordingly. Away From Home Emergency Plan For Kids, First Aid Kit (Tackle Box), and Label Machine

Assess and Enhance Your Emergency Supplies

Take an inventory of your emergency supplies and identify any items that need replenishing or upgrading. Ensure you have enough of your own food, water, and essential supplies to sustain your household for at least 72 hours. Check expiration dates and rotate perishable items accordingly.

Natural disasters and emergencies can come in many forms, whether severe storms with flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires. Consider what your location is likely to experience and plan your disaster preparedness before disaster strikes.

The term preparedness is the key as you put your action plans together. You may have to act at a moment’s notice, so have things in place and ready to go, including a go-bag for each family member. Hopefully, there will be some warnings beforehand, but that isn’t always true in case of emergency.

Consider investing in alternative energy sources like solar power or generators to keep essential devices functioning during power outages. Invaluable Tools Necessary for Transporting Emergency Supplies

Conduct a Home Safety Inspection

A safe and secure home is vital in the event of an emergency. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s safety features. Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers in appropriate areas. Inspect your home for potential hazards such as loose wiring, faulty appliances, or blocked escape routes. Don’t forget to secure heavy furniture and other objects that could pose a danger during earthquakes or severe weather events.

Learn New Skills

Take the new year as an opportunity to learn new skills that can be invaluable during emergencies. Consider enrolling in first aid and CPR courses to provide immediate assistance in case of injuries. Learn basic self-defense techniques and develop your situational awareness skills. You may want to get your neighbors to join you in a Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) class so you know you’ll have some support.

Acquiring knowledge in gardening, food preservation, and DIY repairs can also be beneficial during extended periods of crisis. Types of Medicines You Need for a First Aid Kit

Stay Informed

Stay updated with local and global news to anticipate potential emergencies. Follow reliable sources such as government websites, news outlets, and social media accounts of relevant organizations. Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications to receive real-time information about potential threats in your area. You should have a radio available so information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can be received.

Being well-informed allows you to make informed decisions and take necessary actions promptly. Emergency Forms of Communication

Establish Emergency Communication Channels

In times of crisis, communication is one of the most important things you can do! Establish multiple communication channels with your loved ones, including phone calls, text messages, email, walkie-talkie, or social media platforms. Designate a family meeting point with evacuation routes and ensure everyone knows the plan in case of separation.

Invest in battery-powered radios, hand crank radios, or walkie-talkies to communicate when traditional means are unavailable. Communication Options for Your Family During a Disaster

Building strong connections within your community is essential for mutual support during emergencies. Join local emergency response groups, neighborhood watch programs, or volunteer organizations. Participate in community drills and exercises to enhance your preparedness skills and familiarize yourself with local resources. Mutual collaboration can make a significant difference during times of crisis. Is Your Neighborhood Prepared?

How can I learn essential skills for prepping?

Consider taking classes or workshops on first aid, basic survival skills, and emergency preparedness. You can also find informative books, online resources, and YouTube tutorials that cover a wide range of prepping skills.

Be sure to review my archive link above for subjects I’ve covered over the years. You might even find some fun recipes to make during emergencies.

How do I create a prepping plan?

Start by assessing the potential risks in your location and identifying the specific needs of your household. Make a list of essential supplies that include medical supplies, create an emergency contact list, and establish a communication plan with your family members. Regularly review and update your plan as needed.

What supplies should I have for prepping?

The specific supplies you need will depend on your circumstances and the potential risks in your area. However, some common items include a collection of basic items like non-perishable food, water, first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, a portable phone charger, blankets, and a basic toolkit. These can all be incorporated into an emergency supply kit

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Final Word

If you’re ready to focus on emergency preparedness in the New Year, then you’re going to need these tips. I always tell families to do one thing at a time to help them prepare for emergencies. It’s all we can do, especially in an economy like this. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed trying to get prepared. I’ve told my readers for years that you can start “one can at a time.” May God Bless this World, Linda