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By Darryl J. Madden,
Director, Ready Campaign
It is no secret that many families and individuals
are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of
disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be
prepared? Preparedness doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
September is National Preparedness Month, and we
are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever
may come. Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that
matter to you without spending a fortune.
 Make
a Plan. Work with you family and neighbors to make an emergency
plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure
everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case
of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates
here.
Update
Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends
and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in
need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible
places throughout your house and workplace.
Check
Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any
necessary changes – renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to
know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.
Make
a Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made
preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and
budget. Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample
Ready Lists can be found at Ready.gov, use these as inspiration.
Plan
Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don’t buy
preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and
supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season
when you can get good deals.
Shop
Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items
throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the
cost as much.
Make
Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe, containers. You don’t need to
buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are
disinfected and airtight
Request
a Gift. We all get things we don’t need. Suggest preparedness
supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It just might save
your life.
Trade
a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking
a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night
staying in could fund your Ready kit.
* The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward
preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!
Last updated
Wednesday January 11, 2012 03:08 PM |
