National Preparedness Month - 4 Things To Do NOW

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

As I write, there is yet another hurricane (Sally) headed toward the Gulf Coast, and wildfires on the West Coast have ravaged more than 3.1 million acres. We’re in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic - over 188,000 lives have been lost in the US since March, and experts are sounding the alarm to prepare now for what could be a “devastating” cold and flu season.

Nine months into 2020, and we're tired of hunkering down.

Forecasters are saying that we will be living with COVID-19 until Q4 of 2021. Let that sink in a moment. According to Jeff Edelstein, founder of SOS Survival Products, “Following disasters, people get tired of dealing with disasters.” People want their lives to “get back to normal.” No one wants more bad news or how to read about how to prepare for the next wave of disasters.  

“We’re all in this together” and WE’VE GOT COVID FATIGUE!

But friends, we don’t have the luxury to procrastinate. It’s 2020, and it also happens to be National Preparedness Month. So, grab your emergency Wheaties and read on.

Tip 1:  BEYOND TOILET PAPER AND HAND SANITIZER 

If you are like me, my emergency supplies were tapped this March and April during quarantine.  If you haven’t already started to replenish your supplies, now is a good time to get going on it.  The LAST thing I want to do is try and find toilet paper when it’s 4 degrees this winter!  

You know the basics- two week’s supply of food, one gallon of water per day, per family member.  But also, rethink your First Aid Kit.  I have three- I felt prepared, but recently discovered my OTCs expired in 2013…nice.  

Social media and the internet are your friends right now.  Pinterest and YouTube are a rich resource of checklists, videos, and solid emergency prep ideas.  Follow your local police and fire departments on Twitter, and #prepyourhealth and #natlprep are both great.  And don’t forget, the American Red Cross, CDC, FEMA, and Ready.Gov are gold mines for emergency preppers.

Tip 2:  CASH IS STILL KING

Do you have cash with your emergency kit?  Small bills?  Most people keep $400 to $600 in cash, in small bills, but 40% of Americans say they would struggle to come up with it. Today, with unprecedented layoffs and 13.3% unemployment, that number is probably higher.  If you are in that boat, just concentrate on two weeks of food and water while you build up the cash reserve.  

Tip 3:  QUARANTINE 15?  TIME TO LACE UP AND EAT A SALAD

I did not gain 15 pounds in quarantine. I gained 20.

There was not a cake, biscuit, pie, or doughnut that I did not savor with glee during quarantine.  But the reality is, that was probably one of the worst things I could do. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, six in ten American adults have a chronic disease, and four in 10 have two or more. Those Americans battling COVID-19 that have a chronic disease have a tougher time, and sadly, the chance of death from COVID increases with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

All too often, people would rather buy supplies than eating better and exercising. Better to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement.

Tip #4:  LAST, BUT NOT LEAST

Don’t forget to help Mom and Dad.  

If you are blessed to still have your Mom and Dad around, the AARP has some wonderful tips for emergency planning for senior citizens. Help your parents prepare emergency food and water and, more importantly, help them with preparing their important documents. Prescriptions, medications, a schedule for their medication, contact information for family, copies of their photo IDs, copies of medical insurance, and, lastly, their durable and medical POAs.  All these things should be in a waterproof/fireproof document bag that can be easily found in an emergency.

In all seriousness, friends, don’t let your guard down. 2020 is an extraordinary year and who knows what lies ahead for us this fall and winter. With some thoughtfulness, planning, and strategy, we can stay well this winter, and look forward to Hallmark’s “Very COVID Christmas.”

- Shannon Warner, Business Development at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville