National Preparedness Month 2022
September is National Preparedness Month. The theme for 2022 is A Lasting Legacy. The message behind this theme is to be prepared so that your lifetime of hard work, love, and nurturing your family will not be lost to disasters—natural or otherwise.
Before we get started on ways to be better prepared, I want to make sure we understand the difference between being prepared and being paranoid. To be prepared means to have a mindset of forward-thinking—to have the necessary items, knowledge, and other resources on hand just in case. When hoarding, selfishness, anxiety, or other similar extremes are involved, you can justly assume that the mindset has shifted to being paranoid. That’s not what this is about.
When disaster strikes, chaos on some level usually follows. Whether it be displacement from your home, serious injuries, or even death, being prepared allows your family members to step in to assist or take control (depending on what is necessary) with as little angst as possible.
Be prepared for health emergencies by having everyone you want listed on your Hipaa Agreement, your DNR (do not resuscitate) directives, and whether or not you want to donate your organs. Preparations for health emergencies also includes making sure emergency contact names and phone numbers are in readily available locations, as well as a list of current medications, the names of your doctors, allergies, and other medical conditions. This will allow caregivers and family members to make the best decisions for you in a timely manner.
Be prepared for natural disasters. Having an emergency preparedness kit in a safe location is just plain smart—especially if you live in tornado alley (like I do), on the east coast or the gulf coast where hurricanes are somewhat regular, and in places where snow, ice, or wildfires can possibly force you from your home in a hurry, or cause power outages that might make staying in the home unsafe (not to mention uncomfortable).
This kit should consist of bottled water, snacks that have a long shelf life, a laminated list of emergency contacts, insurance companies and policy numbers, the name of your bank, the name and phone number of your lawyer (for purposes of setting a power of attorney in place or carrying out your last wishes if necessary), a list of medical conditions and medications, a two or three day’s supply of those medications, flashlight and batteries, a change of clothes (or two), a warm blanket, and supplies for your pet (food, leash, etc.). It is also wise to have some cash on hand, too, because in certain instances, using a credit card may not be possible due to lack of electricity or internet services.
National Preparedness Month is an excellent time to remind us of just that BE PREPARED.
More information and Resources:
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/preparedness-month.html
https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/september-preparedness-month
https://www.ready.gov/september
Guest post By Darla Noble
The views expressed by the author may not reflect the views of Age Safe America, LLC. The content here should not be taken as medical, legal or financial advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your own healthcare, legal or financial professional with any questions.