Power outages, floods, earthquakes, internet and cellular network interruptions, water supply failures or municipal service outages. We can be faced with a variety of situations that are beyond our control.
If these complications are often quickly resolved, we can end up in hot water when they drag on. Without becoming an alarmist, it is better to prepare for all eventualities by planning and adapting your home. These simple actions will keep uncertainty and discomfort at bay.
Have Emergency Lights … And Know Where They’re Stored!
A power outage has plunged your home in darkness, but you can’t find the flashlight, candles or matches. Or worse, you don’t have any emergency lighting. Better to rectify the situation and find the ideal spot for these items. It should be easily accessible and known to all family members. Don’t forget to leave extra batteries for the flashlight.
Which Foods to Stock?
It’s the storm of the century outside and your food supply has run out. This is an uncommon but plausible scenario. Store nonperishable food in an area that is out of sight (to avoid dipping into it throughout the year). Cans of beans and lentils are a great choice because they are packed with protein and vitamins. Fill your storage container with canned fruits and vegetables or dried foods. And don’t forget the can opener!
Keep a Small Generator
A generator will let you keep the refrigerator and freezer running so that the food in it doesn’t rot. This source of energy can also be used to power a heating unit in the winter.
Have a Sump Pump Installed
Being awakened in the middle of the night by a flooding basement is one of homeowners’ top fears. Having a sump pump on hand could prevent this nightmare. But don’t forget the batteries: a flood sometimes occurs in conjunction with a power outage.
Have Warm Clothes on Hand
Blankets, coats, boots, mittens, hats … all these items of clothing could save your life in an emergency. Prepare a box with everything you need to keep your family warm. This is also good advice for the car!
Buy a Battery-Operated Radio
Nowadays, it is rather rare for people to tune into a radio station to find out about the news. The television and computers are the two most popular media for this. Now, imagine that you have been without electricity for several days, that your cellphone has died and that there is no way of knowing what is going on in your city. A battery-operated radio unit would make it easy for you to find out what emergency measures are being taken by your municipality, such as where shelter is being provided for disaster victims.
Other Tips
To make these types of situations less distressing, you can also prepare a bag of items that will be easy to carry. Store it in the room that is least likely to be damaged. It could contain a first aid kit, medications, lip balm, moisturizer, wipes and replacement clothing for everyone (in case you no longer have access to the bedrooms).
Hopefully, you will never have to put any of this advice into practice. But one thing is certain: you are now ready to deal with any emergency!