Emergency Preparedness 

Prepare for the Unexpected: Our Series on Emergency Preparedness

 

I want to dedicate this newsletter to a crucial conversation: being prepared for natural disasters and unexpected events. These are the moments that can throw a wrench in the wheels of our financial lives, causing disruptions that might take years to recover from. But with the right plan in place, we can face these challenges head-on.

 

Throughout this series, we’ll entertain a conversation about preparing for emergencies. We’ll cover what to do before a disaster strikes, how to navigate the situation during the event, and the steps to take afterward to ensure a strong recovery. We’ll also discuss the mental strength required to handle these situations and the foundations you need to face unexpected events successfully.

 

Why is this conversation so important? Because being unprepared can have lasting impacts on your finances, your well-being, and your future. My goal for this series is to help you create a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan so that you are ready—mentally, physically, emotionally, and most importantly, financially—to handle any surprises that life might throw your way.

 

Even with the best preparation, surprises will still come. But by being aware and educated, we can minimize the impact and recover more quickly.

 

We’ll begin by talking about the key elements of preparedness:

 

Awareness: Understanding the importance of being prepared for various emergencies, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and other unexpected events.

 

Here are a few questions you’ll want to answer to create a high level of awareness during this season: 

• What natural disasters are most common in my area?
• Do I know how local authorities will communicate information during a disaster?
• Am I signed up for local emergency notifications or alerts?
• Do I know where the nearest evacuation centers or shelters are located?
• Have I discussed a plan of action and an emergency protocol with my family? i.e., where should we meet in case we are in separate areas when disaster strikes?
• Am I aware of the emergency plans and protocols at my workplace, school, or community centers? 
  
  

Education: How crucial it is to inform ourselves on how to prepare for emergencies, including creating emergency kits, making family emergency plans, and staying informed about potential risks in your area.

 

Disaster management organizations urge families to store and annually update emergency supplies. Of course, needs will vary according to your location and circumstances, so check with local emergency management services for recommendations that could be applied in your area.

 

In general, it is recommended that you keep at least three gallons (11 L) of water per person and three days of nonperishable, ready-to-eat foods.

 

Also, some families have prepared “go bags” with such items as the following:

• Blankets, a complete change of warm clothes, and sturdy shoes

 

• Flashlight, radio (battery or windup), and spare batteries

 

• First-aid kit and a whistle to signal for help

 

• Eating utensils, can opener, pocket tool set, and waterproof matches

 

• Dust masks, waterproof tape, and plastic sheeting for shelter

 

• Toothbrushes, soap, towels, and toilet paper

 

• Child-care supplies and special-needs items for seniors or the disabled

 

• A waterproof container with needed medication, copies of prescriptions, and other important documents

 

• List of emergency contacts and meeting places and a local map

 

• Credit cards and cash; make sure to have small bills, no coins) 

 

• Extra set of house keys and car keys

 

• Paper, pencils, books, and games for children

 

• Bible

 

Now you have work to do for the upcoming days; start working on your go bag and for your family as well. Coming up in next week’s newsletter, we’ll discuss how to prepare yourself mentally and financially for surprise events! 

 

PS: Not every item listed may be suitable in your case or in your part of the world. You might also have to include some items not listed here.

 

PSS: Managing your finances with confidence includes developing the capabilities to plan ahead of time for any unexpected event, and sometimes all of this adulting can create anxiety. That is why one of the major pillars of our program, SAPPHIRE DESIGN, consists of teaching you how to navigate money management from your mind with ease and confidence.

 

Speak soon,
Christiane
The Green Wealth Legacy Team