Are You Prepared?
I always thought we were doing really well on preparedness until we met Hurricane Ike. Yes even in our secret underwater base somewhere in the good old U.S.A., we got caught in up the the hurricane's path. My family did beautifully living without power for a week. Fortunately our tap water was still on and clean. It really got me thinking about how to improve our preparedness to the next thing to come along. We had enough food for the week, but not enough batteries. I also had to run the store again for a clothes line half way through the week. My kids had a great time learning to wash clothes in the tub and dry them on the line. We were so blessed to be able to campout at home for a week. My prayers and thoughts go out to all the families who lost their homes and loved ones. May your lives be filled with peace and healing.
Personal Medical History
Keeping your own medical history will help you to remember important facts, save time when seeing new doctors, see patterns, avoid problems if your records are lost, and avoid some medical mistakes. Update your history after every major medical event or at least once a year. I also like to write a list of my concerns at the bottom, so I don’t forget to mention them to my doctor. Don’t forget to take your medical history with you when you travel. If you do not have any major medical conditions, you might be able to fit it all in a couple of pages. If you do have a more complex medical history, a three ringed binder works great to keep it all organized. You might want to include the following:
Personal information
Patient’s full name
Address
Phone numbers
Insurance company with id #
Birth date
For a child include the names of parents, birth place, birth weight, & birth height.
List of all current doctors with phone numbers
Blood type if known
Allergies: List all known allergies and sensitivities as well as your reactions to them.
Immunizations: Are they up-to-date? When do you need the next one?
Medical Conditions: List all know medical conditions and the date first diagnosed.
Current Medications: List all medication with dosages, refills, and prescription expiration dates. Don’t forget to include vitamins and supplements.
Brief Medical History:
List dates, places, doctor’s names, and descriptions of all major medical events such as ER visits, hospitalizations, and specialty doctor visits (cardiologist, oncologist, etc…) Also include any normal doctor’s visits in which prescriptions are given or changed. Be sure to list all major medical discoveries and abnormal test results. I also like to jot down the date of my last physical, so I can remember when to schedule another one.
Other considerations:
Keep copies of all hospitalization & ER visit discharge papers and test results records for your personal records. Most doctor’s offices and hospitals will not release your medical files to you. By law they have to provide you will copies of any/all medical records when asked. It might take up-to six weeks to make copies, so ask early.
Personal information
Patient’s full name
Address
Phone numbers
Insurance company with id #
Birth date
For a child include the names of parents, birth place, birth weight, & birth height.
List of all current doctors with phone numbers
Blood type if known
Allergies: List all known allergies and sensitivities as well as your reactions to them.
Immunizations: Are they up-to-date? When do you need the next one?
Medical Conditions: List all know medical conditions and the date first diagnosed.
Current Medications: List all medication with dosages, refills, and prescription expiration dates. Don’t forget to include vitamins and supplements.
Brief Medical History:
List dates, places, doctor’s names, and descriptions of all major medical events such as ER visits, hospitalizations, and specialty doctor visits (cardiologist, oncologist, etc…) Also include any normal doctor’s visits in which prescriptions are given or changed. Be sure to list all major medical discoveries and abnormal test results. I also like to jot down the date of my last physical, so I can remember when to schedule another one.
Other considerations:
Keep copies of all hospitalization & ER visit discharge papers and test results records for your personal records. Most doctor’s offices and hospitals will not release your medical files to you. By law they have to provide you will copies of any/all medical records when asked. It might take up-to six weeks to make copies, so ask early.
Emergency Car Supplies
Be prepared for most small emergencies by keeping a bag of supplies in your car. Don’t forget to check the expiration dates routinely and replace anything that you use. This bag has saved me many times whether it is an unexpected emergency room visit or child that has wet their pants. Things to include might be:
Change of clothes for everyone in the family including socks and underwear
Small personal hygiene kit – I like to include toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, hair clippy, comb, and pads/tampons
Emergency medications for chronic conditions such as asthmas or diabetes with instructions on use
Snacks – individually packaged items like granola bars and bottled water
Baby items (if applicable) – extra formula, pacifiers, diapers, wipes, sippy cups, etc…
Emergency contact list
Comfort items like a small blanket or toy
Money for emergencies ($20 - $200)
Simple first aid kit for cuts, scrapes, and other ouchies
A pair of walking shoes if you routinely wear dress shoes
A whistle to attract attention
An emergency blanket
An umbrella
A flashlight with extra batteries
A disposable camera
A map of your area – be sure to outline your evacuation routes
Jumper cables or an emergency car starter
Tire iron – make sure you know how to change a tire or have road side assistance
A copy of your family’s emergency plan
Change of clothes for everyone in the family including socks and underwear
Small personal hygiene kit – I like to include toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, hair clippy, comb, and pads/tampons
Emergency medications for chronic conditions such as asthmas or diabetes with instructions on use
Snacks – individually packaged items like granola bars and bottled water
Baby items (if applicable) – extra formula, pacifiers, diapers, wipes, sippy cups, etc…
Emergency contact list
Comfort items like a small blanket or toy
Money for emergencies ($20 - $200)
Simple first aid kit for cuts, scrapes, and other ouchies
A pair of walking shoes if you routinely wear dress shoes
A whistle to attract attention
An emergency blanket
An umbrella
A flashlight with extra batteries
A disposable camera
A map of your area – be sure to outline your evacuation routes
Jumper cables or an emergency car starter
Tire iron – make sure you know how to change a tire or have road side assistance
A copy of your family’s emergency plan
Two Weeks of Emergency Supplies
Every family should have at least two weeks of emergency supplies. These supplies will help you survive without water, power, or having to leave your home in case of a disaster. They can also help during those times of unexpected financial trouble. You should personalize your emergency supplies to fill the needs of your family. Don’t forget your pet’s needs too. Be careful to routinely check the expiration dates on your supplies. Try to keep your supplies in a central, easy to reach location within your home. Rotate your supplies periodically and replace what you use as soon as you can. Most of these items you will already have in your home.
Water – 1 gallon per person per day or 14 gallons for 2 weeks per person. You may want to store more than that to bath with, wash clothes, cook, etc…
Food – enough food for at least 2 weeks. Be sure that this food does not have to be refrigerated or cooked. If you want to include food that has to be cook, make to include a way to cook your food like a grill or camp stove. Don’t forget the snacks and little treats.
Medications and medical supplies – keep an extra two weeks’ worth or more on hand.
Money – if you can keep cash on hand ($50 - $200) in case of power outages or emergency trips. For example a lot of hospital cafeterias take cash only.
First Aid Kit – it is usually a good idea to include a basic first aid manual in your kit as a reminder.
Sanitation needs – how will you deal with a loss of water/sewer in a disaster? Don’t forget to keep 2 weeks extra personal hygiene supplies on hand at all times.
Entertainment – include games, coloring books & crayons, books, etc… to pass the time.
Tools – this is where most people have to spend a little money. It is very helpful to have on hand any or all of the following:
Flashlights or camp lanterns with extra batteries
Battery powered radio with extra batteries
Map of the area & your evacuation routes
Whistle to signal for help.
Fire extinguisher(s)
Shut-off wrench for your utilities
Crowbar – to move heavy objects or open stuck doors
Corded phone - the cordless ones don’t work without power
Non electric can opener
Dust masks
Tent(s)
Tarps
Duck tape
Rope
Chain saw (if you have large trees in your yard)
Water – 1 gallon per person per day or 14 gallons for 2 weeks per person. You may want to store more than that to bath with, wash clothes, cook, etc…
Food – enough food for at least 2 weeks. Be sure that this food does not have to be refrigerated or cooked. If you want to include food that has to be cook, make to include a way to cook your food like a grill or camp stove. Don’t forget the snacks and little treats.
Medications and medical supplies – keep an extra two weeks’ worth or more on hand.
Money – if you can keep cash on hand ($50 - $200) in case of power outages or emergency trips. For example a lot of hospital cafeterias take cash only.
First Aid Kit – it is usually a good idea to include a basic first aid manual in your kit as a reminder.
Sanitation needs – how will you deal with a loss of water/sewer in a disaster? Don’t forget to keep 2 weeks extra personal hygiene supplies on hand at all times.
Entertainment – include games, coloring books & crayons, books, etc… to pass the time.
Tools – this is where most people have to spend a little money. It is very helpful to have on hand any or all of the following:
Flashlights or camp lanterns with extra batteries
Battery powered radio with extra batteries
Map of the area & your evacuation routes
Whistle to signal for help.
Fire extinguisher(s)
Shut-off wrench for your utilities
Crowbar – to move heavy objects or open stuck doors
Corded phone - the cordless ones don’t work without power
Non electric can opener
Dust masks
Tent(s)
Tarps
Duck tape
Rope
Chain saw (if you have large trees in your yard)
Family Household Book (box, safe, etc…)
Keep all of your important documents together for easy access in case of an emergency. Store them in something you can take with you if you have to evacuate. This is also handy for moves, vacations, filling out legal paperwork, etc… Your important documents might include some of the following:
Contact Information
Emergency phone #s & addresses
Family phone #s & addresses
Friends phone #s & addresses
Business phone #s & addresses
Medical, School, Church, etc… phone #s & addresses
Financial Information
Family budget
List of all accounts and bills
Last paycheck statement or LES
Insurance Policies
Medical Information
List of all current medications with dosages and refill #s
Brief medical histories for all family members
Medical instructions for chronic conditions.
Shot records
Household Inventory
List of all household items valued over $200.
List of all appliances and electronics with serial #s
Titles to cars, boats, RVs, etc…
Legal Documents
Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Passports/Immigration papers
Marriage/Divorce papers
Custody agreements
Wills and Living wills
Deed to properties
Misc. Information
Family Emergency Plan
Family daily/weekly schedules
CD backups of important computer files
CD backups of family photos
List of favorite websites with use ids and passwords (hand-write all passwords)
Contact Information
Emergency phone #s & addresses
Family phone #s & addresses
Friends phone #s & addresses
Business phone #s & addresses
Medical, School, Church, etc… phone #s & addresses
Financial Information
Family budget
List of all accounts and bills
Last paycheck statement or LES
Insurance Policies
Medical Information
List of all current medications with dosages and refill #s
Brief medical histories for all family members
Medical instructions for chronic conditions.
Shot records
Household Inventory
List of all household items valued over $200.
List of all appliances and electronics with serial #s
Titles to cars, boats, RVs, etc…
Legal Documents
Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Passports/Immigration papers
Marriage/Divorce papers
Custody agreements
Wills and Living wills
Deed to properties
Misc. Information
Family Emergency Plan
Family daily/weekly schedules
CD backups of important computer files
CD backups of family photos
List of favorite websites with use ids and passwords (hand-write all passwords)
Family Emergency Plan
What will your family do in an emergency? As a family, come up with a plan of how to handle the common emergencies in your area. Make sure that everyone has a copy, and copies are easy to find in your home, work, and car. Don’t forget to include your pets in your family plan. Please personalize your family plan to fit your family’s needs and concerns. You might want to include some or all of the following suggestions:
Communication: How will your family stay in contact with everyone?
1. Have a list of all important and emergency phone numbers by every phone, in every car, and given to all responsible family members.
2. Choose an out-of-town contact that you will call or email in a disaster. This person will be able to let others know how and where you are. You might need one contact person for each side of the family.
3. Teach children how and when to call 911. Don’t forget to include learning how to use a cell phone if needed.
Shelter: Where will you go in an emergency?
1. Have a safe room (no window or outside walls if possible) in your home. It is best to store your 72 hour kids in this room as well so you can get to it when you need it.
2. Make a fire escape plan for each room in your home. Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms too.
3. Have a meeting place outside of your home in case your home is not safe.
4. Have a rendezvous point in town and out-of-town if you have to evacuate.
Emergency Aid: How will you get the help you need in an emergency?
1. Develop s support system that is at least 5 people deep. Who can help you in an emergency?
2. What emergency supplies do you need, where are they kept, and where can you get more if needed?
3. Discuss what to do in a fire, severe weather, flood, power outage, medical emergency, etc…
4. What will you do if you are out of work for a while?
Estate Planning: What will your family do if you are disabled or die?
1. Do you have the right amount of insurance (auto, property, life) and is it up-to-date?
2. Do you have a will? Who do you want to take care of your kids, pets, business, etc? Make sure to give a copy of your wishes in writing to all sides of your family, so there are no misunderstandings.
3. Do you have an advanced medical directive or living will expressing your wishes on medical treatments and who gets to decide for you if you can’t decide for yourself?
Away from Home: What if you are not at home when an emergency happens?
1. Who do you call for emergency information?
2. How do you reach your spouse at work or the kids at school/daycare in an emergency?
3. Do you know your work’s and/or school’s emergency plan?
4. Know how your health care works away from home and in an emergency.
Communication: How will your family stay in contact with everyone?
1. Have a list of all important and emergency phone numbers by every phone, in every car, and given to all responsible family members.
2. Choose an out-of-town contact that you will call or email in a disaster. This person will be able to let others know how and where you are. You might need one contact person for each side of the family.
3. Teach children how and when to call 911. Don’t forget to include learning how to use a cell phone if needed.
Shelter: Where will you go in an emergency?
1. Have a safe room (no window or outside walls if possible) in your home. It is best to store your 72 hour kids in this room as well so you can get to it when you need it.
2. Make a fire escape plan for each room in your home. Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms too.
3. Have a meeting place outside of your home in case your home is not safe.
4. Have a rendezvous point in town and out-of-town if you have to evacuate.
Emergency Aid: How will you get the help you need in an emergency?
1. Develop s support system that is at least 5 people deep. Who can help you in an emergency?
2. What emergency supplies do you need, where are they kept, and where can you get more if needed?
3. Discuss what to do in a fire, severe weather, flood, power outage, medical emergency, etc…
4. What will you do if you are out of work for a while?
Estate Planning: What will your family do if you are disabled or die?
1. Do you have the right amount of insurance (auto, property, life) and is it up-to-date?
2. Do you have a will? Who do you want to take care of your kids, pets, business, etc? Make sure to give a copy of your wishes in writing to all sides of your family, so there are no misunderstandings.
3. Do you have an advanced medical directive or living will expressing your wishes on medical treatments and who gets to decide for you if you can’t decide for yourself?
Away from Home: What if you are not at home when an emergency happens?
1. Who do you call for emergency information?
2. How do you reach your spouse at work or the kids at school/daycare in an emergency?
3. Do you know your work’s and/or school’s emergency plan?
4. Know how your health care works away from home and in an emergency.
Emergency Contact List
This is a detailed list of who to contact in case of an emergency. You can personalize your list to includes anything or anyone that is important to your family. Most of this information can be found in your local phone book or city’s website. It can be very helpful to keep a copy of this by every phone, in your cars, at work, and in your purse. I also like to leave a copy with the babysitter just in case.
The front page contains:
Full names of you and your spouse
Address with zip code
Phone numbers
Emergency 911
Police (non emergency # - in case of an emergency always call 911)
Fire Department (non emergency # - in case of an emergency always call 911)
Poison Control
Utilities
Electric (emergency # - usually different from customer service)
Gas (emergency # - usually different from customer service)
Phone (emergency # - usually different from customer service)
Water (emergency # - usually different from customer service)
Medical
Family Doctor(s)
Family Dentist(s)
All Specialty Doctors
Nearest Hospital/ER
Work – list all places of work for everyone in the family.
Family - be sure to include at least one contact from every side of the family.
Husband’s next of kin
Wife’s next of kin
Other ideas
Church
Neighbors
Babysitters
On the back, I like to list the addresses of businesses that are important to my family such as:
Places of work
Schools/Daycares
Church
Doctor’s offices
Urgent care center/ER
Closest Hospital
Insurance companies
Banks/Credit Unions
*Be careful not to list any account information or policy details on any thing that you share with others or save on your hard drive.
The front page contains:
Full names of you and your spouse
Address with zip code
Phone numbers
Emergency 911
Police (non emergency # - in case of an emergency always call 911)
Fire Department (non emergency # - in case of an emergency always call 911)
Poison Control
Utilities
Electric (emergency # - usually different from customer service)
Gas (emergency # - usually different from customer service)
Phone (emergency # - usually different from customer service)
Water (emergency # - usually different from customer service)
Medical
Family Doctor(s)
Family Dentist(s)
All Specialty Doctors
Nearest Hospital/ER
Work – list all places of work for everyone in the family.
Family - be sure to include at least one contact from every side of the family.
Husband’s next of kin
Wife’s next of kin
Other ideas
Church
Neighbors
Babysitters
On the back, I like to list the addresses of businesses that are important to my family such as:
Places of work
Schools/Daycares
Church
Doctor’s offices
Urgent care center/ER
Closest Hospital
Insurance companies
Banks/Credit Unions
*Be careful not to list any account information or policy details on any thing that you share with others or save on your hard drive.
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