When Disaster Strikes: How to Be Prepared

Almost two years ago, I was awoken to screams of “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE” in my apartment complex. Although my unit was not currently in flames, smoke had already entered my bedroom from the neighboring apartment. I don’t know what I was exactly thinking at that moment, but instincts took over and I quickly got dressed, grabbed my wallet and keys, and ran out of my apartment. Yes, you would think that what I did was common sense,what anyone would do. However, not everyone in my complex had thought enough (or had enough instinct) to take their car keys. Fortunately, no one was hurt or injured during the fire, but my apartment, along with 7 other, were a total loss. The following are some tips that I would like to pass on concerning preparing for any disaster so that others can learn from my mistakes:

Insure yourself-I did not have renter’s insurance (yeah I now, dumb move) which would have only cost me $120/year.

Wear pajamas to bed-Unless you enjoy leaving your house in your underwear (which one tenant resorted to), this is a good idea. Have shoes/slippers and a coat in a location close to the door as well.

Keep your cell phone, wallet, and keys in the same place every night-By doing this, you will know exactly where to go to get these necessities. Imagine having your apartment/house burn down and be helpless to drive to a hotel/family member’s since you don’t have your keys.

Make a list of your belongings-Save this list to a word document on your computer and then attach it to an email to yourself. You will have just saved yourself countless hours for insurance and tax purposes. Taking pictures and even making a video are also related good ideas for this purpose.

Keep a traveling bag in the trunk of your car-It should include a change of clothes and some toiletry items.

Make an evacuation plan-What would you do if you had to leave or couldn’t get to your house/apartment due to an emergency? Knowing what you would do in advance will help avoid stress and confusion during a chaotic time. All members of your family need to be on the same page.

Keep some extra cash in your house/apartment-Of course this will not help you in a fire, but it would help you if the emergency is more widespread. Imagine if your town/city was suffering through a blackout and local stores only accepted cash.

Have a working radio with extra batteries.-In an emergency situation, not knowing what is going on could be disastrous.

Buy an extra cell phone battery and car charger.-Staying in communication with family/friends during a wide scale emergency will be complicated by countless variables-don’t let not having enough battery power in your cell phone be one of them.

Never let your gas tank level fall below half-Do you know how many cars were stranded (and blocked traffic) when people evacuated New Orleans during Katrina? Even short trips can take 10 times as long during an emergency.