I’m a professional organizer, so it is my job to be prepared and have my act together. But let’s be honest. If I have to leave my home in a hurry – or voluntarily when going on vacation – am I organized enough to just “grab and go” the appropriate emergency preparedness essentials?
The answer is, sadly, “sort of.” I have a First Aid kit in my car, but that’s about as far as I’ve gotten since post-9/11 – when disaster and survival was top of mind and I, like so many of us, prepared or anything at home, at work, and in my car, with written emergency plans, food, water, dog food, diapers and more. But that was then, this is now.
So, on the eve of the Fourth of July, synonymous with road trips, perhaps too much sun, fun, and fireworks – invest in some simple, affordable, safety precautions that could make the world of difference in your life or that of your loved ones! (If you’re reading this and already on the road, don’t fret. The odds are on your side that you’ll be FINE! But get your ducks in a row for next time.)
Consider it a modern-day act of INDEPENDENCE. You’re in charge of your safety and well-being, nobody else.
Let’s get organized and FREE of worry this Fourth of July. Consider it your patriotic duty to rise to the occasion to be sure you can take care of yourself and your family in the event of a medical emergency or natural disaster.
- Emergency Medical Kit – Human: Have at home (and in your vehicle at all times) Emergency Medical Kit(s) with enough supplies for each family member! The Red Cross has different options; this one is a basic kit that’ll do the trick! Customize it as needed with medications, preferred products, instructions. Keep it up to date.
- Emergency Medical Kit – Pets: You can use one for people and add to it, create your own, OR buy one specifically for your pets. Here is a recommended list of supplies for a DIY kit, or purchase a good one on line. Download this excellent “Pet First Aid” brochure too and keep handy.
- Basic Emergency Kit: This is a simple summer survival strategy, so I am not going to get into the importance of an Emergency Preparedness Plan – but create one! Assuming you already have one in place, or will pledge to do so, this basic Red Cross Emergency (Survival) Kit Features essential items for one person during a short-term emergency situation. Customize with medications, maps & more – and duplicate for home, office, car, & each family member (including the pets). There are also more elaborate ones available through the Red Cross.
All I can tell you is, you’ll be glad you did! I was once at Lake Tahoe over the 4th of July holiday weekend with “Bennie,” my beloved Bichon Frise. We were staying in my boyfriend’s family’s cabin. We removed all the rat poison throughout the cabin ahead of time, or so we thought. However, when I walked into the bedroom my bichon was chowing down on a box of D-Con! It had been under some pillows and no one saw it. Thank goodness, I caught him in the act!
But that was just the beginning of the drama. It was a holiday weekend. No vet within miles. No cell phones or Internet. No drugstore to buy Ipecac or hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Bumper to bumper traffic getting down the mountain. Scared to death he would die before we could a) find a vet and b) get there in time. Suffice it to say, it was horrible and harrowing – but eventually did have a happy ending.
All of this could have been avoided with proper planning and organization. DON’T take chances.
Now, get on the road – or fire up the barbeque – pitch the tent, hit the beach, and know that you are organized, optimized, and ready for whatever curve ball might head your way this holiday weekend. Enjoy! And sleep better at night knowing where the bandaids are.