—Alternative Lighting: Flashlights, candles, solar-powered lanterns, and extra batteries.
Health & First Aid:
—First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and necessary prescriptions.
—Personal Hygiene: Soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, brush, comb, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, body bath wipes, feminine hygiene products.
—Cold Weather Prep: Blankets, thermal clothing, hand warmers.
Medicines & Medical Supplies:
—Prescription Medications: Keep a 30-90-day supply of critical medications (blood pressure meds, insulin, asthma inhalers, etc.).
—Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal meds, cold/flu medicine, electrolyte powders.
—Medical Equipment: Blood pressure monitor, glucose meter, extra eyeglasses, contact lenses, cane/walking stick, hearing aid batteries.
—First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, wound care supplies, burn cream, and a tourniquet.
—Mental Health Support: Ensure access to anxiety or depression medications, if needed.
Building Our Tribe (Support Network):
—Identify Like-Minded People: Connect with family, friends, and community members who share preparedness goals.
—Create a Communication & Safety Plan: Use encrypted messaging apps (such as Signal) and establish emergency meet-up points.
—Establish a Family Security Code: A shared code to verify safety during emergencies.
Stay Informed & Politically Engaged:
—Follow Trusted News Sources
—Understand Laws Affecting Self-Defense
—Build Alliances with Legal and Community Advocates
By implementing some or all of these strategies, you can help ensure financial security, food stability, and personal safety during uncertain times.
During our discussion, we also covered important documents you need to prepare and keep readily available. We recommend storing these vital documents in a small, easily accessible, fireproof safe or deposit box that you and your immediate family can quickly locate and access.
These documents will help ensure your assets are protected, your wishes are honored, and your family members can access necessary information, when needed.
Legal & Estate Planning Documents:
—Will & Testament: Specifies asset distribution and dependent care.
—Living Trust: Helps avoid probate and ensures a smooth asset transition.
—Power of Attorney (POA): Authorizes someone to make financial or legal decisions for you.
—Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy): Grants someone authority to make medical decisions on your behalf.
—Living Will (Advance Directive): States your healthcare preferences if you cannot communicate them.
—Guardianship Documents: Designate custody arrangements for minor children.
If you need assistance or recommendations for preparing documents such as your will or trust, we have several trusted references we can share. Some of you have already used these professionals and seem to be satisfied with their services. Additionally, some of these documents can be prepared at no cost. Let us know if you would like any recommendations.
Identification & Personal Documents:
—Birth Certificates
—Social Security Cards
—Passports & State IDs
—Marriage Certificate (or Divorce Decree)
—Military Records (DD-214)
—Immigration or Citizenship Papers
Financial Documents:
—Bank Account Information: Account numbers, login details, and a list of institutions.
—Establish Payable Upon Death (POD) for each savings and checking account.
—Life Insurance Policies: Policy numbers and beneficiary details.
—Retirement & Investment Accounts: 401(k), IRA, stocks, bonds, pension plans.
—Property Deeds & Mortgage Documents
—Car Titles & Registration
—Debt & Loan Documents
Medical & Health Records:
—Health Insurance Cards & Policies
—Prescription List: Medications, dosages, and pharmacy details.
—Medical History & Immunization Records
—Disability Benefits Documentation (SSDI, VA Disability, etc.)
Emergency & Disaster Preparedness:
—Emergency Contacts List (Family, doctors, attorneys, financial advisors)
—House & Car Key Copies (For emergency access)
—Safe Deposit Box Inventory (If applicable)
—Digital Backups: Store electronic copies in an encrypted USB drive or cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).