Plane Ideas believes that preparation for Disasters, Catastrophic Events is critical for survival and recovery.
Please feel free to share this information with family and friends.
—Cash Reserve: Keep small denominations ($1s, $5s, $10s, and $20s) to cover basic expenses in case of banking disruptions.
—Storage: Store cash in a fireproof, waterproof safe hidden in a secure location. Consider diversifying storage places to avoid keeping all cash in one spot.
—Amount to Keep: Aim for at least one month’s worth of essential expenses, but at a minimum, a few hundred dollars. Monitor current events to determine if you should increase this amount.
—Security: Avoid storing excessive cash at home due to theft risks. Consider a mix of cash and prepaid debit cards for flexibility.
Best Foods to Store for Emergencies:
—Non-perishable foods (Shelf-Stable, Long-Lasting)
—Grains: Rice, quinoa, pasta, oats
—Canned Goods: Beans,
vegetables, fruits, soups, meats (tuna, chicken, salmon).
—Dried Foods: Lentils, beans, powdered milk, dried fruits, nuts
—Proteins: Peanut butter, canned meats, protein bars, jerky
—Shelf-Stable Dairy: Evaporated milk, powdered cheese, boxed milk
—Comfort Foods: Coffee, tea, honey, chocolate, spices
—Emergency Foods: MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), freeze-dried meals
Be sure to bring a can opener and washable utensils.
Water Storage:
—Bottled Water: At least one gallon per person per day for drinking and hygiene (minimum 3-day supply, ideally 2 weeks).
—Water Purification: Filters, purification tablets https://lifestraw.com/products/lifestraw?gad_source=1
Safety Measures at Home:
General Security:
—Reinforce Doors & Windows: Install deadbolts, security bars, and motion lights.
See the link to the ones we installed at home. They are reasonably priced and provide an extra layer of protection. Install longer screws on your door strike plate and door hinges.
—Home Alarm System: Consider a security system or smart cameras for monitoring. Many of us already have one, but if you do not, we use Vivint, while others prefer Ring or other systems. A security system may also lower your home insurance costs.
—Self-Defense Tools: Pepper spray, personal alarms, or other legal self-defense options.
—Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of trusted contacts, including neighbors and local authorities.
If you haven't already, build relationships with your neighbors. Ted and I feel very blessed to have a strong network in our community and with all of you!
Power & Lighting:
—Backup Power: Portable generator (if applicable) or power bank for charging devices.
—Landline Phone: If electricity goes out and you can’t charge your cell phone, a landline can be an inexpensive and reliable backup.
—Walkie-talkies: Useful if phone lines are down. See the link to the ones Ted and I are considering. They are not the least expensive option, but since we have family in different states, they suit our needs. More affordable options are available as well. Please share if you find less expensive options.
—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.).
No comments:
Post a Comment