This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything using those links, I will receive a commission. Thank you.
When The Hubs and I lived in Missouri, one of our neighbors and his wife came and introduced themselves to us and invited us to their home for a meet and greet. During the invite, they stated that one of the reasons they wanted to do this is because they realized that in an emergency, we would be each other’s first responders.
Think about that.
If the roads are impassable due to natural or man~made disaster, how soon do you think emergency crews are going to be able to get to you? You may be responsible for saving your neighbor or having him or her save you. Don’t believe me? Look at what is going on in Mexico and Puerto Rico; the first responders are comprised of professionals as well as random people who were willing and able to step in and assist.
Here are a few of the things that our neighbors, The Hubs, and I did to prepare ourselves:
- Exchanged contact information
- Found out about the special medical needs of members of the household (who has asthma, cancer, hearing issues, etc.)
- Discussed medical training and certification
- Made sure that everyone had basic tools like flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, hammers, all-in-one-tools
Granted, you want to make sure that you know and trust your neighbors, so think long and hard before giving out too much personal information.
Individually, The Hubs and I made sure that we stocked our supply cabinet with basic OTC medical supplies like aspirin, cough medicine, antibiotic creams, etc. But you may want to consider going all in and buying a first aid kit. Here are a few that I’d recommend:
Small enough to keep in your vehicle
Another small option
What else would you suggest doing? Do you know your neighbors? Are you prepared to step in and help out if the need arises?
I hope this post {and the others in the series} helps you and your family to start thinking about what you would do in case of an emergency. I’ll be posting more helpful information next week, so make sure you come back. If you have any suggestions or tips to share, leave them in the comments.
Be prepared and stay safe,
Follow Living Outside the Stacks on Bloglovin’!