4 Simple Things

This comes from the website of Ready, Set, Prepare.  The Director of Ready, Set, Prepare is James Roddey, who I was fortunate enough to get to listen to at a conference I went to last week.  I am trying to schedule him to come give a talk in Cowlitz County.  Anyway, here are 4 Simple Things You Can Do THIS WEEK to Get Prepared.

1.  Set up an out of state contact that knows how to text:  Emergency response experts tell us the only way you may be able to communicate after a big disaster is by text or Tweet, and by contacting someone out of state as local communication channels may be clogged.  Make sure everyone knows to check in with the contact person if you are separated.

2.  Turn your phone into your most important safety tool:  From emergency contact numbers to first aid/CPR instructions, your phone can be a life saver.  Download flashlight, GPS, Red Cross and I.C.E apps.  Create a list of:  rally points, prescription medications, food and medical allergies.  Keep photos of loved ones and pets handy.  Access important documents any time via Dropbox or the cloud. (if this sounds like a foreign language to you, click on each to learn more).

3.  Visit a Website:  If you house was burning, what would you take with you?  It's a conflict between what's practical, valuable, and sentimental.  It's also a good way to start a conversation with family members or co-workers about putting together an emergency plan.  Check out www.theburninghouse.com to learn more.

4.  Read a Book:  The Unthinkable, by Amanda Ripley.  In this engrossing and insightful book, you'll learn the science behind how your body and mind react in a crisis.  More importantly, The Unthinkable will help you understand and shape your response when the chips are down and the worst happens.  As Craig Fugate, Director of FEMA says, "It's time to get in touch with our survival instinct."