20 Last Minute Ways To Prepare For An Emergency

The more prepared you are for an emergency the more likely you are to get through it without any serious harm – and the thing about preparation is it’s better to start long before disaster threatens. The ideal situation is to be completely prepared, so that when the S really does HTF you can take it in your stride.

Realistically, though, not many of us have the time or resources to reach that level of preparedness. We do what we can. Even if it’s not as much as it could be, it helps. It also gives you a foundation that, if necessary, you can build on with some last-minute preparation.

In most scenarios you’ll have some clue that things are about to go bad, and a bit of time – maybe a matter of hours, perhaps stretching to days of even weeks – to ramp up your level of preparedness. You can get a surprising amount done in a short time, so if it’s obvious that trouble’s on the way make the most of every minute you have before it hits.

Here are some suggested last-minute tasks:

#1 Get all the cash you can

ATMs won’t work if the electricity goes – but, if there’s a major crisis, they’ll quickly be emptied anyway as people panic. This is why you should keep cash in your emergency kits, but getting some more won’t hurt. Even if the disaster is severe enough that cash loses its value, it could take a while for most people to realize that – and, until they do, your dollars will come in useful.

#2 Stock up on gas

Fill your tank. Then fill your spare gas cans. If you get the chance, buy more gas cans and fill those too. In a serious emergency gas will be more valuable than cash. You’ll be able to stay mobile, run generators and trade surplus gas for other commodities.

#3 Find food

Hopefully you already have a good supply of food laid up, but adding a bit more won’t hurt – and this could be your last chance. The priority is staples like the ones you’ve already stockpiled, but almost anything non-perishable is worth having. Even if you don’t eat it yourself, food is a valuable trade item.

#4 Buy batteries

Identify all the sizes of battery your equipment uses, and pick up as many as you can. Then, on top of that, grab every extra AA cell you can get your hands on. You’ll probably end up getting through a lot more of these than you expect, plus they’ll be a handy trade item.

#5 Refresh your water

While the water out the faucet can still be trusted, check your storage. If you have time empty out your containers, wash them and refill with fresh water. Be sure to do them one at a time. The last thing you want is for the supply to be shut off unexpectedly when you’ve emptied and cleaned all your containers, and you’re just about to start refilling them.

Related: 5 Water Storage Myths

#6 Collect essential documents

It’s a smart idea to keep essential documents together in an easily-grabbed packet. Passports, birth and marriage certificates, medical information, insurance policies… they should always be in a large envelope, ready to pick up and take with you. Check you have everything, and when disaster looms move them to your bug-out bag.

#7 Refill your prescriptions

If there’s medication you need, get down to the pharmacy and stock up. That’s especially important for prescription drugs – but don’t overlook over the counter ones. If there’s a long-running emergency do you really want to run low on Tylenol?

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#8 Overhaul grab bags

When was the last time you checked your bug out bag or emergency kits? Go through them now and check what’s missing. It’s likely something is; people tend to plunder them then forget to replace whatever they took out. Remedy that while you have time.

#9 Fill the freezer

If there’s space left in your freezer fill plastic bags with water, seal them and put them in there. The less air space there is in the freezer, the longer it will stay cold if the power goes. Extend that even more by not opening the door unless you have to – but this has less effect on a full freezer, because less warm air can get in.

#10 Explore unusual storage

Is there a storm coming? If you’re worried about storm damage and heavy rain, put all your valuable documents, cash and vulnerable electronics in the dishwasher. It’s one of the most waterproof places in your house. Just make sure to unplug it.

#11 Secure doors and windows

Whatever kind of emergency is approaching, you want to make sure your home is secured against both natural and human hazards. If you have storm windows, fit them. Board up exposed windows and those in rooms you don’t use much.

#12 Prepare for blackouts

However well prepared you are, there’s always a chance of having to do without power for a while. Have flashlights ready, with fresh or fully charged batteries fitted. Do you have a fireplace you can cook in? Have a supply of wood ready, either indoors or under shelter. Make sure you have a non-electric can opener, too.

#13 Guard against fire

Most emergencies increase the risk of fire in some way. They also make it vital to avoid fires – if society is already collapsing around you, the last thing you need is to burn your house down by accident. Place extinguishers near fire hazards. Water or sand buckets are good too, as are fire blankets.

#14 Charge your gadgets

Round up every device that has a rechargeable battery, and put them on charge. Leave them plugged in unless you absolutely have to disconnect them. That way, if the power goes out, you’ll be starting with everything as fully charged as you can get it.

#15 Get a car charger

Even if the power’s out the chances are you can still charge anything that has a USB port. Unless an EMP has disabled your car, it can generate electricity. Most cell phones and other electronics (not all – thanks, Apple) have standardized on Micro USB connectors, so a car charger for your phone will also charge a range of other gadgets.

#16 Set up emergency lighting

Murphy’s Law says that when disaster strikes it’ll happen in the middle of the night. That’s not the time to be wondering where you put the flashlight. Make sure you have emergency lights distributed through your home where they can be quickly found and activated. Cyalume lightsticks are a good option – they’re cheap enough to place lots of them. They don’t give a lot of light, though, so have flashlights ready and battery operated lanterns in your main living spaces.

#17 Prepare your tools

Depending on what kind of emergency you’re facing, you might want to have some tools ready to deal with its aftermath. For example a storm is likely to damage or even bring down trees. If you need to clear your driveway, or fell a damaged tree that’s threatening to fall on your house, you’re going to need a chainsaw – and the skill to use it. You don’t want to be learning how to use tools in a disaster situation; master them when it’s not urgent.

#18 Do the laundry

No, this doesn’t seem like a priority. Yes, it’s a really good idea. If the power is off for a long time you’ll be glad of a supply of clean clothes – and hand washing is a real drag. The longer you can put it off the better. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get the laundry dry before the power goes off, as long as you get it clean.

#19 Stormproof your home

If heavy weather is what’s threatening you, do all you can to protect your home in advance. Clear away loose clutter outside; in a high wind it can become dangerous missiles. Clear gutters and downpipes so rain can flow off freely; blocked gutters can quickly lead to water damage. Check storm drains too, and clear out any debris.

#20 Sort some snacks

When the emergency hits, you could be pretty busy for a while. It isn’t going to be much fun if you’re hungry as well as busy, but it could be a while before you get a chance to stop and cook. Prepare some food in advance – stuff that will last without power. Sandwiches, jerky or fruit will help keep you going. A Thermos of soup will be a big morale boost through a stormy night, too. It seems like a small detail, but often in preparedness it’s the details that make the difference.

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