Emergency Preparedness  Continued From Page 29


Know Life-Saving Skills


If someone asked you ”What’s your post- apocalyptic skill?”, your answer should not be


that you have mastered how to ”duet” with Lizzo’s current dance on TikTok. (While that IS a great skill, they will not be much help if the power-grid goes down.)


Learn basic first aid, CPR, how and where to turn off utilities—especially natural gas—in your home and neighboring areas.


Take the time now to learn things like: basic first aid, CPR, how and where to turn off utilities—especially natural gas— in your home and neighboring areas. It may not be as much fun as singing along with Lizzo…, ”Feelin fussy, walkin’ in my Balenci-ussy’s to bring out the Fab-U-Lous,” but it can certainly save a life.


Check with local authorities and first responders to see if your area has a Community Emergency Response Team. CERT training can be found at: ready.gov/community- emergency-response-team


Check with local authorities and first responders to see if your area has a Community Emergency Response Team.


Check Your Insurance Coverage


”Needing insurance is like needing a parachute. If it isn’t there the first time, chances are you won’t need it again.” —attributed to Every Insurance Agent Everywhere. Discuss with your agent the


appropriate coverage for your area’s disaster risk and be sure your coverage is adequate for those needs. Keep the


30 Community Associations Journal | September 2022


policy numbers and claims department phone number with the rest of your emergency documents.


Insurance is like a parachute. If it isn’t there the first time, you probably won’t need it again.


Emergency Finances


Keeping a modest stash of cash in the home in the event of emergency evacuation is recommended.


It is best to keep home cash reserves in small bills, as it may not be possible to make change for larger bills in an emergency. Helpful information regarding financial preparedness is online: ready.gov/financial-preparedness


Preparations can be made incrementally by picking ONE thing that you can do right now and do it first. Check—or put together—the first aid kit. Be sure you have spare emergency lighting, as well as spare batteries.


Be sure you have spare emergency lighting, as well as spare batteries.


Pack a ”Go-Bag”


Lastly, have a go-bag. Keep it accessible, and close to—but not blocking—an exit. Have one


for your pets as well. Be sure your bag contains emergency supplies, hygiene items and a spare change of clothing.


Be sure your bag contains emergency supplies, hygiene items and a change of clothes.


WSCAI is hosts an annual Emergency Preparedness Webinar. If you were unable to attend the free webinar on September eighth, you can email tara.matthews@wscai.org to request the recording.


Additional information about National Preparedness Month can also be found at: www.ready.gov.


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