It’s the holiday season! Time to gather together with family, friends and neighbors to enjoy all that is merry, bright and delicious. It is also the time of snowstorms, black ice and overloaded electrical systems. Not to be a Grinch, but the power could go out causing you to slip and fall while carrying a glass of eggnog and a tray of mini hotdogs, hitting your head on a ceramic Rudolf and making a really big mess.
These things most certainly will NOT happen ;) but If you believe the old adage that carrying your umbrella means it won’t rain, then preparing for an emergency is for you.
Why think about this at holiday time? It is the ideal time to talk with your nearest and dearest to be sure they know what the plan is if you are incapacitated or unavailable.
Here are Five Tips to Prepare for the Unexpected
- Who are your go-to people; the ones you will depend on when there is an emergency? Be sure they all know the who, what, where and how of your emergency information: who will make health and financial decisions, what your wishes are and where and how to access your important financial and legal documents.
- Is there a person who depends upon you for support, for example, an elderly person or a person with a disability? Whom should be contacted to help fill your responsibilities? Where is information relating to their care kept?
- Do you have emergency information prominently displayed and easily accessible in your home? This should include emergency contacts and important medical information such as allergies and medications. You may want to reference the Shared Care Plan for a comprehensive list of emergency information to consider.
- What about digital access? Does a key person have the access code to your cell phone and knowledge of where your passwords are stored and how to access them?
- Communicate your plan with your trusted emergency contacts, neighbors and relatives so everyone is in the loop!
Warm wishes to enjoy a SAFE and wonderful holiday season. Cheers!
