5 Ways Being Organized
Can Save Your Life in an Emergency
Introduction
Emergencies can strike without warning, leaving little time to think or act. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a sudden evacuation, or a personal crisis, being organized can make all the difference. Having a plan in place not only ensures your safety but also helps you and your loved ones navigate a chaotic situation with confidence and calm.
Here are five life-saving tips to help you prepare for the unexpected:
Teach Your Children
Safety Protocols
Children need to know what to do in an emergency situation. Taking the time to teach them safety protocols can save precious minutes when it matters most.
- Show them how to dial emergency numbers.
- Create and practice evacuation drills at home, so they know how to get out quickly and safely.
- Teach them how to identify safe meeting spots inside and outside the house, as well as a backup location if you’re separated.
Pro Tip: Keep instructions simple and repeat them regularly to ensure they remember what to do when stress levels are high.
Train Your Pets to Use Their
Carriers
Pets often hide when they’re scared, which can make evacuations even more challenging. By training your pets to see their carriers as a safe space, they’ll be more likely to retreat there during an emergency.
- Keep their carriers accessible and encourage them to spend time in them regularly, even during calm times.
- Use treats, toys, or blankets to make the carrier a cozy and familiar environment.
When time is of the essence, knowing your pet will head straight to their carrier can save you from the stress and delays of searching for them.
Keep Valuables in an Accessible Location
Your most important documents and valuables should be stored in a safe, easy-to-grab location in case of evacuation. This includes birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and irreplaceable sentimental items.
Using tools like the NOK Box or Trustworthy can help you keep everything organized:
- The NOK Box: A physical box designed to store all your important documents and instructions in one place.
- Trustworthy: A secure online platform that digitizes and stores your family’s critical information, ensuring you can access it from anywhere.
With everything ready to go, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can leave quickly without worrying about losing critical items.
Pack a Go-Bag
A go-bag is an essential item for emergencies, providing you with everything you need for the first 72 hours. Preparing one ahead of time ensures you’re ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Here’s what to include in your go-bag:
Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days).
Non-perishable food (enough for 3 days).
First aid kit and any essential medications.
Flashlights, batteries, and a portable phone charger.
Cash, identification, and copies of critical documents.
Comfort items for children or pets.
Store your go-bag in an easily accessible location, and make sure every family member knows where it is.
Know What Counts as Essentials
When you need to evacuate, there’s no time to second-guess what’s important. Having a prioritized list of essentials can save valuable time and reduce stress.
Essentials to focus on include:
- Critical documents and IDs.
- Prescriptions and medical devices.
- Family heirlooms or sentimental items that can’t be replaced.
- Items for children and pets, such as diapers or pet food.
- Electronics and chargers.
By deciding ahead of time what’s most important, you’ll avoid the panic of trying to pack while the clock is ticking.
Being Prepared Is an Act of Love
Taking the time to organize now can protect you and your family later. Emergencies are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. By teaching your children and pets what to do, securing your valuables, and packing a go-bag, you’re investing in your family’s safety and future
At “Let’s Get Organized,” we believe that being prepared is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. If you’re unsure where to start or need help creating your emergency preparedness plan, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Get Organized?
Contact us today to learn how we can help you prepare for life’s unexpected moments.
author
Gayle M. Gruenberg
Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD®, CVOP, is the Chief Executive Organizer of Let’s Get Organized, LLC, an award-winning professional organizing firm based in Bergen County, New Jersey. Gayle is the creator of the Make Space for Blessings™ system. LGO works with busy families to help them find more time, space, money, and energy and connect their lives to their core values through being organized.
Note: A version of this article was originally published in the November 2020 edition of 24/Seven, the magazine of the lifestyle brand Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life.