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Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

Lessons from Recent Disasters

Introduction

In the wake of recent tragedies, such as Hurricane Helen and the devastating California fires, many of us have been reminded of just how fragile life can be. These disasters left countless families displaced, forcing them to evacuate within minutes and leaving them grappling with the challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

As Professional Organizers, our mission goes beyond decluttering homes and creating functional spaces—we also help people prepare for the unexpected. Emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. And while we can’t prevent disasters, we can take steps to prepare ourselves and our families to weather them with greater safety and confidence.

table of content

  1. Introduction
  2. The Importance of Being Prepared
  3. 5 Steps to Prepare for the Unexpected
  4. How Being Prepared Can Save Your Life
  5. A Final Thought: Stay Informed, Stay Ready
  6. Conclusion

The Importance of Being

Prepared

When an emergency strikes, every second counts. Imagine needing to leave your home with just a moment’s notice—what would you take with you? Would you have everything you need?
Being prepared isn’t just about having supplies on hand; it’s about ensuring you have access to the essential information, documents, and tools that will help you stay safe and rebuild your life afterward.

Here are a few sobering facts:

  • A study by FEMA shows that 60% of Americans are not prepared for a disaster.
  • Many evacuees report that in the chaos of fleeing, they left behind critical documents such as IDs, insurance policies, and medical records.

While no one wants to think about the worst, preparing for emergencies can make an unimaginable situation just a little less overwhelming.

5 Steps to Prepare for the

Unexpected

  1. Create a Go-Bag
    A go-bag is a portable emergency kit you can grab at a moment’s notice. It should include:
  • Non-perishable food and water (enough for 3 days).
  • Flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
  • Important medications and copies of prescriptions.
  • A change of clothes, cash, and a list of emergency contacts.
  • Comfort items for children or pets.

Pro Tip: Store your go-bag in an easily accessible location, and make sure every family member knows where to find it.

  1. Safeguard Your Documents
    Your personal documents are crucial to recovering after a disaster. Birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and even digital account information should all be safeguarded.

We recommend using tools like Trustworthy to securely digitize and organize your family’s critical documents. This platform keeps everything accessible and safe, even if the originals are lost or destroyed.

  1. Prepare for Your Pets
    Don’t forget about your furry family members! Pack pet essentials, such as food, water, leashes, and vaccination records. If possible, add a favorite toy or blanket to keep them calm in stressful situations.
  2. Have a Communication Plan
    During emergencies, it’s easy to lose contact with loved ones. Create a family communication plan that includes:
  • A designated meeting spot.
  • An out-of-town emergency contact.
  • A plan for how to stay in touch if cell service is unavailable.

5. Invest in a NOK Box
The NOK Box is an invaluable resource for families. It helps you gather and organize all the documents, instructions, and wishes your next of kin (NOK) would need in case of an emergency or loss. Whether you’re planning for disaster preparedness or simply want peace of mind, this tool ensures that you and your loved ones are ready for the unexpected.

How Being Prepared Can Save Your Life

Preparation isn’t just about survival during the emergency—it’s about making the recovery process smoother. When you have your vital documents, emergency kit, and communication plan in place, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re also giving your family the tools to rebuild their lives after a disaster.

A Final Thought: Stay Informed, Stay Ready

At “Let’s Get Organized,” we’re passionate about helping you prepare not just for day-to-day life, but for life’s unpredictable moments as well. Being prepared is an act of love for yourself, your family, and your future.

If you’re unsure where to start or need help getting your emergency preparedness plan in place, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to ensure you’re ready for whatever life throws your way.

Conclusion

If you’d like guidance on creating your emergency preparedness plan or want to learn more about using tools like Trustworthy and the NOK Box, contact us today. Together, we can make sure you and your loved ones are ready for the unexpected.

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.