It can happen at any time - an emergency or disaster disrupts our day. It may be the weather, an earthquake, a medical emergency, or an act of violence. A few simple preparations can help you get through it.
Survival of the Fittest
As a walker, you have an advantage in an emergency. When transportation is disrupted, you know how far you can make it on foot. Keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes, a set of walking clothes and a rain poncho stashed in your vehicle and at your workplace. A plastic trash bag can substitute as a poncho in an emergency. Just knowing that you can easily walk 1, 5, 10 miles or more if necessary will ease your mind. Time to improve your fitness? You have come to the right place.
Walking for Absolute Beginners: Learn how to start walking.
Walk of Life 10-Week Program: Pump up your walking to increase endurance and lose fat.
First Aid Kit
Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle and at your workplace. The basic lunchbox-sized kit sold at most stores will help you mend most sprains and small cuts. Include a CPR mouth shield so you will be ready and protected to give CPR.
Communication
Make a communication and coordination plan with your loved ones. Phone service is disrupted in almost every kind of large-scale emergency. Pay phones often are kept operating while other portions of the phone grid and cell phones are down, so have coins with you and a plan on who you will contact to tell where you are. Have a site designated where you will all try to go to in case of an emergency, knowing that phones will likely be disrupted.
Food, Water and Warmth
Many kinds of weather emergencies, earthquakes, etc. can leave you without electrical power. Keep a small backpack handy in your car, house, and office that has:
- nutrition bars
- bottled water
- hat
- gloves
- fleece sweater
- flashlight
- enough cash to buy a meal or pay a cab
