Emergency Preparedness Important Checklist

This is a great checklist provided by the City of Houston.  www.readyhoustontx.gov

With the COVID-19 pandemic right now, it would have been a good idea to use this list on the right of the page to help prepare for your family for staying in place.    The list includes masks, disinfectants, and other things that help keep you safe.

The list on the left side of the page give you a sampling of what can be found in All They'll Need to Know.    If you had AT LEAST the things listed here, you'd have more than most people do.  

We have a friend who went to the emergency room on April 1, testing positive for COVID-19.  During his two week stay, his wife wasn't allowed to be with him, and in the end, he passed away.  She's been going through paperwork since April 14th, trying to get his affairs settled.

I have another friend who is battling cancer, and although she received her diagnosis in November 2019, just two weeks ago she started failing fast, and doctors told her to get her affairs in order.  I was there earlier this week to witness documents being signed by her to help her family during their deepest time of stress and transition.   

In speaking to groups about the importance of having this information in one place, I've actually had people say, "Oh, I don't need to do that.  I have a will.  Besides, when I'm gone, I'm gone.  My spouse can figure it out."    What do you say to that person who is so insensitive that he just doesn't care about the mess he/she is leaving for their spouse?

This isn't just about dying, though.  There are lots of reasons we may have to evacuate our homes, and if you ever have to do that, because of ensuing wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, or flooding, it is important that you have this information in your 72 hour kit so you can carry it out with you.  When it's time to file claims, you're going to need all the information you can get your hands on.