Frugal Advice from Patrick J. Beaird

Be Prepared for Emergencies

For those of you who are/were Scouts (Girls or Boys) I'm sure you remember the moto "Be Prepared". Living that moto when it comes to life changing emergencies from tornadoes and winter storms to pandemic flu is a must!

Take some time to think through and research the idea of emergency preparedness realistically while being careful not to panic or sluff it off as unimportant. It doesnt have to be about building a bunker, maintaining insurance is an act of preparation for a possible emergency need, be it a car crash, fire or illness and something millions find necessary and this should be no different.

Keep these key points in mind for frugal preparation that will help ensure your families well-being.

  • Check out www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY for helpful information compiled by the federal government.
  • Look for Emergency Preparedness information provided by your state by searching the web and/or visiting your local library.
  • Plan out your preparation efforts. For instance, save milk cartons, wash them well and fill them over time as apposed to going out and buying dozens of bottles of water.
  • Create a list of necessities and pick them up as they go on sale.
  • Communicate details of your planning with the family members. Both those living with you as well as those various distances away.
  • Look for additional value for your everyday life. For instance, maintaining supplies of extra food and household items in a well organized manner can add convenience to you life as well as save money. Buy extras when on sale, and rotate your stocks as needed.
  • Write down the your family preparedness plans, supplies on hand, locations of supplies, key phone numbers, addresses and other contact information, etc., make copies of this information and place them in areas where the information will be valuable in an emergency.

Your forethought will determine your comfort in the event of an emergency and may very well save your life!

I answer select questions and share experiences and tips through my articles. Feel free to write me at: patrickbeaird@yahoo.com or Patrick Beaird, P.O. Box 9203, Springfield, IL, 62791



Copyright 2007 Patrick Beaird