By Sarah Corcoran, Deputy Director, Pennsylvania Chapter, and Northeastern Group member.
Hurricane season this year has been brutal, and millions of people will be rebuilding for months or even years to come. Communities around Pennsylvania have banded together to collect supplies for those who have been impacted, but are we ready if a disaster comes our way? We are lucky to live in an area that doesn’t get hit by many disasters, but the number of wildfires, tornadoes and heavy storm events has been increasing over time. All of us should have some level of a safety plan in place in case something were to happen. Where would you go if you had to evacuate your home? In the event of a fire, are you prepared to get out and regroup at a safe location? How would you get out in case of a fire, and where would you meet? What supplies do you have ready to support you? What type of insurance do you have? Do you have a plan in place for your pets? Do you keep charged flashlights and battery packs ready and know where to find them? Winter is right around the corner. Do you have a plan in place if the power goes out or you go off the road while driving in snowy conditions?
This year, take the time to discuss the “what ifs” with your loved ones and consider safety-related presents for the holidays. A fire extinguisher may not be the flashiest present out there, but it shows you really care! Put together a winter car kit for those you know: emergency blankets or sleeping bags, hand warmers, extra clothes, flares, flashlights, non-perishable food, bungee cords or rope, kitty litter, jumper cables and a first aid kit. Ensure everyone has a scraper and small shovel for their car, as well. Know someone who loves to be outside? Put together an essentials kit for when they’re out and about: whistle, first aid kit, blaze orange clothing for hunting season, iodine tablets or a water purifier, snacks, a lighter or flint and steel, a battery pack for their phone or a satellite phone if they regularly go somewhere without cell service, ponchos or extra cloths and an emergency blanket or tarp. Must-have items for around the house include fire extinguishers, extra batteries and flashlights, battery banks or a generator, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and if you live in a two-story home, an emergency ladder.
Everyone deserves the gift of peace of mind this holiday season and throughout the year. Take a few moments to ensure that you and your loved ones have a plan and are prepared for whatever comes your way.
This blog was included as part of the November 2024 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!