We’ve probably all seen movies or television shows that poke fun at 9-1-1. Actors are in the heat of an emergency situation and one cries out, “Call 9-1-1,” to which another replies, “OK, what’s the number?”
Cue the slow clap for the cheesy joke.
Kristi
The truth is, though, that 9-1-1 is probably the easiest number to remember, and thank goodness it is! If you’ve ever been in an emergency situation, you know that it can be difficult to even remember your own name, let alone a ten digit phone number.
When the adrenaline gets pumping, you don’t want to have to count on your brain to think clearly, so plan ahead by having a few key things ready should you need them.
- First-aid kit. I keep one stocked at home and one in my car because I’ve found that I need bandages in all kinds of places—maybe I’m just accident prone. Include
- bandages and bandage tape
- gauze
- disinfectant and antibacterial ointment
- scissors
- tweezers
- gloves
- non-prescription medication
- Phone numbers. Even though 9-1-1 is committed to memory, you may want to have other helpful numbers on hand. Consider adding the following to your emergency contact list:
- Medical contacts. Include physician contacts for each member of your family as well as insurance contact numbers. Don’t forget to include the number to your pet’s veterinarian!
- American Red Cross. The Red Cross can get a message to your service member if overseas should an emergency arise. Call 1-877-272-7337 to send a message to your loved one or visit the Red Cross Emergency Communications Services webpage for more information.
- Utility service numbers. Should a power outage occur, you’ll want to have the number handy so you can report the outage.
- Close family members and friends. Since we have cell phones that store important numbers for us, we don’t necessarily need to remember anyone’s phone number anymore. Should you lose your phone or you phone battery dies and you’re unable to charge it, a hard copy of relatives’ phone numbers can ensure that you’ll stay in contact.
- Installation numbers. Include your family readiness officer and emergency or weather hotline if available.
- Important documents. Keep documents, like birth and marriage certificates, contracts and deeds, passports, social security cards, insurance policies and wills, account numbers, medical information (like blood types and allergies for each family member), and medical records in a locked, portable container. The container should be secure, but make sure you know where the key is for quick access in a pinch.
- Basic survival supplies. If you live in a region that could be affected by natural disasters, you may want to keep a few essentials on hand, especially during the peak season. For example, if you live along a coast or on an island, stock up at the start of hurricane or typhoon season. Essentials in your kit may include the following:
- bottled water
- non-perishable food items
- can opener
- matches
- battery operated radio
- cash
- fire extinguisher
- scissors or a utility knife and basic tools
Much of this information or emergency supplies can be kept in your home. However, it might be beneficial to keep portable versions in your car or in your wallet. A page of important phone numbers can be conveniently stored in your wallet, and a first-aid kit takes up hardly any room in your car. Certain items, like those from the basic survival supplies list, may not need to be hauled around during normal daily activities. If you’re venturing out on a road trip, especially during the harsh winter months (sound refreshing to anyone else right about now?) or in the extreme heat, you may want some of these supplies with you.
Not to sound pessimistic, but there are roughly 1,001 things that could happen on any given day. I bring this up not to initiate a panic, but to remind you that it’s impossible to be completely prepared for every possible situation. All you can do is be as prepared as possible. Hopefully you’ll never need to crack open your organized emergency supplies, but if the need arises, you’ll be glad you’ve done your homework!