As the latest wave of COVID-19 rolls through Michigan again, I’m thinking about how long this pandemic will last. Did any of us ever think it would continue for over a year? I certainly didn’t. I’m ready for it this time though. I’ve made sure the items I used from my emergency supplies last year have been replaced.
Having an emergency plan leaves me feeling a bit more secure in these uncertain times. It wasn’t that long ago that we were all sent home from work the first time because COVID was such a threat. Now that it’s rearing its ugly head again, I’m better prepared. I have a supply of masks on hand, and lots of hand sanitizer, but the main thing now is that I know what to expect. We all have been here before. We know about social distancing and how to sanitize the things we touch. We’re familiar with putting those masks on before we go into public places, and we take care to monitor how we’re feeling every day so we don’t expose others.
That kind of planning can make a hard time feel a little more manageable. When you have a plan, you do not have to make every decision in the moment. That can help lower stress. It can also save time if the power goes out, roads close, or you need to stay home for a few days. A simple plan may include a place to keep supplies, a list of important phone numbers, and a way to check on family, friends, or neighbors.
Pandemics aren’t the only threat though. It’s naive to think that we are immune to other disaster scenarios simply because we’re already embroiled in one. Winter is approaching quickly and brings with it high winds, possible power outages, snowstorms, and ice storms that can wreak havoc on our lives. While I don’t worry about what may happen, I do try to prepare ahead of time for it.
Winter weather can create problems fast. High winds can bring down branches or power lines. Snow and ice can make it hard to drive or even get out the door. A power outage can also affect heat, lights, charging phones, cooking, and medical equipment. That is why it helps to think through what you would do before the storm hits. For some people, that may mean knowing where to go if they need warmth or help. For others, it may mean making sure flashlights, batteries, and blankets are easy to find.
There are many steps you can take to improve your safety. Having extra food and water on hand in case we get snowed in is a good idea. How often have we faced huge storms in the past that left us sitting home for several days?
It does not take a huge stockpile to be more ready. A few days of food you can eat without much cooking can be a big help. Think about items like canned soup, peanut butter, crackers, fruit cups, or other foods that do not need much prep. Water matters too. If you use a lot of water each day, try to set aside some extra. If you have pets, remember them as well. A little planning now can help you avoid a rush to the store during bad weather.
At this time of year, flooding isn’t a big threat. With everything frozen, there isn’t much chance of finding water in the basement, but it will be back again, come spring. For now, we have high winds to watch out for, fires, and power outages. Those are the most likely scenarios we’ll be facing over this winter, along with the pandemic.
Even if flooding is not the main worry right now, it is still smart to keep basic emergency items together. A small bin or bag with supplies can help you act faster. You may want to keep medications, a charger, a flashlight, a spare blanket, and copies of important papers in one place. If you use medical devices or need help with daily tasks, it is also wise to think about backup plans. If the power goes out, how will you stay warm? If you need to leave home, what will you take?
Taking the time to make a plan for how you’ll respond during an emergency is a wise move. Stock up on some extra food and water, keep a supply of your medications on hand so you’ll have them if the weather locks you in for a few days, and make sure you take extra precautions for staying safe during this holiday season.
For people with disabilities, emergency planning can also include access needs. You may want to think about transportation, communication, and personal care. If you use a wheelchair, walker, or other equipment, consider how you would move if roads are blocked or if you need to leave home quickly. If you use hearing aids, glasses, or communication tools, keep backups if you can. If you need help from a support person, make sure that person knows your plan too.
It can help to write down a few simple steps:
- Keep your emergency supplies in one easy-to-reach place.
- Charge your phone when the weather may turn bad.
- Have a list of emergency contacts.
- Check your medications before winter storms.
- Know where you can go if you need heat, shelter, or help.
- Check on neighbors, family, or friends when it is safe to do so.
Holiday plans matter too. This season often brings more travel, more visitors, and more time away from home. That can make it easier to forget basic safety steps. Before you go out, look at the weather. Dress for the cold. Make sure your phone is charged. If you are hosting family or friends, think about what you would need if the weather got worse and everyone had to stay longer than planned.
For many people, one of the hardest parts of an emergency is not knowing where to start. Breaking the job into small steps can make it easier. Start with one drawer, one shelf, or one bag. Then move on to food, water, medicine, and important papers. You do not need to do everything in one day. A little work now can make a big difference later.
This winter be prepared. For more information on making your emergency preparedness plan, contact Disability Network/Lakeshore at 616-396-5326. DNL’s services are free, and we can help you think through your emergency needs and other disability-related concerns.
Disability Network Lakeshore is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, Michigan. If you need support with emergency readiness, information and referral, or other independent living services, we are here to help.