Mister Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

You, like all of us, are experiencing strange times with the markets and the spread of COVID-19. With the timeline still unknow as to when this will pass, it is difficult to be the helper if you need help yourself (remember Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs from Psychology 101 anyone?). There are still things you can do to help protect yourselves. Here are a few tips on emergency preparedness from the National Institutes of Health.

  • Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days by putting together an emergency kit, including:  non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a portable, battery-operated radio or television, batteries, medicines, anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel, first aid kit, money, seasonal clothing, and sanitation supplies.
  • Conduct practice drills so you and your family know the safe locations in your home for each type of emergency.  Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated.
    Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that separated family members can call to report their whereabouts and conditions.
  • Learn first aid and CPR from your local Red Cross chapter or other community organizations.
  • Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged.
    Make sure insurance coverage is up-to-date and reflects present property values. Check on flood insurance.
  • Compile an inventory of home contents. Take pictures and/or video. Store in a safe place.
  • Check chimneys, roofs, walls and foundations for stability. Make sure your house is bolted to its foundation.
  • Secure your water heater and major appliances, as well as tall, heavy furniture, hanging plants, picture frames and mirrors (especially those over beds).
  • Make arrangements for pets.
  • Organize your neighborhood to be self-sufficient after a disaster.

We hope you are one of those who already has this checked off this list. If not, hopefully you are able to use this to better prepare yourself. We are lucky to live in a day when the internet and speedy shipping delivery has made this social distancing experience bearable. We wish you all the best during these difficult times.