Tag: preparedness

Strengthen the shield of safety around your household

Strengthen the shield of safety around your household

Every family wants to feel safe and secure in their own home. But, unfortunately, the world we live in today isn’t as secure as it used to be. From natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes to man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks and cyber-crime, families must have a plan in place to protect themselves from any potential danger. Here are some useful tips on how you can strengthen the shield of safety around your household and keep your family safe.

Practice fire safety

In case of a fire emergency, practice an escape plan with your family, so everyone knows what to do. Install smoke detectors throughout the house and ensure they’re always properly functioning. Have a working fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location in the house and ensure that everyone is trained to use it. Ensure your family knows the phone number of their local fire station and knows any relevant emergency numbers they may need in the event of a fire.

Secure your home against intruders

Install security cameras to monitor your home and property. Make sure all external doors are fitted with strong deadbolts or security screens. Motion-activated security spotlights can also help deter would-be intruders and alert you to any activity on your property. Ensure that all house windows are secure and that any exterior lights near entry points are working properly at night so potential intruders cannot hide in the shadows.

Prepare for natural disasters

It’s important to be prepared for natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes etc. Have a plan outlining what steps should be taken if an emergency arises. Put together a disaster supply kit with enough food, water and medical supplies to last your family at least three days. Make sure you know where safe zones in your area are located and that you have a communication plan, so everyone knows how to stay in touch if separated during an emergency.

Be aware of cyber-crime

The internet can be used for good, but it can also be used for bad. Cyber-crime has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and families need to take precautions to protect themselves from potential risks online. Install anti-virus software on all computers and ensure they are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Teach your children about the dangers of giving out personal information online, such as passwords, pin numbers or credit card details and make sure they understand the importance of being aware with whom they are communicating.

These are just a few steps families can take to help fortify their safety and security. Being prepared is the key to protecting yourself and your loved ones in times of danger, so make sure you’ve taken all necessary precautions to ensure your family remains safe and secure. By following these tips, you can provide peace of mind knowing that you’ve done everything possible to create a shield of safety to keep your home and family safe from harm.

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Preparing in case of flooding

Preparing in case of flooding | H is for Home

Flooding can be disastrous for properties and can lead to long-term problems for home-owners. The recent disruption in the UK from flooding proves the need for homes and businesses across the country to prepare for serious issues in case of future deluges. In the following, we’ll showcase the ways in which you can protect your property in case rainfall leads to destruction.

Find out if your home is at risk of flooding

Before buying or renting a new property you should find out if it is at risk of flooding. Once you know how high the risk is, you can decide if you’re willing to take it or if you’d prefer to move into a home that isn’t so susceptible. Whatever you choose, it’s important that you’re aware of the risks of flooding to your home so that you know how high the chances are of you having to evacuate.

Illustration of a house under an umbrella

Insure your property

Make sure that your home insurance policy has included flood protection so that, in the event of any flood damage, you’ll be covered and able to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. Use a price comparison site to explore the most cost effective solutions on the market and find the cover and price that’s right for you and your home.

Check your drains

To ensure that rainwater runs off your property and doesn’t lead to structural damage to your roof and exterior walls, make sure that your drains are working properly. If you do notice any problems, then you should work with a drainage specialist. You can find support in every area of the UK; for instance, if you’re based in the South East there’s Drain Detectives who’s available to answer your requests 24/7 which is perfect if there ever is an emergency. A company like this can clear any blockages and make sure that your drains work efficiently and will protect your property during heavy or prolonged rainfall.

Illustration of a window with a flower in a pot on the sill

Install quality windows and doors

When water gets to your property it will seep through any gaps, so make sure that your windows and doors are secure and don’t have any holes around the edges. Should you notice that the sealant around your windows is failing, or that your doors have shrunk in their frames, then work with a professional to ensure that the issue gets remedied and your home is secure if flood water were to arrive.

Raise your sockets and electrical outlets

Reduce the risk of electrical damage and injury should flood water enter your home by raising your electrical sockets and any outlets. This will mean that if only a small amount of water covers your floor, then your electrical outlets will be safe, and you’ll have less damage to deal with when you’re able to return to your property.

Illustration of a garden with a picket fence, flowers and tree

Use your garden to protect your home

Gardens can soak up a lot of rainwater and potentially help to ensure that your home stays safe in case of flooding, but only if they’re designed properly. Plant and lay out your garden to ensure that water is able to run away from your property and that plants and soil will soak up some of the excess water. This will not only help to prevent flooding in case of an emergency, but also reduce your garden’s chance of becoming waterlogged.

Remember flood prevention when you renovate

During any remodelling work, make sure that you consider how the changes you’re working on will be affected in case of flooding and how your refurbishments could potentially protect your home from damage caused by flooding. Communicate with your builder to work out how you can adapt your renovation work to include flood prevention measures.

Packed emergency bag of supplies

Ensure you know where everything is

In the event of an emergency you’ll need to switch off all power supplies and grab any vital paperwork and essential items, so make sure that you always know where everything is kept. Put all your paperwork in a specific place that’s easy to access just in case you need to grab it in a hurry. If you have dependants like children or pets, make sure their essential possessions are kept together and are easy for you to fetch if you need to relocate quickly and get your family to safety.

Get flood prevention solutions

Products such as sandbags can be used to absorb and dispel water from around your doorways, so in the event of severe flooding make sure that you have a ready supply of them. Use towels to block up toilets so that if lots of water does come into your home, it will be obstructed by the towels from coming up through your toilet.

Cartoon of man getting children prepared for an emergency

Make an emergency plan

Should the worst happen, and your home is hit by flooding, make sure that you have an emergency plan in place so that you and your loved ones know what to do and are as prepared as possible. Check government guidelines on what you need to do in case of a flood, and keep an eye on the social media accounts and websites of your local council and emergency services providers so that you can see any warnings as soon as they’re posted. This proactive approach will ensure that you’re ready to get everyone to safety in the case of serious flooding.

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5 things you need to do to get your life (and death) in order

5 things you need to do to get your life (and death) in order | H is for Home #law #legal #preparedness

Justin has developed a serious phobia about flying over recent years and I think it’s rubbed off on me somewhat. Moreover, it’s good to know that it can easily be overcome with self hypnosis because such anxieties are extremely excessive and irrational. Before I flew to Trinidad earlier this year (without Justin, I went with my dad) we thought it was a good time to finally get around to writing our wills. We’d put off doing it for years… for no reason in particular, just the usual ’round to it’ excuse. However, having just turned 50 – and with a 9-hour transatlantic flight on the horizon, the time seemed expedient.

Many people don’t want to think or talk about mortality and death; they find it gory, pessimistic, embarrassing or morbid. So, when we were approached by SunLife to write an article about funeral plans, we saw it as an opportunity to broach this sometimes uncomfortable subject with our readers. Here are some of the important steps to be taken to get your life (and death) in order.

Red siren illustration

In case of emergency

We’ve all heard the advice about always wearing clean underwear in case you get run over and need to be taken to hospital. But seriously, what if you do get run over or have some other medical emergency when you’re on your own?

I have a fairly new model iPhone where you can input ‘in case of emergency’ information. If you go to Settings→Emergency SOS you can insert the names & numbers of emergency contact people. You can also type in medical information such as any conditions you may have, medications you’re taking, any allergies, your blood type and whether you’re an organ donor.  Even if your phone has a passcode, this information will be accessible if someone taps the emergency button on the home screen.

Justin’s iPhone is an older model that doesn’t have Emergency SOS settings. However, there are a number of apps (most free) on iOS and Android that serve the same purpose.

Organ donation formcredit

Organ donation

From spring 2020, adults in England will need to opt out of organ donation. Prior to that though, you’ll need to register and let those nearest to you know of your wishes. I’ve chosen to be an organ donor. I signed up online and I carry a donor card in my purse. I’ve also told Justin and my parents that I’m registered.

Power of attorney typed out on paper in a typewriterNick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 ImageCreator

Power of attorney

Power of attorney is a legal written document given by one person or party to another authorising the latter to make decisions on behalf of and act for the former. There are currently two types that can be issued; ordinary and lasting power of attorney.

Ordinary is sufficient for occasions where you’ll be out of the country or in hospital for extended periods of time during which financial decisions may need to be made in your absence. Lasting will be needed in cases where there is dementia and other ongoing, permanent mental or physical incapacities.

Last will and testament papers

Will

You’re never too young to begin thinking about a will. Actually, that’s not true; you can legally make a will from the age of 18. If you draw one up at this age, there’s nothing stopping you updating it as you get older and your circumstances evolve and change. You want to ensure that your assets and your precious belongings (which includes beloved pets) are looked after and are passed to the people and institutions of your choosing.

There are a few different types of wills; single, mirror wills (for couples), trust wills, living wills. There’s a lot of information available online which will help you decide the best option for you. If you’re over 55, you can get free professional help during Free Wills Month (which is every March) to write or update your will.

Men in suits carrying a white coffin

Funeral plans

Do your loved ones know whether you want to be buried or cremated? Do they know if you want a church service? What about flowers or a cortège? You can create a document giving your clear instructions and requests about words to be read, music to be played, attire to be worn by you and the attendees and anything else you think is important.

Small desktop safe

And finally

Inform family members or your planned executor of where you’ve stored all your important documents and information. It’s essential to keep original copies of these together in a secure fire- & waterproof strong box or safe. Also to be included are financial papers such as bank statements, tax returns, ISAs, stocks & shares certificates, house and/or land deeds, birth certificate, adoption papers, marriage/civil partnership certificate, divorce decree absolute/civil partnership final order etc.

Have you done anything yet about life and death plans? Be willing to bring up the topic in conversation and also start preparing for any eventuality!

Putting practical survival preparations in place

Putting practical survival preparations in place | H is for Home

In the modern world, we rarely think about our survival from day to day. It’s uncommon for us to be lost in the jungle, or find ourselves in true life-or-death scenarios from day to day. We don’t have to hunt for our food or graze for berries, aside from a cold spell now and then we rarely have to contend with the temperature, and unless you live in an area known for dramatic weather shifts or other unfortunate precedents, most of us will never encounter a natural disaster.

In other words, compared to those that lived in history, most of us have it pretty easy in first world societies. Even so, putting practical survival preparations in place can be a worthwhile consideration. Of course, nothing is likely to happen, but maybe you want to ensure that IF something happens, you have the ability to protect yourself. You may have seen one too many disaster movies, or you simply wish to take back control of your potential. The thing is, you needn’t have to justify yourself in taking an interest here, no matter if you’re a fully committed ‘doomsday prepper’ or you wish you had a little more utility just in case something goes wrong.

Let’s cater to this latter mindset. Consider our blackout advice here, and also this following set of survival ideals:

Storage facility with '3' on the door

Simple storage

It can be quite beneficial to have self storage options available to you. You might decide to bring camping gear here, a range of tools, and sometimes even documents you wish to keep private from your household. Valuables you wish to keep and lack attic or basement space for can also be kept for long periods of time here, especially considering the low cost required for keeping the space, and the confidentiality with which it’s treated.

It can also be worthwhile to keep your collectable, valuable items here. You never know when you might need to sell them when trying to raise emergency cash. For example, let’s say you’ve been locked out of your property due to familial tensions. It might be that having some items of value in your self-storage can help you gain the funding needed to move on and set yourself up appropriately. A private storage solution can be more important than you know, even if it’s simply a place utilised to keep your weather emergency gear. Don’t localise everything in your home.

Pounds sterling in notes and coins

Hidden money

It sounds dramatic, but having a hidden £500 that no one else knows about can help you get out of a sticky situation. It might even save your life. Of course, there’s no reason to have a thick wad of cash under your blankets as if you’re some kind of entry-level criminal, but simply knowing where funding could remain for you if you are locked out of your accounts could be extremely useful. Remember, this isn’t preparing for what will happen, but what could happen. Too often we completely rely on our digital accounts, not realising that there are several systems in place that could disconnect us from our savings if the worst happened. With a small quantity of cash, you’ll know that you have some wriggle room if an issue does occur.

First aid box with various contentson display outside

Car survival kit

It can be important to keep a car survival kit at the ready. A simple set of tools, torch, rope, blankets, non-perishable food and distilled water could help you if unexpectedly trapped in your car. If it’s legal in your area, a flare gun might also help you signal attention if you desperately need it. It might sound overboard, but a little survival booklet can also help you plan for the future. A second, cheap mobile phone with a credited SIM card can also help you make contact if your regular smart phone runs out of juice. A first aid kit is always important and can be kept in the glove compartment. Also, ensure car maintenance tools & equipment are handy; jump leads, spare tyre, jack and spanners.

Person holding a key in the palm of their hand

Social support

Having somewhere to go if something happens can potentially help you out of a jam. This might be a sibling’s flat, or perhaps a long-standing friend’s place. Perhaps you’ve come to an arrangement where you’re afforded a spare key to your friend’s home allowing you to spend the night in a secure place if needed. Also, drawing up an action plan with your family can help you ensure that if something goes wrong, you can find each other quite easily. Simply knowing each other’s movements is an essential element here.

With these tips, you’re sure to put practical preparations in place, even though we hope you never have to consider them.

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