Being a responsible adult means having several plates to deal with on your table. From managing your home, finances, job to your family, it can be tough to keep things together. Adding life’s uncertainties to the mix make it even more demanding. However, there is a way to manage these uncertainties and reduce their damages.
Emergencies happen when you least expect them. You need to anticipate all types of possible emergencies that can happen so you can be ready for them. It’s the only way to get ahead of the situation and have control even in unforeseen events.
However, for most emergencies in life, you need the assistance and services of professionals and experts. Here are some life emergencies that you should be ready for and the people who will help get you out of the mess you are in.
Medical and Health Emergencies
You work hard to keep you and your family healthy. You take time to research for and prepare healthy and nutritious foods. Every day, you and your family never miss your exercise routine. You also never miss your regular check-ups and take your vitamins religiously as prescribed by your physician. You sleep at least eight hours a day, and you ensure that your home is clean and well-maintained. While you can do your best to reduce your risks of illnesses, you still cannot avoid some medical and health emergencies.
You must keep a clear mind when there is a medical emergency. Always have a quick “go-bag” ready should you need to rush to the nearest hospital. Having the necessary documents, such as those for your health insurance and medicare, always ready, will also make it easier for you.
Have your medical practitioner’s or specialist’s contact number saved on your phone or written in your planner always. It will also be helpful if you have your recent medications and prescriptions as well.
Another health issue that you should be ready for is dental emergencies. Nobody wants to deal with an aching tooth. Some toothaches can be so agonizing and excruciating than waiting for morning or Monday to arrive can be torture. Always have a trusted emergency dentist on your phone book who is available to help you 24/7.
Other phone numbers you should also have include poison control, your health insurance agent, and the local emergency medical services (EMS).
Car and Roadside Emergencies
Roadside emergencies can catch anyone by surprise. It can put you in a tight spot if you are not ready. Car emergencies that can happen anytime when you are on the road include engine failure, blown tires, faulty headlights, and brake failure, among many others.
You can handle some roadside mishaps, such as a blown tire if you have a spare and know how to change a tire. However, in some problems such as engine failure and faulty headlights, you will need the help of your trusted roadside assistance. Make sure to have their updated number on your phone so that you’ll have someone to call during roadside emergencies. Tow truck services can also help if you want your car to be repaired in your favorite car repair shop.
Having a roadside emergency kit is also a must whenever you go out and take your car for a ride. A roadside emergency kit usually includes jumper cables, flashlight, tire pressure gauge, emergency blanket, seatbelt cutter, and even a first aid kit.
Home Repair Emergencies
Some emergencies take place right at the comfort of your home. While some repair emergencies are simple that you can do them by yourself, such as replacing a non-functioning faucet, some repairs will need the skills of an expert.
Plumbing emergencies, for instance, can make anyone feel helpless and overwhelmed. Leaks, water heater problems, and bursting pipes warrant a call to a professional plumber as quickly as possible. Do not try to do the repairs yourself, or the problem may get worse. Ensure that you have the number of a reliable home contractor that you can call in case of emergency home repairs.
Power Blackouts
While there is nothing that you can do to prevent a blackout from happening, there are things that you can do to make the ordeal bearable for you and your family. Some blackouts are caused by natural calamities, while some are caused by equipment or generation problems. Whatever the cause is, blackouts are inconvenient to everyone.
Do not wait until there is a power blackout to act. Assess the essential things that you need electricity for. If someone in your home is dependent on electricity for life-support systems, make sure that you always have a back-up plan should the power go out.
Invest in alternative power sources and storage, such as solar power and batteries. Having stocks of non-perishable foods that do not need cooking, bottled water, and alcohol good for a week can help make surviving blackouts that last for days more manageable.
Surviving emergencies can be challenging, but ample and careful preparation can help. If you have children or seniors in your home, you must also consider their unique needs in emergencies. Being ready and proactive pays, so make sure that you include preparation for emergencies as part of your yearly home upkeep and maintenance activities.
