Many of you live in areas that have been hit hard with snow, ice and freezing temperatures this winter. Some of you may also have gone through hurricanes, tornadoes, loss of electricity or any number of emergencies.

Are you prepared for them? I’m a firm believer in the Scouting pledge – Always be Prepared!

Here are some tips that may help you through the next crisis.

Action Plan

1. Be Prepared. Do you have supplies in your home in case of a potential situation? We have a section in our pantry where we have placed items in case of an emergency: a radio, flashlight, water, a first aid kit and food. It is located under our stairs and is the only safe place in our home in case of a tornado since we don’t have a basement. You may also want to have a flashlight in every bedroom in case the electricity goes out.

Also, be prepared in your car. If you live in cold weather states, you should always have a “breakdown kit” in your car: extra blankets, flashlight, water/food, cat litter for ice, perhaps even a flash light with a flasher on it. Also, keep your car full of gas at all times. Fill up when you have only ¼ of a tank left.

2. Be Informed. Right now, check your cell phone and make sure you have all emergency numbers you may need. You don’t want to be searching for these if a crisis hits. Then, write them down and put that list in your car in case your lose power on your cell. If your children are traveling or have after school plans, make sure you always have those numbers. If a storm comes quickly, you will want to have every person and phone number with you.

Also, keep informed by checking the news, weather reports. Take any risk seriously.

3. Be Proactive. Try not to panic or rush into action but when a situation arises act quickly. If you hear of a snow storm or tornado sightings, ask your boss if you can go home now. Those who waited in Atlanta a few weeks ago ended up stranded on the highway for almost twenty hours.

4. Be Safe. In case you can’t get home, find the nearest place where you can be safe. When we are in an emergency, we need to act smart, act safe and be ready to be flexible with whatever is happening.

5. And Pray! Keep God right beside you. He will keep you calm and show you the way you should go.

Manna from Heaven

“But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” Ps. 3:3

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for thou alone, O Lord, doest make me to dwell in safety.” Ps. 4:8