After a recent storm, we got a phone from the neighbor about half a mile to the west of us. She asked if we had seen the roof of her barn. Later, we found parts of that roof in our timber, among the splintered trees and branches that had crashed to the ground. My heart started racing, and I knew it was time to check our emergency gear. After all, preparation equals peace.
I was grateful that no one was hurt in the storm, and none of the trees (or barn roofs) brought down a power line. Still, I needed to be confident that we were prepared for the next emergency.
Preparation Equals Peace
Immediately after cleaning up the downed trees in our yard, I began preparing the emergency supplies our family might need. While lots of websites provide lists of first-aid and emergency suggestions, people living a disability adventure need to consider their unique needs. Why not take a few minutes to be sure you’re ready for *almost* anything? In addition to basic emergency supplies, here are a few things we always have on hand:
We post a list of Kyra’s medications inside a cupboard door in the kitchen, and all her meds, measuring supplies, and syringes are in one basket so it’s easy to grab and go.
We don’t like clogging up landfills and oceans with plastic bottles, but having several days’ worth of water available in easy-to-access bottles is essential. And, if you use a feeding tube, it is absolutely necessary to have adequate reserves of food on hand at all times. Although we cook and blend most of Kyra’s food, having pouches of Real Food Blends available in a pinch gives me peace of mind. In addition, a bottle of water, a pouch of Real Food Blends, and spare g-tube tubing and syringes always travel with Kyra.
I keep a “portable feeding tube kitchen” in a duffle bag that’s ready to go at all times. It includes spare g-tube tubing and syringes, a personal-size blender, mini-strainer, spoon, can opener, hot pot, 4-cup plastic measuring bowl and a roll of paper towels. If we don’t have access to a shelf-stable feeding tube meal, we can grab something like canned soup, blend it up, and have a make-shift meal in a minute.
We keep emergency phone numbers for doctors, specialists, and family members printed out and available in Kyra’s backpack. Should her communication device fail, or our smartphones conk out, someone should still be able to find emergency assistance for her.
What supplies would help you through an emergency? Get them together NOW, and ease your mind. At least a little bit.
Peace,
Sara & Kyra
