Quick Tip: Be Prepared

Last year, it was Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in the Gulf Coast and Florida. This year, it’s been tornados in Tennessee and Oklahoma. And firestorms in the Southwest.

These events should be reminders that no matter where you live, you’re at risk from some sort of natural disaster.

The best way to handle the effects of any natural disaster is to be prepared for it. However, according to emergency preparedness experts, fewer than 5% of people have disaster supplies put aside and disaster plans thought out.

What does emergency planning have to do with your success as a freelance copywriter? You can be sure that when disaster strikes, if you’re prepared, you’ll have your business up and running again in no time.

Here’s what the Red Cross recommends you keep on hand:

• first-aid kit and all essential medications
• canned food and a can opener. (or MREs – Meals Ready to Eat)
• at least three gallons of water per person
• protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags
• battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members
• written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water – if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
• essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside

For more details, go to: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster and click “Be Prepared” in the upper left-hand corner.