Disaster’s in faraway places is bad enough…we don’t really like to think them. Perhaps it plays on our own fears of going through one ourselves.

Chances are good, though, that everyone of us will suffer from a disaster at some point. There are a number of steps we can take to prepare against such an event. Statistics show that those who are prepared have a much higher chance of survival.

While it’s impossible to prepare for every possible situation, there are a number of basics are important in every case.

Take this quiz to see how prepared you are.

1. How much water per day does the average adult use?
2. How much of that is for drinking?
3. How much water is needed to avoid dehydration?
4. What’s the first sign of dehydration?
5. What is the average length of time that the water supply is cut off during and after a disaster?
6. How much water should you store?
7. Do you have adequate water for all of your needs (not just drinking?)
8. How many calories do you need per day for optimal energy (remember that during an emergency it may be necessary to increase your physical activity)?
9. Do you have enough food stored?
10. How about clothing – do you have at least one change of clothing set aside?
11. Do you have a plan for shelter?
12. Do you have enough fuel – both for warmth and for traveling?
13. Are your emergency supplies easily accessible so that you can grab them on a moment’s notice?
14. How about your home – have you inspected it for cracks or other opening in which water can enter?
15. Do you have a little stash of money set aside?
16. If you take medicine, have you included that in your emergency kit?
17. Do you have a battery operated radio? (Important to get news updates.)
18. Do you have extra batteries in your supplies?
19. Do you have matches or a lighter?
20. Have you included a flashlight?
21. Do you have a fully-charged cell phone?
22. Do you have quick access to blankets?
23. Have you made a family plan for evacuation?
24. Do you have a place to meet family members?
25. Do you have quick access to essential phone numbers?

While this list is not comprehensive, it is a good place to start. Most of us are not as prepared as we can be. This doesn’t mean that we should go purchase everything that we need all at once. What’s important though, is that we work on it as we can.

Wishing you the best with your preparation,

The HiCaliber Team.

P.S. If you have questions or comments about emergency preparedness, please leave a comment, or you can contact us via email at les@hicaliber.biz, call us at 435-674-9338, or toll-free at 800-492-6333. To see a list of what emergency services we offer, please check out these pages. Home Inspections, Fire Damage Restoration, Smoke Damage, Water Damage Restoration

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