Our power just came back on Day 11, following Hurricane Ike.  More are still without electricity.  It makes you appreciate the small things.  This definitely provides reinforcement for the designation of September as National Preparedness Month.  

As the storm was approaching in the gulf, I wrote up a checklist of what I would need to take in the event of a quick evacuation, both on a business and personal level.  Thirty minutes or an hour before an emergency exit is not the best time to focus on details.  If our home and businesses were damaged, what would I need to have with me for work?  

My minimal business checklist was:

• Laptop
• Air card from my phone provider for internet access
• Mobile printer
• Cell phone
• Chargers for everything
• Small voltage converter for automobile use
• Bank checks
• Full tank of gas

The next section was a list of basic clothing and personal items, followed by notes on what needed to be done inside the house before taking off.

Fortunately I did not have to make use of the checklist but it was good to know that I had a quick reference when needed.  There are many areas of your life where having a checklist (not a “ToDo” list) would be helpful, such as preparing for travel or even a checklist for cleaning your house, especially if the duties are shared among family members.

The goal of National Preparedness Month is to encourage us to take basic steps in advance of emergencies in businesses, schools, and homes.   The proclamation states, “Protecting homeland and citizens is the shared responsibility of the entire Nation.  Individuals can prepare themselves and their families by taking simple steps such as organizing an emergency supply kit, making a personal preparedness plan, becoming informed about different threats, and getting involved in preparing their community.”

Hopefully you will never have to rely on the preparations, but knowing you have them and are ready for emergencies can help in many diverse areas of your life.