It’s that time of year – Austin is about to experience freezing temperatures and colder days. National Weather Service forecasters say that temperatures will get as low as 30 degrees next week and if previous winter weather emergencies have you feeling anxious, we’re here to help.
Planning for emergencies can feel daunting, but the key to being prepared is to take it one step at a time. Here are some essentials to get started:
Basic Emergency Supplies
The most simple items are often the most essential in an emergency, but that means it’s also the best place to start.
🩹 First Aid Kit
Most local home improvement and outdoor stores carry kits with necessities like bandages and ointments. The American Red Cross sells kits and manuals for specific situations like CPR, lifeguarding, bodily trauma, and more — I always keep one of their emergency preparedness kits in my car. My Medic also has great kits that you can customize or purchase pre-packed.
Prefer the DIY route? Check the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready website for how to build your own emergency supplies kit.
🥫 Food & Water
According to the National Safety Council, a home emergency supply kit should have three days worth of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days. Beyond the basics, Readywise specializes in emergency food supplies. They even have freeze-dried coffee.
➕ Bonus tip: Pick up a few extra camping food packs next time you’re shopping for new hiking gear — they make for good rations in a pinch.
🐖 Emergency Fund
Saving money can feel like an impossibility these days, but putting aside as little as $10 a week can make a difference. Get started with financial tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
💉 Overdose Reversal Medications
Opioid overdoses have risen sharply in recent years. Medications like Naloxone and Nalmefene, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, can help save someone’s life during an overdose. Naloxone can be purchased directly through the manufacturer’s website or through a local retailer.
⛑️ CPR Certification
Browse CPR and first aid classes through the American Red Cross.
Feeling prepared ahead of freezing weather can soothe concerns. Let us know if these tips were helpful! Stay bundled!
