Odds say that you will face at least one of these emergency situations in your life. If you take the time to prepare yourself now, it will make dealing with the emergency much easier – after all, Benjamin Franklin was right when he said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Here are four common emergencies that many people have to deal with every day, and an explanation of what you can do now to prepare yourself and your family in case they affect you in the future:
A Flat Tire or Blowout
Cars are complex machines, meaning that there are a lot of different parts in your vehicle that could potentially break and cause an issue. One of the most common issues that drivers face on the road is a flat tire (because tires are in constant contact with the road, they are more vulnerable to issues than other parts of the car).
To prevent tire problems, make sure that you check your tire pressure and rotate your tires regularly, and replace tires that begin to look worn. If you hear a tire pop or suddenly lose control while driving, get a firm grip on the steering wheel and apply the brakes slowly. Pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights so that you can change your tire or call someone for assistance.
A Severe Storm
As we’ve already mentioned here on the blog, it’s hurricane season in the Atlantic from June 1 until November 30. Don’t wait until a hurricane is heading to New England to prepare your emergency kit! It should include everything that you need for 3 days, including food, water, prescription medications, space blankets, first aid supplies, flashlights, and more. Visit ready.gov for a full list of what to include in your family’s emergency kit.
A House Fire
Every year, there are hundreds of thousands of house fires in the US. Typically, these are caused by cooking equipment, smoking, or faulty heating equipment. Reduce your risk of a house fire by following common cooking and grilling safety tips, being careful to ensure that cigarettes and cigars are fully extinguished, and following the safety tips and maintenance schedule for all of your home’s heating devices.
If there is a fire in your home, you want to make sure that the proper authorities are notified as soon as possible. Do this by checking your home’s smoke alarms regularly. Also make sure that there is a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and that all family members know where it is located and how to use it.
A Case of Frostbite
It may not seem like a threat right now, but Boston winters can get cold, so you should be prepared to deal with a case of frostbite. In fact, you can get frost bite when the wind chill is below -19°F, which happens several times a year here in New England.
The signs of frostbite include a loss of feeling and a lack of color in the affected area, typically the fingers, toes, earlobes, and tip of the nose. If you suspect that you or someone else has frostbite, seek shelter immediately and get medical attention. Do not use friction to warm up the affected area, as it could cause permanent damage to the skin.
Now that you’re ready to deal with these four emergency situations, please use the “Share” buttons below to help your friends and family prepare themselves as well. Also “Like” the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency Facebook page for updates about our agency, links to informative blog posts and articles, and insurance tips!
